Old Rice Restaurant

Review of the dining experience at Com Xua Restaurant - 20 Tran Cao Van, District 1

A few days ago, I had the chance to try Com Xua Restaurant because I heard a lot of recommendations from friends, especially about the traditional Vietnamese rice dishes prepared in a homestyle, rich and familiar way. I personally enjoy seeking out dining places that evoke nostalgia, both delicious and cozy, so I decided to invite a few friends to experience a weekend lunch.

General introduction about Com Xua Restaurant

Com Xua Restaurant is located at 20 Tran Cao Van, Da Kao, District 1, right in the city center. The location is quite easy to find, situated in a small alley but not hard to recognize due to its simple yet prominent signboard.

The restaurant’s space is heavily influenced by an old-fashioned style, designed in a traditional Vietnamese house style with warm wooden tones, rustic wooden tables and chairs, and decorative details like black-and-white photos and old utensils that remind one of the subsidy period. I felt like I was returning to my childhood, making it very suitable for those looking for a place to eat that is both delicious and quiet for relaxation, dating, or meeting friends.

The clientele of the restaurant is quite diverse: from older people wanting to find familiar flavors to young people who enjoy exploring traditional cuisine. Overall, this is a place suitable for anyone who loves authentic Vietnamese food and a space rich in nostalgia.

Detailed experience

# Space and rooms

Upon entering, I was immediately impressed by the simple yet charming arrangement. The restaurant is not too spacious but has arranged tables and chairs reasonably, not creating a cramped feeling. The soft yellow lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for sitting and chatting for a long time. The gentle folk music playing softly adds to the comfort of the space.

The restaurant also has a few small corners decorated with antique items like an old fan, an oil lamp, or a set of cracked enamel teacups that made me want to take pictures to keep as memories.

# Food

I ordered a shredded chicken rice dish and a bottle gourd soup with shrimp - two dishes that look simple but are very flavorful. The rice is soft and sticky, the chicken is marinated just right, fragrant with lemongrass and pepper, served with very fresh herbs. The bottle gourd soup is sweet and light, with a clear broth that smells of fresh shrimp, making it extremely pleasant to eat.

Additionally, I also ordered the clay pot fish - a Southern-style fish dish, with a thick caramel sauce, tender fish, perfect to eat with white rice. Each dish is presented quite neatly, pleasing to the eye but not overly complicated.

# Service and staff attitude

The staff here are very friendly, quick to serve, and always ready to answer questions about the dishes. I noticed one staff member enthusiastically introduced a dish, which gave me more options that suited my taste. When I inquired about the source of the ingredients, they also answered in detail, creating a sense of trust.

Another plus point is that the restaurant maintains cleanliness despite a fairly high volume of customers. The space is always tidy, and the tables and chairs do not have any unpleasant odors.

# Small memory

While waiting for the food, my friends and I had the opportunity to chat with an elderly gentleman who was also dining here. He shared that he often visits the restaurant because he misses the flavors his mother used to cook, and listening to him talk added warmth to the experience. I think this is a special aspect that not every restaurant can offer: it’s not just about good food but also a place that preserves unique memories and emotions.

Advantages and limitations

**Advantages:**

• Flavorful dishes, authentic home-style rice, suitable for many customers.
• Cozy atmosphere, rich in nostalgia, very pleasant.
• Friendly staff, quick service.
• Convenient location, easy to find.

**Limitations:**

• The restaurant is a bit small, so it can get quite crowded on weekends; if you don’t reserve a table in advance, you may have to wait a while.
• The menu is not very diverse, mainly focusing on traditional family rice dishes, so if you prefer unusual or varied dishes, you might find the options a bit limited.
• Prices are at a moderate level - slightly higher compared to some other casual rice restaurants, but in return, the quality and space are worth the money.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are someone who loves traditional Vietnamese food and wants to find a place that offers both delicious meals and a nostalgic atmosphere, Com Xua Restaurant is a very reasonable choice. The restaurant is suitable for family meals, meeting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet lunch in the bustling heart of Saigon. I recommend you try the shredded chicken rice, clay pot fish, and bottle gourd soup - these are the dishes I found most delicious and memorable here.

If you are interested, you can contact to reserve a table at +84 769 112 233 to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours!

Question 1: Does Com Xua Restaurant have parking?

The restaurant is located in an alley, so parking is limited; you can park at nearby parking lots or use the restaurant’s motorcycle parking service if available.

Question 2: Does the restaurant serve vegetarian dishes?

The menu mainly consists of traditional savory dishes, with not many vegetarian options, so if you need vegetarian food, it’s best to call ahead or choose simple dishes like vegetable soup or plain rice.

Question 3: Does the restaurant accept party bookings or serve large groups?

The restaurant has a small space, so if the group is too large (over 10 people), you should call ahead to arrange suitable seating or inquire about party services.

📍 View directions on Google Maps