Sorry for the lack of posts recently! I lost my CC on a crazy night out so I’ve been stuck here in HCMC waiting for my Mum to send the new card over to me.
Today I visited the Saigon Central Mosque & Mosque Cafe – Which was the first time I’ve visited a Mosque. I’m surprised how bland the Mosque is, if you compare it to other places of worship. Apparently, Islamic law strictly forbids using human or animal figures for decoration. I met a great guy (pictured below) who showed me around and introduced me to his friends – making for a pleasant afternoon sitting on the mat chatting while sipping some tea.
The main reason for visiting was to visit the Cafe, which I had read about on the Gastronomy Blog last year. If you go, the Cafe is hidden right around the back of the Mosque, so I’d recommend asking someone where it is otherwise you’ll have trouble finding it. I’ve always been a sucka for Muslim/Islamic foods with their rich curries so was keen to check it out. And bwoy, I was not disappointed!!! The cafe like place had an assortment of metal pots on the table and it was just a matter of lifting the lid up and choosing which curry to have. I opted for the beef, mutton, vegetable curries along with a Sapathi and a potato dish (which was rich is flavor).
It made for an interesting and different afternoon out!
Have you ever visited a Mosque before?
I’ve been right next to one in Southern Thailand, but have never been inside or to a mosque. I’ve heard about mosque cafes and would love to visit one as I am also a sucker Muslim foods. By chance did you note if women could eat there? I’d like to hit it up when we’re in Saigon next year.
I went with my girlfriend and she was welcomed just as I was – No problems at all.
I visit a mosque once every week on Friday :-)
And for Islamic Food, well, that runs right in my blood.
But if you truly want to experience authentic Islamic Food then come to South Asia, thats were all kinds of rich Islamic food culture started.
Try Mughlai Food if you get there. It is just Awesome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughlai_cuisine
Muslim food totally rocks, imho. However, Vietnamese is still my all time favourite.
@Guido Indo food is my fav :)
I’ve been here on 29/1/10. It’s taste good like roti canai with chicken curry . Price is reasonable and if you’re muslim , pls have a visit to this cafe. Besides , the man near this cafe selling a good quality and cheap of ‘Tudung’ , that muslim women always cover on their head.