The Allure of Vietnamese Flavors
Beyond the iconic colleges and punts gliding along the River Cam, Cambridge holds a delightful secret: a vibrant and growing Vietnamese culinary scene. If you’re seeking a flavorful escape from the traditional pub fare, or simply yearning for the aromatic complexities of Southeast Asian cuisine, look no further. Vietnamese food, with its fresh herbs, delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, has captivated taste buds worldwide, and Cambridge is no exception. This article will guide you through the best Vietnamese restaurants in Cambridge, highlighting must-try dishes and hidden gems that offer an authentic taste of Vietnam.
Vietnamese cuisine is more than just a collection of dishes; it’s an art form. The magic lies in the interplay of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Imagine fragrant bunches of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil, lending their herbaceous notes to every bite. The pungent depth of fish sauce, the bright tang of lime, and the fiery kick of chili peppers dance together in perfect harmony. Rice noodles, the cornerstone of many dishes, provide a blank canvas for these flavors to shine. Beyond the taste, Vietnamese cuisine often boasts healthful qualities, emphasizing fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and minimal use of heavy oils.
While many are familiar with the ubiquitous pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, there’s a whole universe of dishes waiting to be explored. Banh mi, the crusty baguette sandwich overflowing with savory fillings, is a testament to Vietnam’s French colonial past. Spring rolls, with their delicate rice paper wrappers encasing fresh herbs and shrimp, offer a light and refreshing start to any meal. And who can resist the enticing aromas of bun cha, grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and a flavorful dipping sauce? Let’s delve into the restaurants in Cambridge that bring these authentic tastes to life.
Exploring Vietnamese Restaurants Across Cambridge
Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through Cambridge’s Vietnamese eateries, each offering a unique experience.
Saigon City Delight
Located a short walk from the Cambridge train station, Saigon City Delight welcomes diners with its warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with traditional Vietnamese art, creating a relaxed and authentic ambiance. While the menu boasts an impressive array of Vietnamese specialties, Saigon City Delight truly shines with its pho. The broth, simmered for hours with beef bones and aromatic spices, is deeply rich and flavorful. A large bowl of pho, priced reasonably, comes piled high with rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and a generous handful of fresh herbs. Another standout dish is the bun thit nuong, grilled pork vermicelli noodles. The pork is marinated in a savory blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, and then grilled to perfection. It’s served over a bed of cool vermicelli noodles with crisp lettuce, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of nuoc cham, the quintessential Vietnamese dipping sauce. Saigon City Delight is known for its consistently high quality and friendly service. You will likely hear happy customers raving about the generous portions and authentic flavors.
Little Hanoi Cafe
Tucked away on a quiet side street near the city center, Little Hanoi Cafe is a hidden gem cherished by locals. This cozy restaurant exudes a charming, unpretentious atmosphere, reminiscent of a traditional Vietnamese street food stall. Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by the tantalizing aromas of simmering broths and sizzling meats. Little Hanoi Cafe is renowned for its banh mi, considered by many to be the best in Cambridge. The crusty baguettes are baked fresh daily, and filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients, from grilled pork and pate to pickled vegetables and cilantro. The price point is incredibly reasonable, making it a popular lunch spot for students and office workers. Beyond the banh mi, Little Hanoi Cafe also offers a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes, including bun bo xao, stir-fried beef with vermicelli noodles, and goi cuon, fresh summer rolls filled with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. Many reviewers call Little Hanoi Cafe “an absolute must-try” and rave about the friendly staff and authentic flavors.
Pho Republic
Pho Republic offers a more modern and upscale dining experience. Located near the Cambridge Market Square, its sleek decor and trendy ambiance attracts a diverse crowd. While the name suggests a focus on pho, the menu extends far beyond noodle soup, showcasing a wide range of Vietnamese culinary delights. Pho Republic’s pho is undeniably delicious, with a flavorful broth and high-quality ingredients. However, the restaurant’s true star is the com tam, broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg. The pork chop is marinated in a special blend of spices and grilled to juicy perfection. It’s served over a bed of broken rice, a Vietnamese specialty, with a side of pickled vegetables and nuoc cham. Although priced higher than some of the other Vietnamese restaurants in Cambridge, Pho Republic justifies the cost with its superior quality and refined ambiance. Customers love the extensive menu and high-quality ingredients.
Venturing Beyond the Usual Suspects
While pho, banh mi, and spring rolls are undeniably delicious, there’s so much more to Vietnamese cuisine waiting to be discovered. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar and explore some of the lesser-known, but equally rewarding, dishes.
Consider trying bun bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup originating from the city of Hue in central Vietnam. Unlike pho, bun bo hue boasts a robust and complex broth infused with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil. The soup is typically served with thick rice noodles, slices of beef shank, and cha lua, a type of Vietnamese sausage.
Another must-try dish is banh xeo, a crispy Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and onions. The crepe is typically made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric powder, giving it a distinctive yellow color and a slightly sweet flavor. Banh xeo is best enjoyed hot off the griddle, dipped in a flavorful nuoc cham.
While perhaps harder to find, if you see Cao Lau on a Cambridge menu, order it! This noodle dish is specific to Hoi An, Vietnam and unlike any other Vietnamese dish. It is made with noodles that are prepared in a special way, pork, greens, bean sprouts, and crispy croutons or cracklings. The dish is savory and satisfying!
Goi ga, Vietnamese chicken salad, is a refreshing and light alternative to heavier dishes. The salad typically consists of shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, onions, and a variety of fresh herbs, tossed in a tangy lime dressing. It’s a perfect option for a light lunch or a refreshing appetizer.
Finally, don’t forget to explore the world of che, Vietnamese dessert soups and puddings. Che comes in countless varieties, from sweet bean soups to coconut milk-based puddings. These desserts are often adorned with tapioca pearls, fruit, and other sweet toppings.
Tips for an Authentic Experience
To truly immerse yourself in the Vietnamese culinary culture, keep a few tips in mind. When ordering, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. The staff are often eager to share their favorite dishes and provide insights into the menu. Consider ordering family-style, sharing multiple dishes with your dining companions. This allows you to sample a wider variety of flavors and experience the communal spirit of Vietnamese dining.
Pay attention to the condiments on the table. Chili sauce, sriracha, and hoisin sauce can be used to customize the flavor of your dishes. A squeeze of lime can also add a bright and tangy note. Vietnamese coffee, or ca phe, is a must-try for coffee lovers. This strong and intensely flavored coffee is brewed using a phin filter and served with condensed milk.
Even learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can enhance your dining experience. A simple “xin chao” (hello) or “cam on” (thank you) will be greatly appreciated by the staff.
Conclusion
Cambridge’s Vietnamese culinary scene is a testament to the city’s diverse and vibrant cultural landscape. From the comforting warmth of pho to the explosion of flavors in banh mi, Vietnamese cuisine offers a culinary adventure for every palate. The next time you are in Cambridge, veer off the traditional tourist trails and embark on a journey through the tastes of Vietnam. You might just discover your new favorite dish. Are you ready to explore the hidden culinary treasures of Cambridge’s Vietnamese restaurants? What flavors will you discover?
