We find the top five Vietnamese restaurants in London.
Cây Tre restaurant, Soho
Where: 42—43 Dean Street, London, W1D 4PZ
Why: Offering an authentic taste of Vietnam and using only the freshest ingredients available, Cây Tre is top of our list for tasty Vietnamese cuisine. Situated in central Soho, the restaurant (pictured above) is basic with a laid back vibe, allowing the food do all the talking. Make sure to book ahead on weekends.
What to order: The Wokked Pho with Beef Shin is Cây Tre’s signature dish and it’s easy to see why. Made with the best cut of beef, this is an elegant take on the traditional Vietnamese street food.
For more information, visit: www.caytresoho.co.uk
Mien Tay, Shoreditch
Where: 122 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8DP
Why: Mien Tay is an unassuming family run restaurant, named after the area in South Vietnam where owners Mr Su Tran and Mrs My Le originate. Offering freshly cooked dishes from Chargrilled Quail with Honey, Garlic and Spices to Lẫu (a spicy seafood hot pot available for up to six people), it’s little wonder that Mien Tay opened up a second restaurant in Battersea just one year after arriving in popular Shoreditch.
What to order: Don’t miss the family’s favourite sliced beef salad with watercress followed by a whole crispy fried sea bass with lemongrass and chilli.
For more information, visit: www.mientay.co.uk
Viet Grill, Hoxton
Where: 58 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP
Why: Perhaps one of the most well-known Vietnamese restaurants in London, the Viet Grill is a sister restaurant to Cây Tre, offering mouth-wateringly sumptuous dishes in its smarter, more modern restaurant.
What to order: Situated on the ‘Viet Strip’ of Kingsland Road, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choice of cuisine on offer but trust us, the Lamb Neck Curry with a side of humble Jasmine rice is not to be missed.
For more information, visit: www.vietgrill.co.uk
Café East, Surrey Quays
Where: 100 Redriff Road, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, SE16 7LH
Why: Hidden away in a corner of Surrey Quays and surrounded by pub benches, Café East looks more like a forgotten Yates’ than a tasty South East Asian eatery, but order off the menu (cash only) and it’s easy to see why this café is such a success. Boasting inexpensive but flavoursome dishes such as Com Khau (pork belly marinated with traditional spices and herbs), Café East is a real hidden gem.
What to order: Get stuck in to an authentic Pho Ga – succulent free range chicken flat rice noodles in a delicate chicken or beef soup.
For more information, visit: www.cafeeastpho.co.uk
Saigon Saigon, Hammersmith
Where: 313-317 King Street, London, W6 9NH
Why: For a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine, head to Saigon Saigon in Hammersmith, where the menu is seasonal and the flavours are fresh and vibrant. Dishes arrive as soon as they are ready, encouraging diners to share and enjoy everything at its freshest.
What to order: If you’re particular about your flavours, it’s worth ordering a Steamboat, a hot broth brought to your table with a selection of raw ingredients. Suitable for two to four people to share, diners can add as little or as much as they want to the soup as it simmers on a low heat.
For more information, visit: www.saigon-saigon.co.uk
