IT'S a tiny food stall with tables by the roadside along Cervantes Street very near the gate of the University of Southeastern Philippines. It's easier to see the sign of what can become its landmark: Boarding Hauz ni Mila.
The place is Viet Cafe, and serves snacks that is quite a surprise considering its unassuming look. Yas and I were supposed to be munching on dimsum, but ended up in that tiny spot, just to check.
We decided to try whatever they have starting with Vietnamese Pizza of Banh Trang Nuong. We were like, Vietnam has its own pizza??? We also ordered the Classic Banh mi Supreme and the Lemon Grass Chicken, because their third offering, the Vietnamese Meatballs was not available.
As we were just reading the names, we didn't realize that even the Lemon Grass Chicken was a sandwich. Still, we were there to try, so we tried. Their other drinks are milktea: mint, strawberry, peach, apple, and matcha.
But since I'm lactose intolerant, I opted to skip that and ordered the Viet Ice Tea instead... not realizing that this one has milk, too. I still drank it along with a prayer that my tummy will not throw a tantrum.
The biggest surprise was the pizza. It's actually meat and cheese and stuff on rice paper, the one they use to wrap spring rolls with. It was yummy.
Between the two sandwiches, we liked the classic Banh Mi better. The lemon grass chicken wasn't quite "lemongrassy" nor "chickeny", but the classic was good. As there's nothing more to try there, we tried on wine with my other wine buddy. It was a pleasant discovery, indeed.
Viet Cafe is along Cervantes Street in Barrio Obrero. Cervantes is the first street from that street behind, Veloso Street. Viet Cafe is near the other just before the last corner before Usep gate.
Just keep an eye out for the sign that reads: Boarding Hauz ni Mila. It's on the same apartment row. Btw, that's all they serve. Don't look for more.