London’s Vietnamese food scene has evolved, offering a diverse range of authentic dining experiences across the city. You can now find superb Vietnamese restaurants in various neighborhoods, each offering unique flavors and specialties.
Back in the day, Kingsland Road, also known as “phở mile,” was the go-to destination for Vietnamese food in London. However, the city’s Vietnamese cuisine has expanded beyond this traditional hub. From an array of bánh mì options to fragrant broth specialists and family-run curry joints, Vietnamese food has become a cornerstone cuisine in London.
Exploring London’s Vietnamese Cuisine
You’ll discover why London has become a hotspot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with acclaimed restaurants scattered throughout the city. These establishments offer everything from traditional phở to innovative fusion dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
The evolution of Vietnamese restaurants in London is a story of cultural adaptation and culinary innovation. As you explore the city’s Vietnamese food scene, you’ll learn about the rich cultural history behind this cuisine, including the waves of immigration that brought these flavors to England.
This guide will help you navigate London’s Vietnamese food scene, highlighting the most acclaimed establishments that offer authentic flavors and exceptional dining experiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a curious newcomer, you’ll find valuable insights about where to enjoy the best Vietnamese food that London has to offer.
The Rise of Vietnamese Cuisine in London
Vietnamese cuisine has carved a niche for itself in London, with its unique flavors and healthy ingredients captivating the city’s food enthusiasts. Over the years, London has experienced generational waves of migrants from Vietnam, many of whom have set up successful food businesses, transforming the city’s Vietnamese restaurant scene into something vibrant and diverse.
From Kingsland Road to City-Wide Phenomenon
Kingsland Road in East London was once the hub for Vietnamese cuisine, earning the nickname “phở mile.” You’ll discover how this area became the go-to destination for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the city. As the popularity of Vietnamese food grew, restaurants began to spread throughout London, making it accessible in various neighborhoods. The evolution of Vietnamese restaurants from being concentrated in one area to spreading city-wide is a testament to the cuisine’s growing appeal.
What Makes Vietnamese Food Special
Vietnamese cuisine stands out due to its unique balance of fresh herbs, complex flavors, and French colonial influences. The cuisine’s emphasis on healthy, fresh ingredients and distinctive flavor profiles that combine sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements has captured London’s culinary imagination. Key dishes like phở, bánh mì, and signature summer rolls have become favorites, showcasing the cuisine’s diversity and richness.
- The blend of fresh herbs and complex flavors creates a unique taste experience.
- French colonial influences have added a distinct twist to traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- The focus on healthy ingredients appeals to the health-conscious diner.
London, England: Acclaimed Vietnamese Restaurants Along Kingsland Road
Kingsland Road, known affectionately as London’s ‘pho mile,’ is where you’ll discover some of the city’s most acclaimed Vietnamese restaurants. This vibrant street in Hoxton is a culinary hotspot, offering a variety of authentic Vietnamese dining experiences.
Viet Grill
Viet Grill, established in 2006, is a standout among the Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road. It specializes in Vietnamese barbecue dishes cooked over charcoal on fiery robata grills, bringing the latest trends from Saigon and Hanoi to London. Some of its signature dishes include the Hanoi crispy crab parcel, a refreshing green papaya salad, and “shaking beef” – wok-tossed sirloin with Phu Quoc black pepper, garlic, and oyster sauce.
The menu at Viet Grill is designed to showcase the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes that incorporate fresh herbs, savory broth, and a variety of fish and seafood options. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of phở or a lighter soup, Viet Grill has something to satisfy your cravings.
Sông Quê
Sông Quê Café, recognizable by its bright green exterior, has been a Kingsland Road staple since 2002. This family-run business is known for its authentic Southern Vietnamese recipes, courtesy of matriarch and owner Ánh Phạm. The laid-back, informal dining experience is complemented by swift and efficient service, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
At Sông Quê, you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. Their menu features a range of options, from classic phở to other regional specialties, all made with care and attention to detail. It’s a great place to experience the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam in the heart of London.
Upscale Vietnamese Dining Experiences
London’s upscale Vietnamese restaurants are redefining the culinary experience. You’ll discover how these establishments are elevating traditional cuisine with refined techniques and premium ingredients.
Cây Tre
Cây Tre, which opened in East London in 2003, is known for its fresh approach to Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant expanded to Soho in 2011 due to high demand. Its signature phở is made with a deeply-flavored broth simmered for 24 hours with marrow bones, cinnamon, and star anise.
The dish is then finished with premium ingredients such as flank steak, chicken thigh, or king prawns, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Med Salleh Viet
Med Salleh Viet is chef Syphong Lam’s homage to her birthplace, Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant is decked out in dark wood and turquoise, with a Hanoi market scene mural on one wall. Dishes here nod to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including hand-crafted summer rolls and prawn and mango salad.
The menu features rare dishes seldom found outside Asia, such as barbecued and glazed lamb, whole squid, and king prawns, offering a truly authentic experience.
Both Cây Tre and Med Salleh Viet are changing perceptions of Vietnamese cuisine in London, moving it beyond casual dining to sophisticated culinary experiences. You’ll learn about the unique offerings of these upscale restaurants and how they’re contributing to the diversity of London’s dining scene.
Family-Run Vietnamese Gems
You’ll find authentic Vietnamese cuisine in London’s family-run restaurants, where love and tradition come together. These hidden gems offer more than just a meal; they provide a culinary journey through Vietnam’s rich heritage.
Bánh Bánh
Bánh Bánh is a true family affair, founded by five siblings who came together to celebrate their grandmother’s culinary legacy. As second-generation immigrants, food was their connection to the motherland. After a successful two-year pop-up in Peckham’s Bussey Building, Bánh Bánh opened its first permanent restaurant in 2016, serving authentic dishes that reflect their grandparents’ recipes.
Their menu features steaming phở, zesty salads, and creamy curries that were staples in their childhood. Every dish is made with love, using traditional Vietnamese recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Sông Hồng
With Thủy Mai and her husband cooking in the kitchen, and their children working front of house, Sông Hồng feels like being invited over for a meal by a Vietnamese family. Every dish they serve is influenced by the rich culinary traditions of the Red River region of Vietnam, where the family originates.
Their menu reflects the authentic flavors of Vietnam, with herbs and fresh ingredients used in every bowl and noodle dish. You’ll discover the true taste of Vietnamese cuisine, with vermicelli and fish dishes that are rarely found in other London restaurants.
Best Spots for Vietnamese Street Food
Discover the best Vietnamese street food in London, from bánh mì to hand-pulled noodles, at these top locations. London’s food scene is enriched by the presence of authentic Vietnamese eateries, offering a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes.
Kêu
Kêu, founded by one of London’s leading Vietnamese restaurateurs, Hieu Bui, has expanded to four locations across the city, including Hoxton, The City, Soho, and most recently, Borough High Street. This restaurant chain specializes in Saigon street food, combining traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques with high-quality ingredients sourced from Saigon’s markets and local British suppliers. The result is a menu that boasts authentic flavors, including their signature bánh mì and hand-pulled noodles.
The pork dishes at Kêu are particularly noteworthy, with options like pork belly that are sure to satisfy any meat lover’s cravings. The colorful surroundings, inspired by the vibrant market culture of Vietnam’s largest city, make dining at Kêu a memorable experience.
Bánh Bakery
At Bánh Bakery, Christine Trần has perfected the art of making authentic Vietnamese bánh mì. The bakery is known for its artisan breads, crafted by hand with a distinctively open texture and a delightfully crispy yet light crust. You can watch Christine and her staff at work, making these delicious breads with great authority.
The ‘classic’ bánh mì filling is a pork lover’s dream, loaded with juicy char siu, ham hock, pork belly roll, pork patty, and garnished with pork floss. With ten delectable homemade fillings available, three of which are vegetarian, there’s something for everyone at Bánh Bakery.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes in London
From the well-known phở to lesser-known regional specialties, London’s Vietnamese eateries serve up a wide range of delicious dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. As you explore the city’s Vietnamese food scene, you’ll discover a diverse array of must-try dishes that showcase the cuisine’s rich flavors and regional specialties.
Beyond Phở: Signature Vietnamese Specialties
While phở is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, there are many other signature dishes to try in London. Some popular options include summer rolls with fresh herbs and prawns, crispy spring rolls filled with minced chicken and glass noodles, and bánh xèo (crispy pancakes). You can also try lemongrass chicken or beef wrapped in betel leaves for a flavorful and aromatic experience.
| Dish | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Phở | A popular Vietnamese noodle soup | Beef broth, rice noodles, herbs |
| Bánh Xèo | Crispy rice flour pancake | Rice flour, water, shrimp, pork, bean sprouts |
| Summer Rolls | Fresh rice paper rolls | Rice paper, shrimp, pork, vegetables, herbs |
Regional Vietnamese Cuisine Variations
Vietnamese cuisine varies greatly from region to region, and London’s restaurants reflect this diversity. You can try bún bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam, or cá kho tộ, caramelized fish from the Mekong Delta. The heartier, spicier dishes of the North and the sweeter, herb-forward cuisine of the South are also represented in London’s Vietnamese eateries.
Planning Your Vietnamese Culinary Tour of London
Embarking on a gastronomic journey through London’s Vietnamese eateries promises an unforgettable experience. To make the most of your culinary adventure, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and secure reservations in advance for upscale restaurants.
Explore the diverse Vietnamese culinary landscape by trying various dishes like phở, bánh mì, and summer rolls. You can create a balanced itinerary by visiting casual street food spots, family-run gems, and upscale dining experiences. Pair your meals with traditional Vietnamese coffee or beer, and don’t hesitate to ask chefs for seasonal specialties or recommendations.
With this guide, you’re ready to start your Vietnamese culinary tour of London, discovering the best that the city’s Vietnamese restaurants have to offer.
The above is subject to change.
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