There’s a new Northeastern Vietnamese spot that just quietly landed on Kingsway and if you blink, you might miss it.
Located at the corner of Kingsway and Slocan, Như Ý Cafe has taken over the former Hami Cafe unit, which some may remember for its $10 pho.
But this isn’t a brand-new crew in the kitchen.
The family behind Như Ý Cafe is no stranger to Vancouver’s Vietnamese food scene.
They previously ran Thanh Thanh Restaurant near Fraser and Kingsway, serving Hai Phong Vietnamese fare for over a decade.
Known for their regional dishes and a solid 4.6-star reputation, they were forced to move when their building underwent renovations.
We spotted the new spot the old-fashioned way: by noticing the congratulatory flower stands sitting outside (a telltale sign of a grand opening).
We decided to scope it out – and as usual – we went anonymously and were the only person there on a late afternoon.
From the outside, it’s easy to miss – simple, unassuming, the kind of place only locals in-the-know would seek out.
Inside, it’s modest and homey, with white-tiled floors, wooden tables, and colourful paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
There was a large TV at the back looping videos on how traditional pho broth is made, an unexpected but oddly charming touch.
The menu here is minimal with only a handful of items, but that’s where the magic often happens.
Based on the recommendation from the owner, we got their Hai Phong Seafood Noodles (Bánh Đa Đỏ Hải Phòng).
Priced at $18, it features seafood, pork-wrapped betel leaf, and flat brown noodles, which are chewier and thicker than the typical white vermicelli.
The broth is clear, fragrant, and just the kind of soul-warming comfort food that reminds you why you love mom-and-pop shops.
We are noodle lovers, but other items on the menu are Square Crab spring Rolls, Grilled Beef Ribs with Vermicelli and squid cakes.
And yes, they also have your classic Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, just not listed on the table menu.
You can expect solid, heartwarming Northern Vietnamese cooking.
Now, Như Ý Cafe is the kind of hole-in-the-wall spot that probably won’t make it onto any flashy listicles.
But once locals find it, you can bet it’ll become one of those quiet favourites.
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Address: 2522 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5H2