Tam’s Pub is not your typical restaurant or watering hole. Located on a residential side street near My Khe Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam, it’s easy to mistake the place for someone’s garage. Inside the wide, open storefront, a row of motorbikes are parked along one wall. A TV mounted high in a corner of the room is tuned to a sitcom. An orange-and-white cat stands near the eatery’s entrance, while a tawny-colored feline perches on one of the bike seats, lazily grooming.
Casually placed among the clutter are a few tables and chairs, as if in anticipation of friends dropping by for a cold beer or a bite to eat. And that’s exactly how Tam treats her customers; like old friends.
We arrived early on a week night and found the place empty except for Tam, who was busy working at one of the tables, a de facto desk piled high with papers. After we settled in and decided what to have for dinner, she left us contentedly sipping cans of Biere Larue while she disappeared into the back.
We had come to Tam’s Pub hoping for a satisfying meal, but we also received something unexpected. After serving our orders Tam pulled up a chair and joined us while we ate, sharing stories about her life during the American-Vietnam War and pointing out related photos as she spoke. Pictures and memorabilia, spanning more than half a century, adorn nearly every inch of wall space that isn’t occupied by the surf boards she rents out.
Tam was just twelve when the war began. We were mostly silent as she told us about that time in her life, captivated by her vivid reminisces. What surprised us most about Tam’s war stories was how often they focused on American acts of kindness. She told us of the sailor who appeared one day and offered her something to eat. Every day thereafter the man returned to the same place to bring Tam a sandwich.
When Tam isn’t telling stories, she’s perfecting classic western dishes
She even remembers her time spent in an American military camp with some measure of fondness. At least the camp provided her a degree of security. And, Tam told us, “there was always enough to eat with the Americans,” something that wasn’t true for her after the Viet Cong moved into her town and appropriated most of the food for its soldiers.
But even in the camp, Tam wasn’t completely isolated from the war. She recalls one day in particular when the Viet Cong approached her with a make-shift bomb and a choice. She could detonate the device and kill the American servicemen whom she had befriended or she could forfeit her own life. Tam risked the VC’s wrath and had the bomb diffused.
Some of those soldiers who might have died in the explosion have since found their way to Tam’s Pub for long-awaited reunions. Their pictures hang on her walls, alongside older, faded photos from the war, and a framed surfboard invoice for Jimmy Buffet.
We never quite got around to hearing about Tam’s encounter with Buffet. I guess there were just too many items on the menu at Tam’s Pub, where great stories are a specialty along with one of the best burgers in all of Vietnam.
Tam’s Pub is located at 38 An Thuong 5, My An, Da Nang, Vietnam.
Everywhere Once 
Ah, wonderful story guys! This might be our favorite of all your blogs. We look forward to one day meeting Tam 🙂
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Wow. Thanks for that guys.
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Such a great tale and the food looks awesome too.
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Will definitely be making it to Tam’s for mouth watering stories and food.
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nice your telling tales…know the best article please http://www.arfintech.wordpress.com/
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I’m glad to see Shannon got a nice cat fix, too.
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People make places so much more alive! Stories of their lives are why we travel and learn about different cultures! I love that you could hear so many stories from Tam and I greatly appreciate that you shared that moment with us.
And, since we know so much about what you like doing when you travel, I’ve invited you to tell us what are the 9 things you CAN’T do when you travel! Look at my post here to know more about that little challenge, if you decide you want to join: https://lespetitspasdejuls.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/9-things-i-cant-do-when-i-travel/
I’d be curious to know!
Happy Trails and Stories!
Jul’
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Tam Is a wonderful person! Met her on our first trip to Vietnam in 1998. We enjoy our visits with her every year!
Regarding Jimmy Buffett, a friend’s son was using one of Tam’s surfboards. Jimmy Buffett happened to be visiting Da Nang at the time and asked where he could get a surfboard. The young man gave him directions and Jimmy went to Tam’s for a rental. He came by a few times afterwards, inviting Tam to party at the hotel he was staying at. She didn’t really know who he was and said she had to work. One day he came by her restaurant with a guitar to play her song. I asked her which song he played and she said “something about a hamburger”!
Can’t wait to see you next year!
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By the way, food is GREAT! Try her mango smoothie!
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