Now we’re talking! Did I mention Vietnamese food is my favourite? Well it is and even though I may be slightly biased being Vietnamese an’ all, I just find the citrussy clean herbs, noodles / rice and grilled meats irresistable!
It’s just a shame that Vietnamese food in Central London (West End specifically) is poorly represented, with many a Chinese restaurant offering Vietnamese dishes and of course, not doing it right. London’s Chinatown offers nothing else but Chinese and a smattering of Japanese / Korean inspired restaurants. Compared to Chinatowns in say, Paris, Toronto or Sydney, I’d say it’s pretty crap. Rant over.
Ok and onto Viet: It ain’t half bad you know. They’ve recently been taken over by new management but I think it’s for the better. The Pho stock is still a bit weak, but quite fragrant and the fresh chilli in the generous herb salad garnish gives it added bite and body.
The food is Southern Vietnamese, and they tend to like their food a bit sweeter. This is highlighted by the dipping sauce (nuoc cham) which you get with the majority of dishes and is also the main dressing for salads as well. Nuoc cham is a mixture of fish sauce (nuoc mam), clear vinegar, lime, water and sometimes sugar. Slightly too much sugar in this case as the sweetness lingered at the back of my throat long after the addictive spring roles left my gullet. The roles themselves were a bit on the small side but they were crispy, hot, and had the perfect ratio of meat and vegetables. Vietnamese spring roles are pretty standard fayre everywhere you go, and don’t really lend themselves to gastronomic adventures, but done correctly, they provide the perfect accompaniment with a steaming bowl of pho.
Pho Tai - Pho with rare beef
My friend had the Bun Thit Nuong which is quite a popular street food and comprises of grilled pork on a bed of cold noodles and crunchy salad. After sneaking food from her plate, I thought it was a pretty good attempt. The pork was smoky and caremalised and was nicely balanced with the (overly) sweet crunchy salad and noodles.
Their noodle soups are pho (both beef and chicken variations) and bun Hue – a full bodied stock flavoured with chilli, lemongrass and shrimp paste. Previous experience of the latter has always been satisfying, providing that obligatory runny nose and chilli throat burn.
As far as Vietnamese food goes, it’s definitely the best you’re going to get round there and that’s not supposed to be uncomplementary. They don’t serve Banh Cuon, thin rice sheets wrapped in minced meat, onion, and wood ear fungus – kinda like a Cheung Fun variation. As far as noodles go, I’d rather take this place over any of the places in Chinatown anyday. Pics to follow…
Price is around £6.50 per main dish, £4 for a starter.
34 Greek Street, W1D 5DJ.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Panda Panda, Deptford Broadway, Vietnamese Cafe
- Banzi, Vietnamese Restaurant, Surrey Quays, London
- Masala Zone, Indian Restaurant in Soho
- Banh Mi 11 – Broadway Market, Hackney
- Cafe East, a great Vietnamese Restaurant in Surrey Quays
