Tien Giang

Skip the Chinese side of the menu and dive into Vietnamese specialties like young papaya salad with pork, shrimp and a bright nuoc cham dressing. The famous fish sauce-chili-lime-garlic-ginger blend also makes an appearance on various bun or rice-noodle plates, including peanutty, grilled, lemongrass beef. Banh xeo (often called “happy pancake”) is extra crispy here, and should be wrapped in the lettuce leaves and herbs that are served alongside. The lazy Susan–topped tables are perfect for spinning around a hot pot, whose simmering broth may contain anything from shrimp to vegetables to a whole eel, depending on your mood.