Nón Express

Hidden Gem with Authentic Vietnamese Flavor!

In a dimly lit corner just off the bustling main strip of Clerkenwell, I discovered a Vietnamese oasis that has struck a balance between authenticity and accessibility—a sanctum for flavors that remind one of street markets in Hanoi. Walking into this snug enclave, I was warmly welcomed with the fragrant duet of lemongrass and ginger swirled around by the rhythm of a Vietnamese playlist thumping softly in the background. The conviviality was infectious as the staff gathered you up like an old friend, eager and amiable in offering guidance through their expansive menu. From vegan pho to grilled pork baguettes, each dish is expertly curated to offer an immersive Tela land of Southeast Asian delicacies without needing to catch a flight. Unassuming yet earnest in its presentation, the food beams with an enthusiasm that mirrors that of the staff, making the experience a full-circle embrace of comfort and flavor.

It was the first swig of iced coffee—sweet and frothy, dispatched just cold enough to refresh yet engage any residual sleepiness—that told me I was in for a treat. A revelation followed when the beef pho arrived; broth rich with umami capped by herbs that practically danced above the soup’s surface, as if to tease the senses before settling into contentment with every mouthful. The perfectly toasted banh mi revealed more marvels: plump with sizzling pork, crisp pickled veggies, and just the right smeared density of pâté. Despite its diminutive size, this bistro has adopted a familial charm where patrons are as likely to strike up conversations over dishes as they are to exchange knowing nods that signal their shared secret—a love for great food at a reasonable price. As a lunchtime proprietary blend of tradition and modernity, this charming haven enveloped me, not just in its aroma but with an assurance that great meals do leave you full—of both belly and heart. — Clarissa Cuisinier