Exploring an authentic American Diner in town

"Broom-broom…” a Harley-Davidson stops by a small restaurant with comfortable booths and a service counter with swivel stools serving hamburgers, french-fries, sandwiches and breakfast.

Does it sound familiar to all Americans? Yes, it sure does! It is the image of the diner restaurant, one of the unique pop icons of the USA, which can now be found in HCMC.

Recently, a restaurant called “The City Diner”, built in the style of an authentic 1950’s American diner, opened at the Bitexco Manor Building, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Binh Thanh District.

Certainly, it is hard to find a Harley Davidson in HCMC for a ride to this diner, but customers will see a motorbike of this brand hanging from the ceiling, as well as several car number-plates from different states of the USA and an antique jukebox, spinning ‘oldies’ for a nostalgic atmosphere.

While dining at The City Diner, Kenneth S.Chern, Deputy Consul General of the United States of America, and his wife could not contain their surprise and praised the founders of the restaurant for their attention to detail in the decoration and architecture.

The stainless steel panels, wooden menu boards, arrangement of utensils and neon name-sign all bring back memories of the 1950’s in America. The two guests said that being in the restaurant reminded them of the sweet memories of their youth, when they went to similar diners on a date.

However, despite being such a typically American experience, the City Diner caters to both the foreign community and to locals. As Tritan Ngo, one of the three co-founders of the restaurant, said “Our foreign customers are treated to a taste many grew up with, whereas our Vietnamese guests are provided with a dining experience which has previously been unavailable in this market”.

The diner menu features a wide variety of American favorites including many kinds of burgers such as the popular chili-cheese burger, priced from VND75,000 to VND138,000, pastas such as spaghetti bolognaise and lasagna from VND60,000 to VND80,000 and sandwiches such as grilled smoked bratwurst and “jail house rock sandwich” from VND49,000 to VND85,000.

Moreover, the ‘bottomless cup’ of coffee and unlimited refills on soft drinks (order a cup of coffee or one of many kinds of soft drinks for VND30,000 and your cup will be refilled without any extra charge) also brings a unique dining experience for the City Diner’s patrons.

The diner has free Wi-Fi service, making it a great place to hang out, and is a family friendly restaurant, with comfortable oversized booths in red colors and a spacious outdoor dining area.

The City Diner is located at the Bitexco Manor Building, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Binh Thanh District, HCMC, tel: (84.8) 514 3200, fax: (84.8) 514 3201.

Source Viet Nam Net