| KOTO |
|
|
|
Coordinates: 59 Pho Van Mieu Street; walking out of the front gates of the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), head left and at the corner, turn left and look across the street. Tel: (04) 3747 0337/8 |
KOTO, or Know One Teach One, falls in the category of socially responsible or feel-good dining. Opened by an Australian-Vietnamese, Jimmy Pham, after an encounter with street kids, KOTO is a grassroots, not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program for disadvantaged youth. The training program is focused on the hospitality industry, with training in either the front or back of the house. The youth are also provided with group housing, have regular health checks, and are given life skills and English training. KOTO offers a varied menu, from sandwiches and fresh juices and smoothies to pastas, claypots and other Vietnamese dishes. The quality of the food is mixed (if you don’t make it over to 67 Hang Dieu, try the Bun Bo Nam Bo here, it’s excellent), but the service is friendly. And you won’t mind the wait because you can see the effort and enthusiasm all around you. KOTO recently moved to a new space right next door to their original location. We have heard that the new rooftop terrace has spectacular views of the Temple of Literature. It’s also a great rest stop right before or after exploring the Temple of Literature.