Fresh, fragrant and endlessly comforting, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Pho; get a real taste of the East in West with our round-up of the best Vietnamese restaurants in London
Words Clara Van Duivenbode
Our pick of the best Vietnamese restaurants in London
If you haven’t tried pho at one of these restaurants, prepare yourself for the experience. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made of broth, noodles, meat and herbs topped with a choice of sauce. Nourishing and deeply satisfying with a slight chilli kick, it’s perfect for warming up during the current cold snap. Not to mention it’s incredibly purse-friendly. With that in mind, we’ve hunted high and low for the best Vietnamese restaurants in London to slurp up that perfect bowl of pho. Enjoy!
Bánh Bánh Restaurant
This small, independent and family-run restaurant in Peckham serves delicious and authentic Vietnamese street food. Run by five siblings, the food is centred around the dishes cooked for them by their Grandma who was a chef in Saigon during the 1940s. Dishes are flavoursome and vibrant, and the produce is sourced locally. Situated in Peckham – fast becoming a significant London food hub – this is a must for any pho lover.
Hohaki
Founded by two close friends, Hohaki comes high on the agenda for those wanting a quick, fresh, healthy Vietnamese lunch. The chef behind Hohaki has over 10 years experience cooking Vietnamese cuisine in London, which is reflected in the quality offering on the menu. The broth here is brewed for over 10 hours, allowing the pho to reach an other-worldly level of flavour. The place gets bonus points for its incredibly quick service.
CôBa Restaurant
Looking for a Vietnamese dinner with a difference? You need CôBa in your little black book. This gorgeous, Australian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar specialises in Vietnamese BBQ cooking with a short menu that derives from the food served to head chef, Damon Bui, by his mother. The pho is fragrant and fresh, and the small plates and salads divine.
Bang Bang Canteen
The offerings at Bang Bang Canteen will blow all expectations of school canteens out of the water. Situated in Fitzrovia, locals and London-wide visitors alike are drawn to the destination for its delicious food and quirky comic book design. With both traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine available, there is something for everyone.
Moi An
The Vu family behind Moi An create beautiful, traditional Vietnamese cuisine on Fetter Lane. The family have a rich cultural history; they moved to the UK as refugees in 1978 and catered for the local community, before achieving their dream of opening up their first restaurant, City Caphe in 2010. This is the family’s second restaurant and sits amongst the best Vietnamese restaurant in London for its fast service and authentic flavours. Moi An means ‘invitation to eat’ and if you’re ever in the area you’ll certainly wish to accept.
Sprout Vietnamese
Located in West London, Sprout is the local go-to for an authentic taste of the East. You’ll find everything on the extensive and tantalising menu, from pho to Bahn mi, bite-sized small plates and Vietnamese nibbles. Certainly something for even the most discerning of taste buds.
The Little Viet Kitchen
This cosy restaurant offers everything you need for an excellent evening; from traditional Vietnamese flavours to delicious cocktails. What’s more, the setting is spectacular with candles and chandeliers hanging over the tables.
Pho & Bun
You’re in theatreland and in need of a fantastic pho; where do you go? Pho & Bun of course. This innovative dining room offers a modern environment while maintaining distinct Vietnamese features. Since opening in 2015, diners have flocked from far and wide to get a taste of the authentic menu; be sure to try the steamed bun with 28-day, dry-aged beef. It’s insane.
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