Where to eat Vietnamese in London

With various locations in London, Banh Mi Bay has made a name for itself with its signature Vietnamese sandwiches – baguette, fresh herbs, and filings such as spiced roast pork belly, or lemongrass beef – but it’s not just banh mi on offer. You can also enjoy pho, vermicelli noodle salads and all manner of classic Vietnamese dishes at this popular spot.

Cay Tre is adored by the throngs of revellers, creatives and media types that populate Shoreditch every night of the week and on the weekends you may find yourself having to queue. But it’s worth the wait because the restaurant’s signature pho is the perfect pre- or post-drinking fortifier, hence the Cay Tre’s popularity in one of London’s most hectic party zones.

If you find yourself in the Battersea/Clapham area you have to visit the much-loved Mien Tay which has been thrilling locals with its authentic Vietnamese food since 2018. If you fancy being a little adventurous, err away from the usual dishes and try the grilled quail or stir-fried goat, or even the frog's legs. Like many of the restaurants on this list, Mien Tay is a great place to enjoy cheap Vietnamese food in London.

The UK’s largest Vietnamese restaurant chain was started by two British travellers who fell in love with the food on a trip to the country. Everything is cooked fresh on site and apart from the namesake dish there is a plenty to choose from, with salads, curries and more, all reasonably priced. Pho is a high street Vietnamese with pedigree.

This Hammersmith restaurant was started by two cousins after a trip to their homeland opened their eyes to Vietnamese regional cuisine. Did you know for example that pho originates from the north of the country? Pho District promises healthy, regional Vietnamese cuisine, with an extensive menu of classic dishes, with some surprises too.

This neighbourhood Vietnamese restaurant in Crystal Palace, South London does beautiful big warming bowls of pho, a tasty selection of dumplings and lots of other Vietnamese treats. The vibe is casual and laid back – after eating take a short stroll around the area and enjoy some of the best views of the city (Crystal Palace is one of its highest points).

You could pick almost any of the restaurants on Kingsland Road's ‘pho mile’ and have a great meal, but Song Que is one of the most popular Vietnamese restaurants in London. Diners love the canteen-style set-up, while the pho is an essential dish to try. Some say Song Que makes the best pho in London – try it out for yourself.

Located in the Arcade Food Hall, which is packed full of tasty food options, Viet Populaire specialises in banh mi. At Viet they make three: a breakfast banh mi with fried egg, a tofu version and a classic with roast pork. If you’re looking for a Vietnamese restaurant in Central London and have a craving for banh mi, this is your spot.