We don’t expect you to know what Quôc khánh is, but just for the record it’s Vietnam’s National Day, which falls on Sep 2. Without getting too political, we commemorate this occasion the best way we know how; by eating, of course. So expand what you know beyond just pho at these joints.

Madam Saigon
30 Liang Seah St., 6333-9798; #01-26 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6338-3831.
Since its opening back in 2001, Madam Saigon has been helmed by chef Hung, who hails from Ho Chi Minh City. We enjoy the laidback ambiance, especially when we just want to hang with our mates. Start things off with their yammy colada ($4.90), an ice blended yam and coconut milk drink, with a drizzle of sweet Vietnamese palm sugar. If yours is a tough crowd to please, try the salad trio ($9.50). There’s mango, papaya and prawns, and their special chicken too. Or share their delight sampler (from $23) for an assortment of Vietnamese bites such as prawn summer rolls, fried spring rolls and spicy chicken wings. We recommend their specialty pancake ($10.90), a glutinous rice flour crepe filled with crispy bean sprouts and prawns. An alternative to the traditional pho is a rich and robust spicy beef vermicelli soup ($8.90), laced with a fiery chili oil concoction for that added “oomph.”

The Orange Lantern
73 Killiney Rd., 6732-8032; #01-98 HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, 6274-1968.
This casual restaurant has a relaxed vibe, which we thoroughly enjoy. Although they’ve now got two outlets, we’re still partial to their original branch along Killiney Road. You can’t miss the bright orange storefront. Christen your meal with some crispy Vietnamese imperial rolls ($7.90) and a pomelo salad ($7.50). The pho bò ($10.50) is a perennial favorite, with flat rice noodles, sliced beef brisket and beef balls in a meaty stock. A highlight is their bò lá lot ($10.90); choose between barbequed beef or chicken wrapped in betel nut leaves.

Viet Lang @ The Arts House
#01-03 Annex Building Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6337-3379.
If you’re looking for chic waterfront dining and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, this is the place for you. Try their fried corn cakes ($10), doused in a coriander and plum dipping sauce or their banana flower salad with succulent grilled prawns ($18). For a lighter start, chef Bao’s classic goi cuon ($6) is a lovely rice paper roll filled with fresh prawns, vermicelli and basil (see recipe to right). A hearty main is the duck curry with sweet potatoes in a lemongrass and coconut cream gravy ($23), which goes well with their grilled chicken and fried glutinous rice ($20). Adventurous diners should definitely try the baked snails with lemongrass and chili oil ($14). Finally, end your meal with a refreshing lemongrass gelato ($5) or Vietnamese coffee jelly and ice cream ($8).

NUOC
#12-01 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-6808.
Located on the 12th floor of Orchard Central’s rooftop garden, it’s easy to get distracted by the striking view. With a serene setting, this fancy restaurant is great for a dinner date or a meal with business associates. But make no mistake, the main draw here is still the food. Dive right in with fresh clams stewing in a claypot of young coconut juice, lemongrass and chili ($14). Another signature is their fragrant fried rice with shredded chicken, mushroom and bamboo shoots ($18). They even have a special Vietnamese hot pot ($48) with either prawns or mushrooms wrapped in fish paste and beancurd. For dessert, opt for their yam and sticky rice with coconut milk ($6). It’s not too sweet but still hits the spot.

Here's how you can roll your own goi cuon (fresh salad roll)