From a 5-star hotel kitchen to Tran Dinh Xu street

A Hoai was once a sous-chef at a 5-star Saigon hotel. Today he cooks every plate of pasta himself at 55/1A Tran Dinh Xu — hotel technique, street prices.

Part The cook

The sous-chef, on the street

A Hoai once ran the pass at a 5-star Saigon hotel. In this shop he is the only cook — from the sauce to the plate.

Part The room

Checkered cloths, chalkboard

A small dining room with checkered tablecloths and a handwritten board — a warm street-side Italian feel.

Part The food

Pasta and more

Beyond pasta there's steak, shaken beef, cheese-shaken fries and pizza — all in the house's own style.

Five-star technique, street prices.A Hoai's craft

Photos: Google Maps — owner and diners