Colorful Dishes and Authentic Vietnamese at Nuage Near Houhai

Nestled on the banks of Houhai, on the touristheavy side, lies the building of a Shandong cuisine laozihao, also known as a time-honored brand, and also home to a Vietnamese restaurant, Nuage. The atmosphere and location makes it worth taking visitors this way.

The food is decent: ingredients are fresh and combinations balanced, but the final kick is missing from some of the plates. The lightly-spiced green papaya salad (RMB 38) and the Saigon sizzling beef (RMB 78) are both missing punch. Although the beef is tender and cooked well, the sauce just doesn’t pack enough flavor.

However, other dishes are beautiful. The assorted spring rolls (RMB 52) are a great mix of deep fried and fresh, something for everyone. Accompanied with a sweet-andsour chili sauce, the filling retains its crunch and flavor.

If you are into fish, the Mekong blackfish soup (RMB 38 per person) is also a must. Whether you prefer soup to accompany your meal or as a starter, this light soup tastes of fresh fish but also allows typical Vietnamese spices to shine. The lemongrass prawns are definitely worth ordering too, as they are huge, fresh, and crispy, if you don’t mind the mess of peeling them, that is.

All in all, this is one of the better options around Houhai, especially if you’d rather not eat lamian or even more Nanluogu Xiang-style snacks-on-sticks. Take visiting friends or your folks here instead for some soup, spring rolls, and prawns, and enjoy one of the few remaining relaxing venues at the lake.

Photos: courtesy of Nuage