Managing meals in Vietnam

My biggest transition. was when i realized i could eat out in Vietnam cheaper than i can cook at home in America. i/e/ i could eat in. restaurants and still save money. (of course my situation was compounded by (1) cooking for 1 is expensive and (2) i moved a lot, so cooking required buying new condiments and utensils so often.

I always eat out unless it's there's a major massive thunderstorm occurring. As mentioned above, it's really inexpensive for basic local food.

Unfortunately though, Vietnamese food isn't that great. So, you have to look around for places that are cut above the average food shop. Cơm tấm is generally best avoided, as is bánh mì. I seek out clean places that have indoor seating with real adult-sized furniture that specialize in a particular dish like bánh canh cá lóc, phở bò bát đá, bún cá ngừ, phở gà, bún cá ngừ, hủ tiếu mực tôm, etc.

Also, the proprietors/owners, staff should be nice people, not smoke too much, not spend too much time on their phone, not have too many noisy children.

It's also helpful if you know enough Vietnamese to read the menu, place your order, find out where the toilet is, pay the bill, etc. Otherwise, you can use Google Translate and Lens, although with menu items, there are some words that can't be translated. Going with your Vietnamese friend is another great option.

Western food is available in VN, but these days I avoid it as it's generally inauthentic, bland, fattening, overpriced, and often served in less than salubrious settings (expat geezer bars).

Finally, there are a lot of Japanese restaurants around, some of which are fancy and expensive but other basic places are priced for locals. I usually have Japanese several times a week.

@Cheryl

Meals regiments depends on one living accommodation. Out of backpacker, homestay, hotels or an Airbnb with kitchennet makes a difference in whether one’s meal is prepared by self of by others .

@Cheryl
Meals regiments depends on one living accommodation. Out of backpacker, homestay, hotels or an Airbnb with kitchennet makes a difference in whether one’s meal is prepared by self of by others . - @brianAFSER73

But what do YOU do???