Top Southeast Asian Restaurant in San Diego
Hoi Hu Restaurant
4660 El Cajon Blvd Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92115, United States
THE BEST BUN BO HUE AROUND! My parents are snobs when it comes to Vietnamese favorites... and this is where they would go to satisfy their Bun Bo Hue cravings. While I like to think I am more open-minded, I can honestly say, their Bun Bo Hue has that that home-cooked flavor to it; no other restaurant has been able to accomplish that. (Including Orange County- The Mecca of Vietnamese cuisine)The Service: Family owned and operated- which explains the home-made tastes. I have asked before and told that it is, indeed, a family secret. Fast, efficient and actually a lot more polite than the other authentic vietnamese restaurants.The Food:Known For- Bun Bo Hue- It is so hard for me to describe Bun Bo Hue to someone who has not had it before, but I actually prefer this over Pho. It has a lemon grass, sour, spicy but also sweet in a sense flavor. Ok, I am doing a bad job. Basically I can say it is magical goodness in the form of noodles and broth. It is like nothing you have ever had before. Punches a lot of flavors all at once, but in a good way! Can also be made very spicy to clear your sinuses- if thats what you are looking for.*tip* You can bring your own pot! I think you can get a whole pot of this stuff for $30 bucks to bring home to the family- or lie and say you made yourself ;)Give it a try- I think its called Banh Beo Chen- Theses are delicate little rice cakes that are topped with ground shrimp, scallions and some crunchy deliciousness. (Pork Rinds) I know- WHOA. Sounds like umm a lot of interesting right? But I am telling you, this stuff is really good! The flavors do a great job at balancing each other out, nothing overpowering and the texture is great. I always order a round as appetizers and a lot of my friends love it. Its not like a rice cake for dieting. its more like a very small rice pancake. Think of it as a mini- savory crepe- Bite sized! The Vietnamese bagel bite? Just try it!My Go To Meal- Rice with 2 BBQ pork Patties with 2 Eggs- I LOVE THIS DISH! We have actually gotten this catered before and everyone loves it! Its flavor is unlike any other BBQ pork rice dishes I have had at other restaurants. (Com Tam is good too, but this is way more flavorful) Its lemongrass and garlic marinade really sets it apart from the crowd. Its cheap, because they give you so much, I end up with leftovers for a second meal the next day. You get soup/a side salad in addition to this. Everything really compliments on another in this dish.**Tip** I think they are closed on Mondays? But seriously, try this Mom & Pop shop out, your tastebuds will be so happy.
Charm Thai Kitchen
11625 Duenda Rd, San Diego, CA 92127, United States
Overall, great little hole in the wall Thai place. Menu seems pretty authentic. One of the few places that has real grapow on the menu: complete with fried egg on top. Spicy scale is high! Be careful, go on the low side if you arent sure. A 7/10 had me sweating and eyes watering profusely!I deducted one star and have a minor criticism about the vibe. This place is small. Thats not a bad thing, but they seem to do about 90% of their business as take-out/delivery. I came here alone and sat at the bar upfront, which had a nice selection of local beers on tap. Bummer was, the whole time, the bar was being used as a take out staging area, with the worker constantly bagging up and preparing to-go orders with one hand while answering the phone for the next order with the other. It was chaotic. And in my face. More than once I saw dine in customers have to walk up to the bar to ask for something like more water. I understand in a small place there are certain limitations, but consider moving your staging area back into the kitchen and focus on making the in house dining experience a little more pleasant, and youll have a 5-star joint!Edit: came back for a 2nd time, excited to try the graprow (one of may favorite Thai dishes), so I said give me the graprow. Well, little did I know the graprow thats on the menu IS NOT the special graprow I was hoping for: minced meat with egg on top. Instead I got a plate of veggies with large chunks of meat. APPARENTLY the special graprow is not on the menu, and you have to ask for it specifically. ARGH!
Bahn Thai
4646 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116, United States
Tonight was very upsetting with the experience of placing my order. I placed my order at 6:54 PM. The lady on the phone told me would be ready in 30 minutes. I show up and within 30 minutes I pay for my food and they told me it was not ready yet. So I go outside and I sit there and I wait patiently, waiting for my order. I would say about every 10 minutes I would go inside to see if maybe my order was done and if they just forgot about me. Each time I went in to check on the order they would tell me it's coming out. I sat outside for 30 minutes with no distractions as I was by myself and my cell phone was in the car. And I had noticed that this family had placed the order at that counter as I was paying for my phone order had received their food before I did. I go inside and ask them once again is my food ready it has been about an hour and she looks on the shelf and says yes here it is and I specifically told her my food is not even warm are you telling me it's been sitting there here this whole time, and some other lady stepped in and said, oh it just came out and she felt my food and realize it wasn't as hot as it should be, and said that they came outside and said my order number several times, which they absolutely did not do And do not appreciate the lie! This was very frustrating and because it took so long to get my food I just said you know what it's fine and walked away. I am very disappointed in my recent experience with this restaurant.
Pho Sao Bien Vietnamese Restaurant
1958 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
When I lived in Pacific Beach many moons ago..this place started my pho addiction. After several years I have crept back to my old local haunts and this was the latest.So lets go location first and this is thr only reason for 4 instead of 5. If I could do a .5 I would. Its on Garner ave tucked away next to a animal boutique . parking is a pain, especially if you have a SUV or truck. A small lot so watch your bumpers. There is parking in back ( disabled friendly) thats more,forgiving than Garnet traffic but still small area and spaces.The food. I got a Bahn mi pork Sammie and a bowl of rare steak, flank and brisket.The Sammie was delicious. I like how they serve the pickled veggies and huge sluces of jalapeno on the side, along with cilantro..ok maybe the bread wasnt fantastic, perfect baguettes can make a bahn mi but the pork was chard bbq awesome and picked veggies including pickle sliced cucumber to match the jalapeno.Thier broth is a bit more aubtle than most, good salt and lots of lemon grass..if you like refined over meaty you will love it. The meat is where it shines, lots of pink rate steak, melt away brisket and chewy flank. The noodles hold the broth well and dont make it a 5 min game of trying to get a mouth full while its sliding off your chop sticks..add some sriracha and hosin and it still holds its identity.The ice tea was ..bleh..kind of weak but oh well. Clean and friendly staff plus for under $13 for a great bowl of pho and a yummy Sammie..still my fav PB pho
Kanda Thai Cuisine
3545 Midway Dr # M, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Kanda Thai Cuisine is an absolute gem that captures the essence of authentic Thai dining. From the moment you step inside, youre embraced with warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.The service at Kanda Thai Cuisine is top-notch, with staff members who genuinely care about your dining experience. Their attentive and friendly nature creates an inviting ambiance, making you feel like a cherished guest.Now, lets talk about the food. Prepare to be amazed by the culinary delights that await you. The menu at Kanda Thai Cuisine offers a wide array of mouthwatering Thai dishes, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail and bursting with incredible flavors.Start your meal with the Tom Yum soup, a revelation of balanced spices and fresh ingredients. The Pad Thai is a must-try, with perfectly cooked noodles and a delightful combination of shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts. And dont forget to indulge in the Mango Sticky Rice for a sweet and fragrant dessert.What sets Kanda Thai Cuisine apart is the way they make you feel like family. The warm and welcoming ambiance, coupled with the attentive and gracious service, creates an environment that is both comforting and uplifting. Its a place where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and create lasting memories.In conclusion, Kanda Thai Cuisine deserves accolades for its exceptional service, remarkable food, and heartwarming atmosphere. Whether youre a Thai cuisine enthusiast or new to the flavors, a visit to this restaurant is a must. Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you longing to return.
PH XPRESS
1125 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Ok. This is my feel good place when i am sick or feel sad or just want a good pho. I like to good home an put it all together in my favorite Bowl for pho an sit an watch tv. I love how they always think of the customer but hey if the owner ask no dogs inside pls respect that because some people dont like animals around when they eat but you can ask if you can sit near the door an see if they will let you. I personally dont like dogs in the restaurant it makes feel like it isnt clean. Trust me, i know dogs are cleaner sometimes then people it was how i was raise on the farm. No dogs or cats at the table but would i do it at home oh yeah because that is my house an no one tells what to do there but me. So with that said the pho is always good i call it in an pick up an go home to enjoy. Yes, I have sat down an ate an it was very nice an peacefully there that when i left i was calmer than when i when in, hey we all have bad days but that day i left with a full stomach an a smile . yes there is other wonderful items to eat like chicken sandwich an house lo mien.
Saffron Thai
3737 India St B, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
I wish that I still loved this place. Since Sui Mei sold it, the quality of the food has gone down hill substantially. For the life of them, they CANNOT COOK CHICKEN. The chicken in every single dish I have had has been both tough AND flavorless. Even the dipping sauces have lost flavor. The Sweet Pepper sauce is now a lightly flavored sweet-tart, that makes Panda Express seem Michelin-star-worthy. They killed the Southern Thai curry which was a revelation of flavors not often seen together. Even the salad rolls are now flavor-light and reminiscent of a bad airplane salad. The Brain Food was one of my favorites - it had light and subtle flavor that pleasantly seasoned the kale, which can overwhelm a dish, while enhancing the sweet potato notes with spices and a little heat. Now it is pretty much a bland sweet potato-kale casserole with all the flavor of a Sprouts freezer TV dinner. I wish they had someone in their kitchen who knew what the food was supposed to taste like. Unfortunately thats not whats happened.While the former owner was a most unpleasant woman - I personally saw her scream and throw food at her staff, dress them down and humiliate them (on more than one occasion) and holler at customers who displeased her - she developed many incredibly delicious recipes. I only wish the new and very nice owners could have preserved her recipes and flavors better than they have. I used to go there despite the owner and now I only go when I forget how disappointing the food is. Alas...
Moms Pho & Grill
10645 Tierrasanta Blvd # F, San Diego, CA 92124, United States
PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGY BEWARE!I write this review because I hope that Moms Pho & Grill takes other patrons food allergies seriously and understands that serving nuts to someone with a severe nut allergy could be life threatening.My 7 year old son has a severe nut allergy. I ordered him the vermicelli bowl with egg rolls and grilled beef. I had asked for the peanuts on the side and an extra bowl.We were celebrating with a party of 10. The servers brought all the orders to the table except my sons order. When two different staff members came to the table to check on us, we let them know that we were still missing one more item. The server confirmed which item was missing. About ten minutes later, she returned to say that the kitchen put peanuts on the order and was going to remake the order without peanuts. While waiting for the order, the server brought the side of peanuts, placed it on the table, and apologized that there would be a further delay. When the bowl was delivered, it was placed in front of me. I took some of the vermicelli, an egg roll, and some beef slices and placed it in the extra bowl to give to my son (who was sitting at the opposite end of the table from me). For some reason, my instinct made me feel something was off (the delay in the order, maybe the tone of the servers voice?) but I moved the other slices of the beef and there were peanuts under the beef slices. We immediately took the bowl away from my son who thankfully had not started to eat.My son did not eat dinner. My husband and I spent the car ride home listening to him and his sisters talk about the what ifs that could have happened if I had not found the peanuts, the order had been placed in front of him, he would have eaten the food...my kids live in fear of having a bad reaction to an allergy, the need to use the Epi-pen, and going to Radys ER.Because we were dining with other guests and celebrating a birthday, I did not bring this to the attention of the server until the end of the meal when my kids and other guests already exited the restaurant. The server knew what I was going to say. She apologized and said that she had talked to the kitchen about this before (as if this issue has happened on other occasions). I told her that my son has a severe nut allergy and that it is reasons like this that I need to carry two Epi-pens with me. I told her how dangerous the situation could potentially could have been. She understood the dangers and said she would speak to the kitchen about this AGAIN.Although I trust that the server will tell the kitchen staff my message, I should have asked to speak to the kitchen staff and the owner or manager who felt it was ok to not completely remake a dish when a patron requests peanuts on the side. I had trouble sleeping that night thinking about whether or not I should write this review. I write this review in hopes of saving a life. I hope this restaurant listens and makes important changes. People with severe food allergies please be aware that until this restaurant takes every patrons request seriously, you need to be careful of what you eat in this restaurant.
Ph Ca Dao & Grill
11808 Rancho Bernardo Rd #100, San Diego, CA 92128, United States
A Flavorful Journey to the Best Pho Spot in San DiegoMy recent visit to Phở Ca Dao & Grill was nothing short of delightful. Having heard rave reviews from friends and scouting through glowing recommendations on Google, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure, and boy, was it worth it!Arriving just past the lunch rush at around 2 pm on a Saturday, we were greeted by a bustling atmosphere, indicative of the restaurants popularity. Despite the crowd, parking was a breeze, nestled conveniently in a shopping center. A short stroll from the parking lot was a small price to pay for the savory goodness that awaited us.The only hiccup in an otherwise smooth experience was the initial slower-than-usual service. The older gentleman who seated us seemed preoccupied, but once our waitress took charge, everything fell seamlessly into place. Within moments, we were sipping on refreshing glasses of water and perusing through the menu.Now, lets talk about the star of the show – the Pho. We opted for the No.2 Steak and No.12 Chicken Pho, and let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations. The aroma alone was tantalizing, and the first spoonful confirmed what all the hype was about. The meats were tender, the broth rich with flavor, and every ingredient perfectly balanced. Its hard to articulate the sheer delight that comes with each slurp of noodles and savory broth.As we relished every bite, it became evident why this spot has garnered such acclaim. The quality of the food speaks for itself, and coupled with the reasonable prices, its a win-win situation for any food enthusiast.In retrospect, the minor hiccup with service paled in comparison to the culinary delight that followed. So, if you find yourself craving a hearty bowl of Pho in San Diego, [Pho Spot Name] should undoubtedly be at the top of your list. Trust me; the flavors are worth the wait and the short stroll from the parking lot. After all, a satisfying meal is best enjoyed with a side of adventure!
Ph Ban Mai Restaurant
8991 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, United States
I was visiting my family in San Diego and they wanted to meet up at Pho Ban Mai in Mira Mesa. We usually go to a different Pho place down the road but, to be honest, I wasn't sure I'd like this place because of the low reviews.I was quite surprised to find I really enjoyed the food here!Pho Ban Mai is nestled within the same plaza where Rite Aid, Boiling Crab and Seafood City are located. It was a little hard to find because the signage wasn't as visible.We were seated quickly but we had about a dozen family members and we were split into separate tables. Note: This restaurant is not made for large groups; however, the staff were accommodating and made it work.Because of the smaller group seating, the orders were placed by table number. For example, there's a QR code which launches their menu and you would place your order from there. It's pretty cool actually. But if you're someone who does not have a smart phone, you'll be ordering the traditional way through a server and, from our experience, the language barrier was a challenge.We ended up placing 3 group orders due to our split tables but we were able to ask to pay on one big check.A few things we ordered from our table:* Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (Vermicelli with Grilled Pork and Egg Rolls) - This is great for sharing. The dish itself is plentiful and you have your carb, protein, and veggies. This came with an egg roll, which is filling on its own.* Grilled Pork with Broken Rice - This came with a side of pickled veggies and a perfectly rounded scoop of steamed rice. I believe you get the option of fried rice or steamed rice but we opted for the latter. The taste was delicious!* Pho #1 - House Special Noodle Soup - It's just standard that we order the first pho option whenever we go to a Vietnamese restaurant. The broth had a good flavor and it wasn't oily.* Beef Steak Cubes with Fried Rice and Salad - Bo Luc Lac is a family favorite. The beef cubes are always tender and juicy and comes on a sizzling hot plate. It's perfect served over steamed rice. And the nuoc cham (fish sauce) flavors the dish with a sweet and salty umami.Overall, everyone enjoyed the food. Ordering was a little chaotic but we were able to get that settled quickly. I'm glad we gave this place a shot - the ratings are low but I guarantee you, you'd be surprised how good it is here! You won't know til you try it!