Craving the vibrant flavors of Vietnam? Look no further than Costa Mesa, California, a hidden gem boasting a thriving Vietnamese culinary scene. Forget packing your bags for Southeast Asia; Costa Mesa offers an authentic and delicious experience right here in Southern California. From comforting bowls of pho to crispy banh mi sandwiches bursting with flavor, the city’s diverse selection of Vietnamese restaurants provides something for every palate. This article explores some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Costa Mesa, offering a comprehensive guide to the must-try dishes and hidden gems that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
A Taste of Vietnam: Understanding the Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine, with its rich history and unique blend of influences, is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Originating in Vietnam, the cuisine has evolved over centuries, influenced by Chinese, French, and other Southeast Asian culinary traditions. This rich tapestry of influences has created a cuisine characterized by its freshness, balance, and vibrant flavors.
Key ingredients are the heart and soul of Vietnamese cooking. Fish sauce, a fermented liquid made from anchovies, provides a salty and umami base for many dishes. Rice noodles, in various shapes and sizes, form the foundation for soups, salads, and stir-fries. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil add aromatic complexity and brightness. Lemongrass, ginger, and chili peppers infuse dishes with warmth and spice, while the strategic use of lime and vinegar adds a refreshing tang.
No exploration of Vietnamese food is complete without mentioning a few iconic dishes:
- Pho: Perhaps the most recognizable Vietnamese dish, pho is a flavorful noodle soup traditionally made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime. The broth, simmered for hours, is the key to a truly exceptional pho experience.
- Banh Mi: A testament to the fusion of cultures, banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich featuring a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili peppers. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors.
- Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): These refreshing spring rolls are made with rice paper wrappers filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, lettuce, and herbs, served with a peanut dipping sauce. Goi cuon are light, healthy, and perfect for a warm day.
- Bun Cha: Originating from Hanoi, bun cha consists of grilled pork patties served with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. It’s a delightful combination of smoky flavors and refreshing textures.
- Com Tam (Broken Rice): A Southern Vietnamese specialty, com tam features broken rice served with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal.
Now, let’s dive into some of Costa Mesa’s best Vietnamese restaurants where you can savor these authentic flavors.
Pho Real: Uncovering the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Costa Mesa
Restaurant: Pho 79
Pho restaurants abound in Costa Mesa, but Pho 79 consistently ranks among the best. Located on Harbor Boulevard, this popular spot is known for its consistently excellent pho and friendly service. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior belies the deliciousness within.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the pho. The broth is rich, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, simmered for hours to extract the maximum depth of flavor from beef bones and spices. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the thinly sliced beef is tender and flavorful. They offer a wide variety of pho options, from the classic pho tai (rare steak) to more adventurous options like pho ga (chicken pho) and pho chay (vegetarian pho). Beyond pho, they also serve other Vietnamese classics like banh mi and rice plates.
One Yelp reviewer raves, “This is the best pho I’ve had outside of Vietnam! The broth is so rich and flavorful, and the noodles are cooked perfectly. I highly recommend the pho tai!”
Restaurant: Banh Mi Che Cali
For a quick and satisfying lunch, Banh Mi Che Cali is the place to go. With multiple locations in the area, this chain is known for its affordable and delicious banh mi sandwiches. While they offer a variety of Vietnamese dishes, their banh mi is what truly shines.
Their signature banh mi sandwiches feature a crispy baguette filled with a variety of fillings, including grilled pork, chicken, and tofu. The pickled vegetables add a refreshing crunch, and the cilantro and chili peppers provide a burst of flavor. The sandwiches are generously sized and incredibly affordable, making them a perfect choice for a budget-friendly meal. They also offer a selection of Vietnamese desserts, including che (sweet soup) and Vietnamese coffee.
Many locals swear by Banh Mi Che Cali for their banh mi fix. “I come here at least once a week for their grilled pork banh mi,” says one regular customer. “It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy.”
Restaurant: Brodard Restaurant
A landmark in the Vietnamese community, Brodard Restaurant is famous, if not locally then nationally, for the spring rolls. These aren’t just any spring rolls, the Nem Nuong Cuon are a work of art. Thinly sliced pork sausages, grilled to perfection and wrapped in rice paper with lettuce, mint, and crispy fried spring roll wrapper. This is served with a creamy peanut sauce. You can order just these rolls or a full selection of other dishes from all over Vietnam. They are consistently busy, but definitely worth the wait.
Restaurant: Quan Hy
If you’re seeking a more upscale Vietnamese dining experience, Quan Hy is an excellent choice. Located in a modern and stylish space, Quan Hy offers a sophisticated take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. They focus on using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques to create dishes that are both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful.
Their menu features a variety of Vietnamese classics, as well as more contemporary creations. Highlights include their crispy spring rolls, flavorful lemongrass chicken, and their signature shaking beef (bo luc lac), tender cubes of beef sauteed with onions and peppers.
“Quan Hy is my go-to spot for special occasions,” says one reviewer. “The food is always excellent, and the service is impeccable. It’s a truly memorable dining experience.”
Restaurant: Thuyen Vien Vegetarian Restaurant
A popular vegetarian option in town, Thuyen Vien offers a vast array of vegetarian options including mock meat, noodles, pho and so much more. They have been in operation since the early 2000’s and it’s easy to see why they are still so popular. You can also find fresh Vietnamese desserts here to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Exploring Beyond the Familiar: Venture into New Flavors
While pho and banh mi are undeniably delicious, Vietnamese cuisine offers so much more to discover. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try some less common dishes.
- Bun Bo Hue: A spicy beef noodle soup from Hue, a city in central Vietnam. It’s known for its bold and complex flavors, featuring lemongrass, chili, and fermented shrimp paste.
- Cao Lau: A regional noodle dish from Hoi An, featuring thick rice noodles, char siu pork, crispy croutons, and fresh herbs.
- Banh Xeo: A crispy crepe made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
Tips for Ordering and Enjoying Your Vietnamese Feast
Navigating a Vietnamese menu can sometimes be daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can confidently order and enjoy your meal.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Servers are usually happy to explain dishes and make recommendations.
- Customize your order. Feel free to ask for modifications, such as extra herbs, less spice, or different sauces.
- Experiment with sauces. Vietnamese cuisine relies heavily on sauces to add flavor and depth to dishes. Try adding sriracha, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce to your liking.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases. Even a simple “cam on” (thank you) can go a long way.
Costa Mesa: A Vietnamese Food Paradise
Costa Mesa’s vibrant Vietnamese food scene offers a culinary adventure for every taste bud. From steaming bowls of pho to flavorful banh mi sandwiches and beyond, the city’s diverse selection of restaurants provides an authentic and delicious experience. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on your own culinary journey and discover your new favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Costa Mesa. The flavors of Vietnam await!
