Vietnam is known for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly people and of course, DEEELISH food.
Though I can't get you over there for a visit, I can bring a taste of this Asian treasure to you pretty easily - so let's go with the latter option.
There are some amazing Vietnamese places in Dublin that definitely don't get the hype they deserve so... today is the day!
Here are my top picks:
1. Pang
Vietnamese food is great for lunch because it's usually pretty healthy - think steamy pho bowls and rice paper rolls.
Pang is the best spot in the city for rice paper rolls. Before opening, owner Barry spent months perfecting the roll and he really does have it down to a tea.
They also serve up salad bowls and if you need some carb-age, banh mi. It's a tiny but mighty venue that should be on every Vietnamese food lovers list.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-Qa7qnKQ-/
Aobaba is one of Dublin's hidden foodie gems. Located on Capel Street, you'd walk right by this place without looking twice at it - do not judge this place by its appearance.
Autumn is well and truly here and there's actually no better way to warm up a red frosty nose than with a piping hot bowl of veggie and chicken pho. Thankfully, the pho bowls from Pho Ta are up there as possibly the best I've tried in the city.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BylzN0birzH/
3. Pho Ta
Continuing on the pho buzz, because let's be real - pho is deffo the best Vietnamese dish around, Pho Ta is another place worth visiting for a toasty bowl of noodles, meat and veg.
Located on Cope Street in Temple Bar, this place is bang smack city centre and ideal for anyone who is stuck for some food inspiration during the winter.
Their ingredients are made fresh daily and their homemade noodles together with deep-flavoured, intricately spiced and aromatic broth creates a charming version of the iconic dish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BocZ14uncTs/
4. Jolin's Vietnamese Coffee House
If you want to experience that chilled Vietnamese coffee house vibe, Jolin's is the place for you.
Located on Clanbrassil Street, this is one of the cutest cafés around.
Sweet and creamy coffee made the proper Vietnamese way with strainers and condensed milk - literal goals. Pair that with pretty painted wooden tables and hanging plants and you can see how it has that authentic Asian feel.
Jolin's Vietnamese Coffeehouse is run by Jolin herself where she serves and cooks in the open kitchen right opposite your table.
With a focus on Vietnamese and some Thai dishes, the menu is divided into starters, salads, wok, soup, noodle dishes, and more, with incredible value for money throughout.
You won't find anything fancy, but for a chilled date night on a tight budget, this is the place to go.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb91zhHjr-X/
5. Saba
The most well-known Thai and Vietnamese restaurant in the city, Saba packs a punch.
It's probably up there as the most pricey option on the list but I do always enjoy it when I have it. Saba is a great spot to meet the girlos for a few cocktails and some grub but it's as enjoyable in the form of a takeaway on a Friday night - so versatile!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtfzmxmHyUR/
6. Vietnom
Vietnom is a Vietnamese food tucked away at the back of The Glimmer Man in Stoneybatter from The Glimmer Man, Stoneybatter on Thursday-Saturday 5:30-10pm and Sunday 4:30-9pm.
It's set up by Milly Murphy and Alex Grunee, two food-loving seemingly free spirits who'll make you want to quit your 9-5 job, don a bandana and go chase that dream.
The menu changes weekly and is purely veggie, using local ingredients to whip up exotic tastes.
Vietnamese food is fresh and zesty, usually made with a spattering of chilli, garlic and lime, and Vietnom's rotating menu makes good use of them all.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJvhVOlv_3/
7. Bun Cha
Bun Cha was opened by Chen, the owner of next door's Oriental Pantry Supermarket and Vietnamese chef Dan, who hails from Hanoi and wanted to bring "the flavours of home to his family here."
While most Vietnamese spots in town don't distinguish between north and south Vietnam cuisine, the differences are vast and Bun Cha sticks strictly to the northern flavours of black pepper and herbs, subtly balanced compared to the bolder tastes of the south.
The menu is a small leaflet, simply laid out with just enough options to choose from. Most dishes are made with rice noodles so are 100% gluten-free and everything can be made vegetarian or even vegan if requested.
Proving the phrase that if it's not broken, don't fix it, Bun Cha's dedication to the traditional methods and recipes of Vietnamese cuisine will serve it well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiwuSXogEOM/
8. Pho Viet
Another pho spot, Pho Viet on Parnell Street is sure to impress lovers of fancy noodle soup.
The menu consists of high profile recipes made from premium Irish ingredients. Vietnamese food is considered some of the healthiest in the world and their dishes are exactly that with lots of ginger, fresh mint, fresh coriander, cinnamon, bird’s eye chili, lime and basil leaves.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-MlO0o6DN/
I don't think I've EVER needed a bowl of pho so badly as I do now after writing this.
Lunch? sorted.
