Rau Ram Cafe a Vietnamese Restaurant in Bacolod City

Try the Scrumptious Dishes at Rau Ram Cafe

Pinoys are adventurous eaters.

Although we do love devouring traditional homegrown cuisine, most of us do not mind trying out foreign dishes as well.

If you doubt this, look around your neighborhood and you will probably see a lot of different restaurants specializing in American, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Korean recipe, among many others. Going inside, you will immediately see that these restaurants are targeting both locals and foreigners as their market.

One good example that drives this point home is Bacolod City’s highly successful Rau Ram Vietnamese Cafe. Owned and managed by Sylvia Gerangue, the food place has been in the city for years and continues to attract more clients year in and year out – especially now that they have opened their restaurant in a bigger place.

Rau Ram Cafe Wall murals

A Brief History

First, a little history about this popular restaurant.

As mentioned, Rau Ram is actually Sylvia’s brainchild. Many years ago, she had firsthand experience cooking Vietnamese courses when she studied in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Three years ago, she opened her first restaurant under the name Saigon Garden Café and Restaurant just beside their home. Back then, they only welcomed customers during night and even chose to stay closed on some days to ensure the freshness of their stocks.

Overtime, the restaurant changed its name and achieved massive popularity among foodies all around the area. The unique taste of Vietnamese dishes and praiseworthy service always made customers come back for more.

The New Rau Ram Cafe

The old place eventually became too small for the business. As the restaurant’s following grew in numbers, it came to a point when client had to call ahead and make reservations in order to ensure that they can be accommodated when they dine.

Fortunately, Sylvia thought about teaming up with Andrew Cadayday, a business partner, to look for a new spot. After a series of struggles, they finally found the perfect place – a 670 square meter lot located just across their restaurant.

It did take time to create the new restaurant but everyone would agree that it’s absolutely worth it.

Rau-Ram now has a bigger place to accommodate more guests as well as wider parking lot for vehicles. Also, the dining area is more spacious and looks very elegant with its wooden chairs and tables. The patio is a favorite among many customers because it looks really classy.

What to Order

There’s just so much food to try when you are in Rau-Ram.

Personally, I’d recommend that you pick up Suon Kho Man. Filled with pickled veggies, this braised beef is absolutely awesome when consumed with steamed white rice. Chicken-lovers, on the other hand, will be delighted with five-spiced chicken Ga Chien which I think goes really well with fried rice.

Suon Kho Man by Rau Ram Cafe

Ga Chien by Rau Ram Cafe

Bahn Mi is likewise a must-try for those craving for a tasty sandwich treat. I love the combination of roasted pork and vegetables in between the Vietnamese Baguette bread.

Banh Mi by Rau Ram Cafe

Of course, you should also order Balut in Chili Sauce which, obviously, is a traditional Pinoy favorite presented with a wicked little twist.

Balut in Sweet Chili Sauce by Rau Ram Cafe

Other interesting items on their menu include Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork and rice noodle salad), Thai Pork Curry, Thit Kho Nuoc Dua (pork stew with buko juice) and the bestselling Pho Bo (beef and rice noodle soup) and Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

Pho Bo by Rau Ram Cafe

Thit Kho Nuoc Dua by Rau Ram Cafe

Bun Thit Nuong by Rau Ram Cafe

Vietnamese Coffee by Rau Ram Cafe

Aside from delicious options, you’ll be surprised to discover that most of those in the menu are pretty affordable.

How to Get There

You can find the new Rau Ram Vietnamese Café at Prk. Marapara 1 Zone 2, Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City. They are open from Monday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

For inquiries, you may call them up at (034)708 9036 or email them at saigoncafe411@yahoo.com.ph.

The Negros Bloggers with the Owner Sylvia cutting the ribbon.

The Negros Bloggers at Rau Ram Cafe