One of the most delicious Vietnamese dishes I’ve had recently came from a little strip mall restaurant near East Towne called Viet Town.
That item was the sizzling beefsteak ($19.99), which is typically a breakfast dish. The marinated beef was outstanding. The staff wouldn’t disclose what the marinade was made of, but it perfectly combined salt, sweet and savory. The beef was accompanied by two eggs, some raw onion and a whole banh mi bun, making for a hearty meal.
Other specialty dishes include the steamed rice cakes ($16.99) and the seafood crispy noodles ($18.99).
I also liked the seafood fried rice plate ($18.99). The rice was fried extra crispy in some parts, which brought a surprising and enjoyable crunch. It was mixed with shrimp, tiny scallops, imitation crab and calamari, and while I appreciated the variety, I felt like it could have more of each.
Vietnamese staples also are available. I got the chicken dry noodle pho ($17.99). The noodles and pulled chicken breast came in one bowl, and the broth was in a separate bowl. You can either eat it as-is and consume the soup separately or add the broth to your bowl. Either way, the dish is enjoyable, and the broth was outstanding.
Lastly, I ordered the fried fish cake sandwich ($9.99) because I’ve never seen that variation of a banh mi before. I was disappointed because it was described as having pate and pickled daikon, carrots and jalapeños, but none of that was served on this sandwich. I asked the staff about it, and they said those items were not supposed to be served with this particular sandwich, which was puzzling. At least the fish cake and the housemaid mayonnaise were good.
The traditional banh mi, as well as other variations, are available, too.
Viet Town serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
Tags: east side, Vietnamese
