Huong viet

Savor London's Best Pho and Banh Mi

Nestled among the vibrant din of Shoreditch’s restaurant scene, this charming Vietnamese gem manages to pull off an impressive balancing act. The unassuming exterior might initially prompt a flicker of hesitation, but within is a culinary experience that's positively invigorating. The pride of the menu is clearly the pho, whose broth has captured the essence of Vietnam’s bustling soupy streets – although, let’s be honest, London rents are evidently ladling extra pounds onto its price tag. Mounds of tender chicken and succulent beef swim beneath a surface peppered with fragrant herbs, making one eagerly anticipate subsequent deep dives into this comforting bowl of goodness. The prawn summer rolls offer a crispy entrée that channels the fresh simplicity of East Asia without forgetting that delightful fried indulgence we all secretly adore.

Service does a delightful two-step between being warmly familial and briskly efficient, which is as refreshing as the Vietnamese lychee juice—a sugary potion worth its weight in Instagram posts. And speaking of all things trendy and social media-ready, let’s not skip over the banh mi. This perfectly handheld delight rivals any sandwich from London’s trendiest corners, despite some inconsistent encounters with beef cooking times. With a lively assortment of dishes spanning tofu summer rolls and richly spiced curry, there's ample opportunity for redemption across the menu. The decor whispers understated charm, ensuring diners' focus remains chiefly on devouring the culinary journey before them. It’s a place bustling with the energy of both loyal regulars and those newly discovering why such solid reviews keep more vehement critics at bay. — Penelope Savory