Where To Eat Vietnamese Food in Los Angeles (from an Asian)
Recommended Vietnamese Food Spots in LA
(background photo - us at home about to dig in and make spring rolls, yes we really do eat spring rolls as a meal, at least in my family)
Usually, when people find out I’m Vietnamese, the first thing they confess is their love of phở. Good to know. As a I’m Vietnamese-American (both my parents are Vietnamese and I am first generation born in the USA), this is how people try to relate to me. If that’s all you know about Vietnamese culture, then I’m not impressed (sorry, not sorry).
But the more pressing question - where should people get good Vietnamese food, in Los Angeles? I struggle for a reply. Los Angeles city proper’s Vietnamese food offerings are limited; seriously epic Korean food, Chinese food, and Japanese, Thai and Filipino food (IMHO). But I prefer making the trek to Little Saigon (Westminster) in Orange County and loading up on all my Vietnamese fare there! It’s authentic and incredible variety (vegan, vegetarian, meat heavy, lots of desserts), and it truly tastes like Vietnam - you know you’re in the right place when English is a second language!
But, I don’t want to leave LA in the dust. Hence below are my chosen list of recommended LA Vietnamese restaurants. Hope this helps add a little Asian spice to your life, especially as it’s Lunar New Year.
Vietnamese Delight
Yelp Page, @University Park near USC
Found this no-frills little gen on my UberEats app as I’ve taken to food delivery during covid-times! Next to USC (so I imagine they serve a lot of college kids), they’re my go-to when I crave Vietnamese food, and want affordable, with some veg options. I recommend their banh mi, spring rolls (which are wrapped extra thick rice paper so they don’t bust open!), egg rolls (extra crispy) and the vegan vermicelli (with eggs rolls, tofu, mushroom). Trustworthy and affordable! I am always satisfied and feel pretty healthy too :)
Nong La
Official Website @Olympic and Sawtelle (Japantown) and new La Brea location
For years, Nong La was my Westside homebase for fresh, cozy Vietnamese food! Let’s face it - there’s Olympic & Sawtelle (aka Japantown) and then Palms area for Westside Asian food. While I am not a meat eater, other meat eaters have told me their phở is good. The veg phở is fine, but not memorable. My staples are their banh mi’s, Cơm (rice) or Bún (vermicelli noodle based) dishes, and don’t forget to start with the spring rolls and/or egg rolls.
Thieng Huong Vietnamese storefront in LA Chinatown
Thieng Huong Vietnamese menu
Thieng Huong Vietnamese
Yelp Page @Chinatown
Anchoring the Far East Plaza, Thieng Huong Vietnamese is the Vietnamese restaurant staple for when you’re in Chinatown! Since they are a small shop, they may easily sell out of certain dishes on busy weekends. However, I keep coming back! It’s a wide variety of banh mi’s. Their egg rolls are wrapped in rice paper then fried - making them extra crispy! My partner tried their phở and was satisfied. Bring cash.
Lokol Sandwich Shop
https://www.lokalsandwichshop.com/
Hip sandwich shop that serves banh mi but fused with Korean BBQ. The hippest one on the list. But man, their bread is chef’s kiss. Hot, fresh, crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside. They are doing something right. Graffiti like interiors that’s modern, street without trying too hard. I order pick-up or delivery but it’s acceptable to eat in (when it’s not covid times).
Phorage
Website @Palms or West Hollywood
Holding down the fort for Palms! Phorage calls itself modern Vietnamese and prides itself with high quality ingredients. My feeling is they’re mainly Vietnamese with a bit of Japanese, Chinese and Thai influence! Vermicelli (Bún), Rice, Banh Mi and Spring Rolls and Egg Rolls are all solid. Atmosphere is a bit more modern and hip; appealing to a mostly young and hip crowd. I found the prices more expensive than the others; but to be expected. Reasonable, and dependable :)
Little Sister DTLA
Chao (rice porridge) with fried bread, perfect for an overcast LA day!
Banh mi and fries
Website @Downtown Los Angeles
Well celebrated Little Sister has four LA and OC county locations; so perhaps the most well known restaurant of this list! The Downtown LA vibe is dark, sexy with definitely flourishes of the intricate tiles and textures of Vietnam. Love it! Best atmosphere award. Food is well plated, beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. Great for out of towners and if you’re looking to casually impress without trying too hard. Price point is higher - and it’s always worth it for the experience. Consistent, and tremendously good. Attention to detail is off the charts. If you haven’t been, find the one nearest to you and make reservations. Pre-covid times, they were always booked.
Little Sister in the Financial District DTLA
Blossom Vietnamese DTLA
Yelp @Downtown Los Angeles
It’s the local, Downtown go-to for Vietnamese fare. Standard Vietnamese fare in a sparse, clean setting. The one time I went, their service was a bit slow - so don’t be in a hurry (patience!). If you’re in DTLA and want a reasonable priced, eat-in Vietnamese restaurant - I recommend this one :) Support local.
Tofu salad bowl - would traditionally have a rice base but yknow I’m Californian :) and getting my greens in!
More Vietnamese Spots To Try
My Lai Kitchen - Mar Vista
Banh mi’s (Vietnamese sandwiches), modern salad bowls, egg rolls, spring rolls, and fluffy fried tofu. It’s a solid lunch choice if you’re in the area. It’s modern so depending on your toppings, you may end up with a more or less Americanized salad. For a more authentic take, make sure to get the tofo, pickled carrots/daikon, cucumber, cilantro and sprouts so at least it’s like a traditional banh mi in a bowl :) And yes, top with crunch peanuts! The My Lai Vinegarette (with the fish sauce) or the peanut sauce is the most authentic sauces IMHO. Can’t go wrong.
Banh Cuon Tay Ho - San Gabriel
Already Westminster established with six locations total - they are expanding their reach and soon opening their San Gabriel Valley location. They’re main attraction is bánh cuốn, tender rice sheets filled with either shrimp, mushroom, or ground port. Anything but boring.
Vegan Banh Mi Pop-up
https://www.instagram.com/veganbanhmithao/
Not a restaurant but better! I’ve seen them slowly gaining traction - and their food looks luscious and tasty. If you swing by, recommend ordering ahead or coming early as they often sell out! She’s often popping up as in South Bay, and Long Beach - and sometimes in LA city proper. If you want a indie food adventure - this is top on my list.
Lotus & Light
Celebrated as a family restaurant, this Toluca Lake restaurant has more larger menu! More options for your phở, bún and cơm entrees - great for those who can’t decide :) They seem especially known for their large drinks menu which includes blooming flower teas (always a visual delight), seasonal desserts, and gasp alcohols (beer, wines, and sake!). Perfect for a date-night or a casual happy hour with friends.
ănăn restaurant
Making waves in San Gabriel Valley and now in La Brea, north of Mid Wilshire. They come off like a modern, elevated experience - with their pristine and elegant photos! Meat based with beef, flank, steak and chicken phở and bún entrees. As a veg eater - nothing for me (sobs) but I include it as it comes highly rated and recommended. Let me know if you go.
My Dung (Banh Mi) Sandwich Shop @Chinatown
Simple, solid, Vietnamese banh mi’s in Chinatown. It has a simple menu where every sandwich is the same price. Reviews are solid as it’s a mom and pop owner! They even have a shredded tofu banh mi for those who avoid meat.
My dad making spring rolls at home (in my family, we eat spring rolls as the main meal). Photo by L.Tran.
Spring roll session about to start at home. Photo by L.Tran.
If you have any Vietnamese spots you recommend - let me know! I am always on the lookout for good food from the motherland :) Drop me a hello at linhdy@outlook.com .
