Where to Eat Vietnamese Food in Washington, D.C.

Vietnamese food
Vietnamese food | © Rex Roof/Flickr
Aparna Krishnamoorthy

Vietnamese cuisine is complex, and it’s not always easy to find a decent meal from this Southeast Asian country in Washington, D.C. To make the search easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to enjoy Vietnamese food in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

1. Pho 14

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, Soup

Pho
Courtesy of Pho 14
As the name suggests, Pho (beef and rice-noodle soup) is the way to go at this Vietnamese restaurant. The Saigon-style broth is rich and full of warming spices. Tinker around with the toppings and the hot sauce till you reach your ideal taste level, and dive in. Sometimes, there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of Pho. There are three locations around D.C.

2. Huong Viet

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, Vegetarian

Huong Viet Restaurant, Falls Church
Courtesy Huong Viet

One of the most popular restaurants in the incredible Eden Center (full of Vietnamese restaurants and storefronts) is Huong Viet, serving Vietnamese delicacies and home-style cuisine. Whether you stop by for a snack and glass of Vietnamese iced coffee or are after a full-fledged meal, Huong Viet is a great option.

3. Ben Tre

Restaurant, Vietnamese

Bên Tre Restaurant, Washington
Courtesy of Eat24.com

A huge menu of traditional Vietnamese classics await at this popular Adams Morgan spot. The lotus root salad is a favorite, as is their signature “Banh Canh Tom Cua”, a thick and flavorful noodle soup with crab-meat and shrimp.

4. Simply Banh Mi

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Simply Banh Mi
Courtesy of Simply Banh Mi

This no-frills restaurant run by a brother-sister duo brings their family’s recipes of delicious banh mi sandwiches, Pho, rice, noodles and salad bowls to the capital. They also have vegan, gluten free and halal options on the menu, so it’s a good spot for anyone with dietary restrictions.

5. Saigon Kitchen

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, Vegetarian

Miss Saigon Restaurant, M Street Northwest
Courtesy of Saigon Kitchen

Saigon Kitchen is a new addition to the Vietnamese dining scene in D.C. Their fresh, homemade-style food served in a modern dining room has something on the menu for everyone. Some early stars here are the caramelized fish and the filet mignon Pho.

6. Pho 75

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, Soup

Pho 75, Arlington
Courtesy of Pho 75

This modest storefront in Arlington is one of the best places for the traditional Vietnamese Pho. The portions are huge, the variety of toppings is extensive, and the noodles and broth are on point. Note that it is cash only, so be prepared.

7. Mi La Cay

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, Vegetarian

Mi La Cay, Wheaton-Glenmont
Courtesy of Mi La Cay

This is a casual spot in the Maryland suburb of Silver Spring, and is extremely popular for its Bun Bo Hue. The broth in this dish is spicy, sweet, salty, and very good, served with rice vermicelli, beef, and added garnishes. Another fan favorite is the crispy Maryland chicken — Viet style fried chicken over tomato flavored rice.

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