Vietnam Cafe

I had just moved to Auckland from LA so this place was my first «ethnic» experience here. We did a take out of a curry, a vermicelli bun, and fresh and fried spring rolls. The food was delish, and well priced. I’m still adjusting my taste buds to Kiwi standards but I would go back to this place. Also there is a big Asian super market across the street which is a big perk.

This restaurant has been my family’s favourite for as long as I can remember. It’s peculiar for a North Shore family to willingly travel so far for a bite to eat, but that’s a reflection on how good the food is here. Heck, when I was little we saw former prime-​minister David Lange eating here and my dad had a chat to him — I think that tells you everything you need to know of the awesomeness that is Vietnam Café.
Now take everything I say with one qualifier — this place is a hole. It’s in a dingy old building which looks in dire need of a clean and a paintjob. It doesn’t have any discernible décor apart from a mirror on the back wall. Parking’s a bit of a bitch. The toilets should be avoided at all costs. But man, all that is totally outweighed by the standard of the food which was and still is the best of any Vietnamese restaurant I’ve visited in Auckland. The phở is always perfectly done, the pork spare ribs are tasty, and haiananese chicken is a favourite dinner of mine. If you like good honest Vietnamese cuisine, you won’t find many better than this if you can stomach the lack of décor.
The presence of a Hansan in my neighbourhood as well as local night markets have meant my visits here aren’t as frequent as they used to be, but when I do you know you’re in for the best.