Where Do Vietnamese Eat Vietnamese Food in Taipei?
As a Vietnamese person living in
Taipei, I am always looking for authentic restaurants to enjoy “the
flavor of home” that I constantly miss. Fortunately, Taiwan is host
to a large Vietnamese community, and I have had good luck finding
some truly authentic restaurants. Today it is my pleasure to share
some of the best spots I have tried so far with you. If you are a fan
of Vietnamese cuisine, do not miss out on these 100% Vietnamese
approved restaurants!
1. Huong Vi Viet
Location: B1, No.120和平西路三段萬華區台北市108
Opening hours: 10:30AM
– 8:30PM
Located right at MRT
Longshan Temple station, Huong Vi Viet is super easy to find. I love
how this restaurant is aesthetically decorated with traditional
Vietnamese furniture, giving it a unique and authentic vibe. Huong Vi
Viet offers you the widest range of dishes, ranging from appetizers
to main courses and even Vietnamese style hotpots! I was taken aback
by the diversity of their menu, since there are even some local side
dishes that I have not found anywhere else throughout Taiwan. It will
take you quite a lot of time to decide what you would like to eat,
but believe me, no matter which dish you go for, it is going to be
super delicious and satisfying. Apart from the noodles, rice and banh
mi, I highly recommend Bun Dau Mam Tom (rice noodles with various
toppings dipped in fermented shrimp paste). Shrimp paste is quite
smelly but you must try it, this is a quintessential local flavor in
Vietnamese food – pungent yet addictive. And remember to order
Vietnamese coffee, you do not want to miss this heavenly drink!
2. 三姐妹廚房
3Ả KITCHEN 越式料理
Location:
241 新北市三重區龍門路153號
Opening hours: 11AM –
9PM
Founded by 3 Northern
Vietnamese ladies, this restaurant brings a very Northern vibe to
their dishes – meaty, balanced and lightly spiced. Since the owners
all come from Hai Phong (the second largest seaport in Vietnam and
famous for seafood), I highly recommend the local Banh Da Cua. The
noodles served in this dish are made of flour and colored with a dark
caramel made from brown sugar, which are completely different from
any kind of noodles you have ever eaten before! You will find this
steaming bowl traditionally served with beef wrapped in betel leaves,
fried mini fish cakes, crab dumplings and morning glory. Hands
down the best Banh Da Cua spot in Taiwan! Moreover, Banh Mi Que is
worth trying as it is also a specialty of Hai Phong. This mini Banh
Mi is super crunchy on the outside and stuffed with Vietnamese style
pâté on the inside, giving it a basic yet unforgettable flavor. And
if you crave something sweet, please give Sua Chua Nep Cam (Black
Sticky Rice Yogurt) a try!
3. Hà Nội Pho –
Vietnam Restaurant
Location: 永和區保平路49號 (Not on Google Maps)
Opening hours: 11AM –
10PM
If you have already
visited Vietnam and tried the famous Pho at Pho Thin restaurant in
Hanoi, this place is definitely a must-try. As soon as I tried the
very first spoon of the broth, I knew this was the gem I have been
looking for. Pho is packed with flavorful, savory bone broth, tasty
silky rice noodles, juicy and tender beef, and fresh Vietnamese herbs
to balance and enhance the flavor. Beside the original flavor, you
can go for some other options, such as Beef Shank Pho, Beef Ball Pho,
Chicken Pho or Bun Bo Hue and Bun Cha Nem. All of the recipes come
from months of research and trials by the owner, a Northern
Vietnamese lady who passionately spent a lot of effort on recreating
and bringing the most authentic taste to customers. She is truly keen
on the traditional cuisine and yes, she totally nailed it! It really
reminds me of the food I grew up eating in Vietnam and I cannot wait
to share this hidden gem with you.
4. MuViet
Location: various branches in Taipei.
Opening hours: 11:30AM
– 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10PM
Last but certainly not
least, Mu Viet is the best choice if you opt for fancier spot. Mu
Viet has made their reputation for not only their outstanding service
and ambiance, but also their appetizing Vietnamese-French fusion
dishes. Not the cheapest option in town, but it is undeniable that
their cuisine is worth every yuan you spend – thoroughly packed
with bold flavors and creatively aesthetic decor. If you are new and
confused about what should be ordered, they have a recommended menu
where you can’t go wrong. I highly recommend the Spring Rolls (which
are served with the insanely delish Nuoc Mam), Caramel Claypot Pork,
French style Pho and Vietnamese style Hotpot! In short, MuViet is
undoubtedly a perfect place for group gatherings or a special dinner.
If you plan to visit them on a holiday or a weekend, a reservation is
recommended to save you time.
