After a few days or weeks in Vietnam, some folks might just want something like Bar-b-que. If you have never had real Texas bar-b-que - then you are definitely in for a treat by stopping in and having lunch or dinner at Texas-Bar-B-Q.

I first stopped in to the Texas Bar-B-Q last year-and proud to say I am an often returning customer these days there every time am in Saigon. There is a reason for that - and that is that Wayne -the owner -does serve up smoked bar-b-que that would give any place in Texas a run for its money - and no place in Hawaii comes even into the same league! It might take a moment or two to get over seeing Vietnamese waiters/waitresses in cowboy hats and seeing a lot of folks drinking Coors beer (this is Saigon after all were Tiger and 333 beer is king) -but this here is Texas eating as good as it gets. If it's hard to believe that the best fall off the bone smoked ribs and perfect brisket this side of Texas is actually in Saigon. With one try of these and you will probably agree with me and the crowd of people in there every evening! Top it off with the que sauce there is top notch.

The crowd, and there is a big crowd, these days is mostly Vietnamese couples or families in the early evening, but you can usually find the Expats of all types here as well -in the back at the bar eating the ribs or having the brisket sandwich. The reason behind this place being so good is that Wayne spent many a year on on the U.S. bar-b-cue competition circuit -and that he has his spices sent over from Texas.

Open from 6am to 11pm, the Tex-Mex foods here are a change of pace from the rest of Saigon! Never mind that the chips are made of rice flour-the salsa is great. Its the chunky type with great taste and just enough heat to remind you to get another beer. Make sure you try the Cajun curly fries as well-and a bowl of their Texas chili is definitely a meal in itself. Mail: texasbbq@hcm.fpt.vn