Had some great BBQ ribs in HCMC

I hope it is not against TOS to report a good meal I had when I finally visited HCMC. I have been in a city with almost zero non VN food, with the exception of Jollebees and Lotteria (which has the worst hamburgers.)I sought out more friendly food and found myself at a place called the WAGON WHEEL. Its in Dist 1 just a few paces from the Benthei market. My expectations were realistic when I ordered BBQ pork ribs and my date asked me to order for he, so fried chicken it was.I was stunned at how good the ribs were and I would assume the fried chicken was pretty good as all of it was eaten. Typically she shys away from most things I suggest. Her friendly, open personality does not extend to experimenting with food.Of course, I have no connection to the Wagon wheel and didn't even speak to the manager, I'm just sharing a great dinnerexperience I had in HCMC. - @Dannyroc3

Try the fried chicken at both Jollibee and Lotteria.

Also, Vietnamese people (especially kids) love KFC, though it is next to impossible to find original recipe in VN.

Best I've had was in Buôn Ma Thuột

My wife makes ribs about once a week.

I highly recommend looking for Vietnamese restaurants that serve them.

You may be pleasantly surprised

@OceanBeach92107

And I thought Jolibee was a tasteless Philippine phenomenon (excuse the alliteration). They pop up everywhere. A couple of years ago I was in Siquijor  touring around the island on a rented scooter. Came across a Joilibee in the capital (yes you guessed it Siquijor) and the only air conditioned show in town was the J. Was not hungry but had the thirst quenching iced tea and it was delicious. The food looked unappetising so I passed. Maybe the Vietnamese know how to prepare chicken. Should I try it?

@OceanBeach92107

So, I have to agree about the fried chicken. I was pleased to find it to have an extra-crispy coating, which I also like. My GF even made some at home once and I was surprised the coating was so good.

I have been in other countries where KFC was pretty common, but they did not sell chicken on the bone, just wraps, nuggets, and sandwiches. I was at one location with a special deal that included a can of local beer.

So my first "exposure" to ribs here was at a BBQ place where of you take items from a buffet and cook them at the table. It was there that I saw pork bones with so little meat on them I thought I was misunderstanding something.

Even in other places, where I considered or ordered ribs there was just not much meat. I would be glad to cook some myself but I have not really searched out a place to buy sizable ribs sections, Those in the market are cut-up pieces of pork.  Even a slab for a Porkchop would be a nice find. Instead, I only see very thin pieces.  I guess thin enough to cut with scissors, as that seemed to be the method.

I know I need to hook up with a helpful butcher who can help me out.