O Day Ban Mon Thai: An Ideal Hangout for Lovers of Thai Cuisine's Sour and Spicy Flavors

On days when you get off work early and the Can Tho weather is cooler than usual, you just want to find a breezy spot to sit with friends, chatting while enjoying sour and spicy dishes that truly stimulate the taste buds. Thai cuisine always has a very unique appeal. Not too overpowering, not too harsh, it's a perfect balance between the sourness of lime, the spiciness of chili, a touch of mild sweetness, and the distinctive aroma of spices. And if you are also a fan of Thai food, O Day Ban Mon Thai is definitely a place worth saving in your list of must-try restaurants.

Address:

     Branch 1: 135 Street No. 2, Can Tho University Faculty Residential Area, An Khanh, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

     Branch 2: 09 Vo Thi Sau, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

     Branch 3: 47B Ly Thai To, Long Xuyen, An Giang.

     Branch 4: Lot 11, C47-48 3/2 Street, Rach Gia.

Opening hours: 16:00 - 23:00

Hotline: 0292 7302 979

The location we visited today is Branch 1, and the first thing that makes a good impression is the space. The restaurant is designed in an outdoor garden style but features a flexible retractable roof system, so you don't have to worry about rain or wind, making it very comfortable to sit in during the afternoon or evening. The place retains a touch of greenery with plants, including a decently sized tree in the corner that creates a relaxing vibe. Simple wooden tables and chairs combined with orange-yellow lighting make the overall atmosphere cozy, gentle, and very "chill." In the evening, when the lights are on, the space becomes even more sparkling, perfect for gathering with friends, going on a date, or simply enjoying a delicious meal with family after a long day of work.

The restaurant's menu is quite diverse, with prices ranging from 39,000 VND to 199,000 VND, making it suitable for large groups or just dropping by for a few light dishes. Besides signature Thai dishes, they also offer various drink options like Green Thai Milk Tea, Red Thai Milk Tea, Thai Green Kumquat Tea, and familiar sodas. After the meal, there are Panna Cotta desserts in strawberry, kiwi, or blueberry flavors at very reasonable prices - both visually appealing and helpful for balancing the taste buds after intensely flavored dishes.

The best thing about this place is still the food. It’s safe to say the restaurant does a great job of capturing the spirit of Thai cuisine. Each dish boasts a distinct blend of sour, spicy, and sweet flavors that never overpower one another; the more you eat, the more addictive it gets.

The most impressive dish is the Spicy Ribs with Bird's Eye Chili (Laeng Saeb). This is practically the restaurant's "best seller" and a highly iconic Thai dish. The broth has a refreshing sourness and just the right amount of spicy heat, mixed with a hint of sweetness to make the whole profile harmonious. When you take a bite, the rib meat is so tender it almost falls right off the bone, thoroughly absorbing the broth, making every piece burst with flavor. Although the broth is quite rich, eating a lot won't make you feel cloyed; instead, you'll just want to grab more. The restaurant can also adjust the spice level to your preference, so even if you aren't great with spicy food, you can still enjoy it.

The two fried rice dishes also left a very positive impression. If you prefer your rice firm, slightly dry, and fragrant, the Pineapple Fried Rice is a highly recommended choice. The rice grains are stir-fried loosely with a nice wok aroma, combined with the mild sweetness and gentle sourness of pineapple, plus shrimp and pork floss, creating a very balanced flavor. The accompanying sauce, in particular, makes the dish more robust and increasingly appetizing with every bite.

On the other hand, the Crab Fried Rice with Thai Sauce will suit those who enjoy the mild richness of eggs and the natural sweetness of crab meat. The rice in this dish isn't overly dry; the grains are perfectly soft and coated with Thai sauce, making it very pleasing to the palate. The sweet crab meat combined with the piping hot rice creates a well-rounded sensation, and even after finishing a whole portion, you won't feel overwhelmed.

At the end of the meal, you can order Mango Sticky Rice for dessert, which will leave you feeling quite satisfied. The sticky rice is chewy, soft, and smells delightfully of coconut milk, with just the right level of sweetness. The mango is ripe, golden, juicy, and naturally sweet. Eating them together creates a very harmonious combination of richness and refreshing sweetness - a gentle conclusion that perfectly rounds off the meal.

Besides the dishes mentioned above, the restaurant also offers a wide variety of salads, grilled items, seafood, noodles, hotpots, and many other appealing Thai dishes, allowing diners to switch up their palate every time they visit. This is a plus point because even if you go multiple times, there will always be something new to discover.

The drinks are quite decent. The Green Thai Milk Tea has a fragrant tea aroma and mild creaminess; the Red Thai Milk Tea is a bit stronger in flavor; meanwhile, the Thai Green Kumquat Tea is tart and ice-cold, pairing perfectly with spicy dishes. The panna cotta desserts are also well-balanced, not overly sweet, making them suitable for a light end to the meal.

Regarding service, the staff are quite enthusiastic, friendly, and always welcoming to customers. The food is served relatively fast despite the crowds. The restaurant also has a spacious parking lot with attendants, making it very convenient for groups or families.

Additionally, they accept reservations, host birthday parties, celebrations, and gatherings. Notably, customers can register for a membership to receive attractive perks on their birthdays. If you're interested, you can check out their official Fanpage for more details.