My Canh - San Francisco

Set in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, on the fringe of China Town and North Beach, is My Canh (yelp link). A little Vietnamese restaurant that is holding its own against all the other food options in the area. Their USP -- crab udon, aka Banh Canh Cua!

Yes, udon, and yes, Vietnamese!

Banh Canh noodles, unlike udon, are typically made with rice or tapioca flour (or a mixture of both) instead of wheat flour. The thickness of the noodle however is similar to its Japanese counterpart. And though it is a "noodle soup", the flavors are completely different than Pho. 

The most popular version of this dish, needless to say is Banh Canh Cua (crab), other popular versions include and Banh Canh Gio Heo (pork ham hock).

The Banh Canh Cua at My Canh comes complete with plenty of crab meat -- a treat any time of the year, but especially now, with crab in season and cooler temperatures! The broth, thickened with cornstarch, is silky, and the chopped cilantro adds a freshness to this soup. The flavors so balanced, that you really don't need to add anything to it.

My Canh
(Banh Canh Cua)

Of course their menu goes beyond just Banh Canh, but this is the go to dish at My Canh. So good, and so filling in fact, that we didn't even order an appetizer!

If you are ever in the area, do stop by, I am told they are also open really late. Midnight snack anyone?

Bottom Line:

Price - $
Ambience - Casual
Vegetarian Friendly - No

Merit Vegetarian - Sunnyvale

Vietnamese food is one of those cuisines that seems to easily adapt itself to being completely vegetarian. Sure, fish sauce is a major element in a lot of the flavor, but that is easily avoided.

Merit Vegetarian, just off Lawrence in Sunnyvale, has the entire array of Vietnamese favorites, and everything is vegan! This is our go-to place for Vietnamese food, especially when we are entertaining vegetarian guests.



Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Most things on the menu are really good, but some of our favorites are the Vietnamese Spring Rolls, served with a peanut dipping sauce. As you can see, they are filled with tofu, vegetables and greens and are extremely satisfying.


 



Spinach Tofu Soup

On this particular  occasion we got the Spinach and Tofu Soup, it was light, refreshing, perfect for the second course of our meal. We usually get the spicy noodle soup as an entree, but decided to switch it up. Another absolute must have is their House Special Rice Clay Pot, the dish is cooked and served in a clay pot, the flavors are comforting, and the crispy crust at the bottom of the bowl is a reason to keep eating until it is all gone!

 



 

  

Banh Xeo




In my opinion, one of the all time superstars of Vietnamese cuisine is Bahn Xeo. This simple rice flour based crepe is both comforting and satisfying. Filled with a mix of tofy, bean sprouts and other vegetables, and served with a medley of herbs and other greens, this can be a filling dish. The traditional way to eat Bahn Xeo is to take one of the larger lettuce leaves, add a piece of the Bahn Xeo to it, top with herbs, and desired condiments, wrap, and enjoy!

Now how can something that is so hands on as an experience not be fun?

Oh, and if you saved room for dessert, be sure to try their vegan flan, it is very, very good!

If you are ever in the neighborhood, shopping at Sports Basement, or making a stop at Fry's, be sure to check this place out. I think you will enjoy it.

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes



Thien Long - San Jose

Thien Long is one of many Vietnamese restaurants in San Jose.

What separates them from the others is primarily their Bun Cha Ca La Vong - fish that is delicately seasoned with Vietnamese curry powder, and served on a hot plate atop of a bed of dill and onions. The hot plate causes the dill to wilt, and gently season the fish.

For those of you not familiar with Vietnamese curry, it is much milder than its Asian cousins, and in my humble opinion, has a more balanced flavor profile. However, you judge for yourself. And, if that involves a curry taste off, better make sure I am invited!

Thien Long
Bun Cha Ca La Vong

This dish, meant to be shared by 2, comes with rice noodles, shrimp paste sauce, fish sauce, and in true Vietnamese style with a myriad of herbs and lettuce leaves. As is true of all Vietnamese food, this meal is offers a variety of flavors and textures making it an interesting meal from start to finish.

Not small eaters, we still had trouble finishing the dish, It is really better suited for 3 to 4 people.

If you are not into seafood, they have so many interesting things on the menu. I for one can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes, they all look amazing!

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - No

My Khe - San Jose

Vietnamese food has a lot more than Pho, and rice/noodle bowls. The menu at My Khe (no website, but here is the yelp link), a Central Vietnamese restaurant, proves that.

My go to dish here is Com Hen (Rice and baby clams), a dish traditionally made with mussels and leftover rice. This yummy bowl of clams, comes topped with finely sliced cabbage, green onion, crushed peanuts, sea weed, and a crispy rice cracker. Served along with a side of steamed white rice (or noodles on request), and a bowl of the yummiest, fishiest, and did I mention yummiest sauce.

The idea is the mix in the fish sauce (made with Vietnamese Fermented Shrimp Paste) to taste, break the rice cracker into bite sized pieces and enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors. Without rice, it is a light  salad like meal, add rice and you have yet another texture for contrast and something that will last in your stomach till dinner time.

Fair warning though - do not underestimate the fishiness of the sauce. I suppose you could always use soy sauce instead, but I can guarantee you it just won't be as good.

Com Hen

If I scared you off com hen, there are a bunch of other things to try here! I am sure you have eaten, and enjoyed the fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. Meet a close relative - Bahn Uot. Think of a slightly thicker rice paper wrapper, almost pancake like, wrapped around grilled pork, lettuce, green onions and served with house spam. If you ask me, this is far better than any spam I have ever had before!

Other must try's are the Banh Beo, little bowls of steamed rice flour topped with dried shrimp and fish sauce. A really yummy appetizer.


And since I started this post backwards, I suppose it makes sense that I end it with what to drink. On a hot day, there is almost nothing more refreshing that Soda Chanh (fresh lemon soda), or if you are in the mood for strong, sweet coffee, you can never go wrong with Ca Phe Sua Da (strong vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, over ice).


My Khe
(Bottom L: Bahn Uot, R: Soda Chanh) 



Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - No