Just like other Asian cuisines, Vancouverites are serious about their Vietnamese food.
And as someone who is born and raised in Vancouver, I’ve been to many in the city. From the most hyped to the hidden mom and pop gems, there’s a good mix of stellar Vietnamese restaurants in the city.
Quick Recommendations: Phnom Penh or the authentic family recipes of Mr. Red Cafe
So rest assured that my suggestions below will only include the BEST Vietnamese restaurants the city has to offer.
1. Phnom Penh
A real Vietnamese-Cambodian charmer and notorious for its fried chicken, Phnom Penh is a local favourite in Chinatown when it comes to South-East Asian food, and on our list of must-haves for anyone scouting only the best places Vancouver has to offer.
Phnom Penh’s made its way into the hearts of customers who like to get the restaurant’s butterbeef, deep fried chicken and beef lúc lắc on rice, an order so famous it’s known to the locals as the “Holy Trinity” of options.
What to order: butterbeef, deep fried chicken, beef lúc lắc on rice
Address: 244 E Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Mr. Red Cafe
Offering a rich tapestry of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Mr. Red Cafe is a gem that showcases recipes passed down through generations. It’s a haven for those seeking an immersive Vietnamese dining experience. Their Bún Bò Lá Lốt is a standout, offering a symphony of flavours, making it a top pick for Vietnamese food enthusiasts in Vancouver.
What to order: Bún Bò Lá Lốt
Address:
-2131 East Hastings St., Vancouver
-2680 West Broadway, Vancouver
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. My Chau
Known for its exceptional Vietnamese comfort food, My Chau is a favorite for its Pho Ga, celebrated for its clean and richly flavoured broth. The restaurant has a loyal local following, especially around lunchtime. The Pho Bo, with its clear, flavourful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, offers a genuine Vietnamese culinary experience, further enhanced by the option to cook your beef on the side.
What to order: Pho Ga (Chicken Pho), Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Spring Rolls
Address: 1715 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2S4
4. Pho Duy
Renowned for its simplicity and specializing in only two items – beef or chicken pho, Pho Duy has a massive following due to its authentic Vietnamese flavours. The restaurant’s small setting is balanced by its big reputation for creating classic Vietnamese fare that brings customers back time and again.
P.S. Make sure you check their hours as it fluctuates
What to order: Spicy Chicken Pho
Address: 1996 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5N 2S
5. Lunch Lady
Popularized by the late Anthony Bourdain’s food travel show, ‘No Reservations’, Lunch Lady was originally a food stall on the streets of Vietnam before it expanded and conquered the Vancouver street food scene.
Now, it’s any Vietnamese-lover’s favourite choice on Commercial Drive. Whether it be beef pho, crispy spring rolls, beef luc lac or noodle soup, Lunch Lady’s got you covered to fulfill all your South-East Asian comfort food needs.
What to order: beef pho, crispy spring rolls, beef luc lac, noodle soup
Address: 1046 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3W9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Anh and Chi
Situated in Mount Pleasant, Anh Chi offers a contemporary twist on Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant, known for its chic ambiance and a finalist for Canada’s best washroom, provides a modern dining experience. Highlight dishes include the DIY Street Side Platter, allowing customers to create their own wraps, and the popular Turmeric Crepes and Soft Shell Crab Salad.
What to order: DIY Street Side Platter, Turmeric Crepes, Soft Shell Crab Salad
Address: 3388 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5V 3M7
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. Banh Mi Saigon
Specializing in Vietnamese sandwiches, Banh Mi Saigon is a hit among those seeking a quick, tasty, and affordable meal. It is a local fav and OG spot. The house Special Sandwich, loaded with a variety of meats and homemade mayo, is a standout.
Grab your squad and get their 10 for 11 deal.
What to order: Special Sandwich
Address: 5397 Victoria Drive, Vancouver BC V5P 3V6
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Bun Cha Ca Hoang Yen
A hidden gem on Victoria Drive, this busy restaurant is renowned for its Bún Chả Cá Đặc Biệt (special fish cake with vermicelli) and Bún Riêu (crab cake with vermicelli). The restaurant’s fame for these dishes attracts customers seeking authentic Vietnamese flavours.
What to order: Bún Chả Cá Đặc Biệt, Bún Riêu
Address: 5083 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T9, Canada
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Hoi An Cafe
This bustling eatery on Victoria Drive offers a range of Vietnamese dishes, with the Cao Lau Dac Biet being a particular highlight. This rice noodle bowl, loaded with pork, greens, shrimp, and garlic sauce, paired with Banh Bot Loc La Chuoi (tapioca dumplings), offers a delightful Vietnamese dining experience.
What to order: Cao Lau Dac Biet, Banh Bot Loc La Chuoi
Address: 5002 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T8
10. Bánh Mì Très Bon
Oozing with sophistication and character, Richmond’s Bánh Mì Très Bon is a cute modern Vietnamese restaurant with the sweetest staff and the yummiest quality food.
They will make you feel right at home, and serve up food that you soon won’t forget.
It’s not just their Savoury Mini Crepes that we love, but their Phở Tái Bò Viên (tenderloin and beef pho) is to die for, and we’re not exaggerating. Really. We’re not.
What to order: Savoury Mini Crepes, Phở Tái Bò Viên
Address: 1840-4720 McClelland Road, Richmond, BC V6X 0M6
Order Online: Uber Eats
Website | Instagram | Facebook
11. Do Chay
Catering to vegetarians and vegans, Do Chay offers a unique Vietnamese dining experience with a menu filled with plant-based options. Their coconut rice cakes and satay noodles stand out for their rich flavours and use of organic ingredients, making it a must-visit for those seeking a vegetarian-friendly Vietnamese meal.
What to order: coconut rice cakes, satay noodles
Address: 1392 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 3E4
Website | Instagram | Facebook
That rounds up our list of the 10 best Vietnamese restaurants in Vancouver for authentic and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Looking for more places to eat? Check our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.