I love this restaurant! The food served at Le Dalat Indochine isn’t typically Vietnamese, but that doesn’t keep it from being seductively delicious. Long presided over by Madame Doan-Hoa-Ly, the matriarch of a prominent French-Vietnamese family, the restaurant uses family recipes that are an amalgam of Vietnamese and French elements.

Hue Flute, a mixture of crab meat and herbs tightly rolled in rice paper, tied with a strip cha plu leaf and then delicately fried, is a standout among the numerous appetizers. Seafood plays a significant role at Le Dalat Indochine and its most spectacular manifestation is Cua Rang Me, a whole pan fried crab that is coated with tamarind paste, spring onions and pounded garlic. It’s messy, but a delight to eat! Another popular main course is a ‘bouillabaisse’ of baby clams, prawns, crabmeat, crab roe and anchovy paste. The style is French, but the flavouring is Vietnamese and the taste unique. If you enjoy duck, try the Cari Vit a memorable curry-like concoction with its roots in the French enclave in India – served with either a baguette or pullao rice.

Much to-do is made these days of dining in converted residences, but the conversion from home to restaurant often robs structures of what little charm they possess. This hasn’t happened at Le Dalat Indochine. The exterior of the building remains virtually unchanged and few modifications have been made inside. The walls are covered with posters, photographs and other memorabilia and the dining areas are packed with plants and works of art all belonging to the owner’s family. For an interesting diversion, check out the art work in the men’s restroom. It is so interesting that women customers have been known to throw caution to the wind just to have a look!

This is one of those rare restaurants where food, service and ambiance fall together to create an exceptional dining experience. If you go to Le Dalat Indochine, be sure to make a reservation and then arrive a little early so you can enjoy a drink at the tiny, but charming little bar near the entrance. This restaurant is highly recommended, especially for those seeking a romantic interlude with a special someone. If you are new to Vietnamese food, try it for lunch. They offer some attractively priced set lunches.

Across the street is Le Dalat, a restaurant operated by the same owners. Although the food is excellent, it lacks the charm and élan of the Indochine.