In this series, Halalke focuses on Halal Vietnamese food in KL. For those who’ve tried this greatly-admired cuisine, you’d know that Vietnamese food is often revered as one of the most healthiest in the world. This is simply because of Vietnamese foods are mostly non-fried, dairy-free fresh ingredients!
Common ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables. Fresh herbs include lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird’s eye chili, lime, and Thai basil leaves.
You’d also know that like many other cuisines in the world, Vietnamese uses a lot of meats including pork and seafood in their cooking. In Malaysia and Singapore (and the rest of the world for that matter), it is no different, so finding halal Vietnamese food can be a challenge.
But luckily for us folks in Malaysia and Singapore, we’ve found an authentic halal Vietnamese food eatery serving excellent Vietnamese spring rolls and a hot bowl of pho (soup).
MY Gỏi Cuốn Food Truck
If you’ve never been to TAPAK, well, you should. This is where you’ll find a sprawling vibrant food space right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Situated just opposite KLCC, the brightly-coloured food trucks parked within the open space car park is hard to miss. And for a good reason too: the fantastic aroma and sizzling sounds of food cooking fills the evening air with hawkers dishing out plates of burgers, noodles and more for their patrons. Many who visit are Malaysians and adventurous tourists who would like to dine al fresco for a change.
We’ve paid several visits to TAPAK and one that stands out among the rest is a black food truck called MY Gỏi Cuốn Food Truck. Not only does it stands out in physique, the food truck is clearly different from the rest; because it serves Halal Vietnamese food.
Goi Cuon (Pronounced as Groi Kung) is as authentic as it can get. Because the food is made by a Vietnamese head chef, we can safely say that Goi Cuon is one of the best and original halal Vietnamese food around in KL.
Vietnamese lady-boss Madam Fatimah Huynh Tien met seafarer Zaiikzwan Zainal Abidin when his Offshore Support Vessel docked in Ho Chi Minh City several times around a year. A sole owner of a well-known Vietnamese seafood restaurant in the city, Madam Fatimah got to know and later was well-acquainted with Wan who often patronised her restaurant.
Fast forward, they got married and relocated to KL. As Wan had to go offshore once in a while for four months at a time, Madam Fatimah soon grew bored as a homemaker.
“It’s part of the Vietnamese culture where they do not like sitting duck doing nothing. They have big aspirations for themselves and their family,” said Wan.
Soon, Madam Fatimah and Wan set up an online order business selling halal Vietnamese spring rolls from home.
“It became a hit among Malaysians quickly and before long, many requested for more Halal Vietnamese food.”
With the demand going strong, the couple had faith that introducing other halal Vietnamese food into their menu would work.
With RM73,000 in hand and a signed contract with organisers from TAPAK, they bought a food truck and started rolling out their halal Vietnamese food truck business.
“Not surprisingly, many came to try because halal Vietnamese food is indeed difficult to find.”
Explaining that Malaysians today are more adventurous with their palate, many came to try Goi Cuon’s Vietnamese spring roll and phos among other items on their menu.
Made from fresh salads, vegetables, herbs, prawns and bún (rice vermicelli), these ingredients are delicately rolled using a thin bánh tráng (rice paper). These rolls are considered to be a very popular appetizer with customers in Vietnamese restaurants but Malaysians and tourists alike enjoy them any time of the day as a snack or a main entree of their meal. What makes it extra delicious are the dipping sauces. Peanut and chilli sauces are served alongside these summer rolls.
Opening the food truck has been a blessing but the journey has come at a cost too.
Muslims patrons, in particular, have question if the Vietnamese food truck was indeed halal.
“Being Muslim owners, it was apparent that the food we serve is Halal but that did not deter patrons from asking.
“Without a doubt, our meat, sauces, ingredients; all supplies are halal,” Wan reassured.
Alas, both Wan and Fatimah decided a menu change to make things less complicated.
“Instead of the Pho Bo (Vietnamese meatball Pho Beef Noodle Soup) which was really popular back then, we’ve changed it to seafood,” continued Wan.
Seafood was eventually incorporated as the main and only meats for all items on the menu.
Despite the setback, the couple’s intentions remained clear and pure; to give a gastronomical opportunity for food lovers to try halal Vietnamese food.
While other competitors may be a step ahead of them in terms of menu particularly the Pho Bo, it is something Goi Cuon would not give a miss in the future.
“God willing, if we have more rezeki (sustenance and opportunity), we will set up a halal Vietnamese restaurant where we will serve up both beef and seafood Pho Bo.”
Non-halal and Halal Vietnamese restaurants in KL
Non-halal.
Non-halal. Pork is served.
Non-halal
Pork free. Halal ingredients
Our menu is not halal. Thanks for your enquiry. Have a nice day.
Via FB messenger
Hi, We are pleased to confirm that we use only halal certified ingredients/ meats and there are no alchohol in any of our recipes. We have been serving the Muslim community since our inception in 2002. We look forward to serving you. Should you have any other queries, please let us know.
Via FB messenger
Sao Nam Fine Vietnamese Cuisine
We are pork free. Meats are halal. No alchohol in our cooking. Alchohol sold as beverages only from our bar – no alchohol in the kitchen.
Tq. Salam
Via FB messenger
Hi. Thanks for contacting us. We are not halal certified but our suppliers are Halal Certified and we do not serve any pork or alcohol in any of our premises. We do not use alcohol in our cooking as well. Hope this answers your enquiry and we hope to see you here at Saigon. Should you require further information please feel free to drop us an email at info@supersaigon.com.my
Via FB messenger
Unfortunately we are a non halal Restaurant.
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Saigon Station Vietnamese Cuisine
Hi, we r not halal restaurant . Tqvm
Via FB messenger
Hi.. thanks for asking.. we r not halal.. only pork free for the Vietnamese Bun. But this is only for our food truck. Our restaurant is not halal
Via FB messenger
Hi.. our restaurant itself don’t have halal cert but we are pork free restaurant and our ingredients are all from supplier have halal cert. No alcohol at all for our cooking.
Via FB messenger
Hi, we do serve halal food but our Meats doesn’t come from halal source.
And there is no alcohol in our cookings. You’re welcome.
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