Sure, there are lots of places in the city for fish and chips or burgers and fries, but when you're craving noodles, lemongrass and curry it's time for a trip to Vietnam. Too far to go for dinner, you say? Not at all, because you can enjoy those intoxicating Southeast Asian flavours right here in Victoria at one of these local restaurants.
For authentic Vietnamese flavours right here in the Pacific Northwest, head to Le Petit Saigon on Langley Street. From a fresh and flavourful green papaya salad to a warming bowl of pho noodle soup to the tasty Saigon crepe, the menu offers a range of dishes including an impressive variety of vegetarian options. Try an ice-cold Vietnamese coffee or an avocado smoothie for a refreshing accompaniment to your meal.
When you're craving the comfort of pho, this bustling Blanshard Street eatery has you covered. Previously known as Saigon Harbour, Pho Nay continues to offer vibrant Vietnamese flavours, with a special focus on their signature noodle soup. Enjoy the rich broth and savoury profiles of more than 15 varieties of pho, along with a selection of rice, vermicelli and other dishes.
A cozy and welcoming family-run cafe, Green Bistro offers good food and good value. Hot and sour soup, spring rolls, pho, vermicelli bowls and other Vietnamese goodies are served for eat-in or takeout diners. Vegetarian options include a crispy noodle with tofu mixed veggies and salad rolls, while carnivores are treated to beef noodle soup, shredded pork rolls and grilled lemongrass chicken.
From the creator of the popular Le Petite Saigon restaurant, Saigon Char-Broil offers Victorians fast, affordable and tasty Vietnamese cuisine. Specializing in pho, banh mi (a Vietnamese submarine sandwich), lemongrass pork, curry and other Vietnamese favourites, all meals here are priced below $15. Add bubble tea to your order for a special treat – it’s available in chocolate, strawberry, mango, green tea and coconut flavours.
Treat yourself to a traditional taste of Vietnam at this friendly family-run restaurant. Generous portions of classic dishes like pho soup, deep-fried tofu and lemongrass chicken accompanied by sweet iced coffee make this downtown eatery a must-stop for fans of Vietnamese cuisine. And the homey atmosphere is appreciated by parents with little ones in tow.
Whether you choose to grab a banh mi sandwich to go or linger over a satisfying bowl of pho on the picturesque patio, Vietnam House tempts with its authentic flavours and traditional recipes. Be sure to try the house-made chili sauce for some added kick and the iced coffee for a sweet and refreshing finish to your meal.
Using the best and freshest ingredients to create authentic-tasting Vietnamese cuisine, the family-run Phonomenal Vietnamese Cafe offers both eat-in and takeout dining. The convenient strip mall location is perfect when you’re hankering for pho and spring rolls. They’re closed on Tuesdays but that just means you'll be twice as hungry for their generous portions on Wednesdays.