The charm of crunchy-skin grilled fish
Thiên Phú has been in my draft list for over 18 months. I wanted to write a post worthy of their dishes, but a proper post requires proper pictures, and either I was too hungry at the time or I just sucked at taking pictures at the time (I still suck now, but less than before) that every single picture was blurry like a blizzard. I was more concerned about food than food blogging so I didn’t snap many shots and didn’t check the clarity of the shots I took before digging in. I also didn’t know any photo editing. Basically, I was plain dumb.
At many points I thought about abandoning the post altogether, but we had a good meal that time and I even fed the birds in the parking lot while waiting for my friends to come join us. The birds were full, we were full. The restaurant was, as usual, empty except for us (because their menu is catered to large groups and wedding parties), so we got extra attention from the staff. Such memories kept me from deleting the draft that had nothing but terrible pictures. Then my parents came to the rescue when they revisited Thien Phu in the spring and took some luminous shots, like the beef and shrimp salad above and the seafood stir fry on rice below.
The salad, like most Vietnamese salads soaked in that half sweet, half tangy mixed fish sauce, was yummy. The seafood stir fry was nothing beyond expectation, they said, but at the very least, Thiên Phú brown sauce was not fattily thick like that goo in Phở Hà’s pan-fried phở. Dad’s vermicelli with stir fried beef was a good sweep, as evident from its picture.
If you’ve read my blog for long enough, you probably would notice that my dad almost never orders anything but beef, while Little Mom goes for shrimp or fish nine times out of ten. Naturally, Thien Phu ranks high in my parents’ list because their specialties are the 7 courses of beef and the whole grilled fish.
We’ve never tried all seven beef courses at once. We just choose a few that sound most savory, and for this party of 5, something shareable. Like beef that can be wrapped in rice paper and dipped in sauces. The chunky, fatty steamed beef balls (bò chả đùm) was broken into coarser bits to be scooped with a rice crackers or wrapped with lettuce. Razor-thin leaves of still red beef were dunked into heated vinegar for a simple, tender, and tangy completeness of bò nhúng dấm. Halved shrimps joined the beef in a similar fashion to make tôm nhúng dấm. Dad even dipped it in mắm nêm (ground anchovy sauce) to tighten the taste.
Then there’s the good old style of flopping beef slices on a hot black grill pan and hearing it sizzle while loading the wet rice paper with bean sprout, herbs, pickled radish and daikon. I also put a slice of unripe banana in my bò nướng vỉ roll because its cookie-like texture and clinging aftertaste are fun, although they don’t add much to the roll as a whole.
Leaving the blurry images of December 2009, we’re back to the present: grilled beef ball on rice. The marinade was sealed inside its smooth, gritty texture, each ball was so juicy it would shame a plump mango.
The seafood dishes are not subpar either. Loaded with shrimp, squid, and broccoli, mì hải sản (seafood noodle) had the sweetness of hủ tíu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh ka tieu) and the strength (and curly noodles) of ramen. The more broth we drank, the more delicious it got.
But there is one thing that everyone gets when they go to Thiên Phú: the crunchy-skin grilled fish (cá nướng da giòn). The whole catfish is enough for two by itself, grilled hiddenly in the kitchen until its skin breaks a crackling sound and glisters like topaz, then it’s brought out to you topped with crusted peanuts, cilantro and lime wedges. Its flesh stays white, juicy and soft. Roll up a side piece, you can savor its pristine, naturally sweet taste or dip it in nước mắm. The second grilled fish I had here this May was better than the one I had in December 2009, and so were their beef dishes. It’s good to see a good place gets better.
Just watch out for bones.
Address: Thiên Phú Restaurant
11360 Bellaire Blvd Ste 100
Houston, TX 77072
(281) 568-1448
(in the same parking lot as Giò Chả Đức Hương)
Lunch for 5: $76.03
Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Great. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
1Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
2I’ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
3Great post, I conceive people should acquire a lot from this weblog its very user pleasant.
4Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for novice blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.
5Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
6Saya selalu peduli dengan topik ini dan masih demikian, salam telah mengunggah.
7Menikmati membaca keseluruhan ini, sangat bagus, terima kasih.
8Sangat menarik informasi!Sempurna persis seperti yang saya telusuri! “Jika Anda bisa memilih satu sifat yang akan membawa Anda melewati hidup, pilihlah rasa humor.” oleh Jennifer Jones.
9Kami akan memiliki hyperlink perdagangan kesepakatan antara kita!
10Hello there, I discovered your web site by the use of Google even as looking for a similar matter, your website came up, it appears great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
11I am not positive where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thank you for excellent information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
12I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
13Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
14I like this website because so much useful material on here :D.
15Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
16As a Newbie, I am continuously exploring online for articles that can help me. Thank you
17There are some attention-grabbing points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as well
18Howdy! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!
19늑대닷컴을 검색하며 궁금했던 웹툰 정보와 작품 찾는 방법을 정리했습니다. 연재·완결 구분, 무료 회차와 미리보기 차이, 주소 정보 확인 기준, 모바일 이용 팁과 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.
20구미오피를 검색하며 구미 지역 일반 마사지·스파를 알아보는 분들을 위한 안내입니다. 프로그램 선택, 관리 시간과 비용, 시설·위생, 주차, 예약 전 확인사항과 자주 묻는 질문을 정리했습니다.
21밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.
22밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.
23포항오피 검색어의 맥락과 온라인 정보 확인 기준을 정리했습니다. 광고성 표현과 후기의 출처, 게시물의 최신성, 개인정보 보호 방법, 포항 공공정보와 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.
24포항오피 검색어의 맥락과 온라인 정보 확인 기준을 정리했습니다. 광고성 표현과 후기의 출처, 게시물의 최신성, 개인정보 보호 방법, 포항 공공정보와 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.
25Hi my loved one! I want to say that this post is awesome, great written and include almost all important infos. I’d like to see extra posts like this .
26As a Newbie, I am always exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you
27I just couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual supply to your guests? Is gonna be again regularly in order to investigate cross-check new posts
28What i do not realize is in fact how you are now not really much more neatly-preferred than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You understand thus significantly in terms of this subject, produced me individually consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t involved until it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs great. At all times care for it up!
29Greetings I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a tremendous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb job.
30Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this website is rattling user pleasant! .
31great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
32Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.
33I very glad to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for : D besides saved to fav.
34I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
35I am continually browsing online for posts that can help me. Thanks!
36Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and fantastic style and design.
37Excellent goods from you, man. I have take into account your stuff prior to and you’re just extremely excellent. I really like what you have received right here, really like what you are saying and the best way wherein you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it smart. I can not wait to learn far more from you. This is really a wonderful website.
38Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
39I’m still learning from you, as I’m making my way to the top as well. I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your website.Keep the stories coming. I liked it!
40Great site. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks in your effort!
41Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Many thanks!
42Hey There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. That is a very smartly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
43Hello. impressive job. I did not imagine this. This is a remarkable story. Thanks!
44Very interesting topic, appreciate it for putting up.
45소액결제현금화의 의미와 수수료 계산, 실제 부담액을 확인하세요. 휴대폰 결제 한도와 통신요금 청구, 관련 법령, 취소·환불 및 피해 대응까지 공식 자료를 바탕으로 정리했습니다.
46소액결제현금화의 의미와 수수료 계산, 실제 부담액을 확인하세요. 휴대폰 결제 한도와 통신요금 청구, 관련 법령, 취소·환불 및 피해 대응까지 공식 자료를 바탕으로 정리했습니다.
47I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
48부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴
49부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴
50