/ Reviews / Vietnamese
Adding Aniseed's Spice to Xintiandi
by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, August 28, 2009 12:00 AM
After successfully operating two Vietnamese restaurants for six years in Shanghai, Aniseed has opened a new branch in the highly sought after real estate of Xintiandi. While they've maintained the same, although slightly abbreviated, dining menu, this new location has an air of sophistication in keeping with the neighborhood's aesthetic. The beautiful menu covers, intricate chopsticks and one-of-a-kind decorative handmade pottery - all walked-in from Saigon - add to the upscale ambiance.
Vietnamese cuisine is gaining in popularity all over the globe due to the full-flavored light and healthy dishes. Everything at Aniseed is made fresh, from the French baguettes baked daily to the vermicelli; to the rich pho stock that stews over a slow fire for 12 hours. A favorite was the Aniseed House Special Meatloaf Sandwich (RMB38) with layers of charbroiled pork and chicken, veggies, and goose liver paste spread between the fresh baguette. The rich coconut milk-based Vietnamese style Curry Chicken (RMB48) makes for savory comfort food. The surprise ingredient of pumpkin slightly sweetens the dish, adding an unexpected twist. When dining with friends, the large-portioned Saigon Style Lemongrass Soon Hock Fish Soup (RMB168) is a treat not to miss. The wild meaty fish is imported live from the Mekong River in Vietnam and prepared naturally with no MSG or even vinegar. The tangy flavor of the soup broth is a result of many green lemons.
If people-watching is your idea of a relaxing afternoon past-time, Aniseed's location next to the birthplace of Communism ensures a constant stream of tourists to muse over while you sip a rich Vietnamese Iced Coffee (RMB38) and munch on a Mango and Shrimp Roll (RMB28). The vibrant combination of fresh flavors in the roll shouts healthy summer snack, while the coffee is poured over brown coffee-flavored ice cubes to ensure that, when the ice melts, it won't weaken the flavor.
The Bottom Line: With an elegance suited to the neighborhood and light, healthy Vietnamese food, Aniseed is a great venue for lunch, dinner or just tea.
