Washington, D.C., is renowned not only for its historical landmarks and museums but also as a diverse culinary destination where you can find flavors from around the globe. If you’re seeking authentic and delicious Vietnamese cuisine in the U.S. capital, explore this list of must-visit restaurants and eateries. Prepare for a memorable culinary journey!
Exploring Vietnamese Flavors in Washington, D.C.
Vietnamese cuisine is increasingly beloved worldwide, and Washington, D.C., is no exception. With its cultural diversity and a large Vietnamese community, the city offers a rich array of Vietnamese dining options, from traditional pho to flavorful bun cha and delicious banh mi.
Top Vietnamese Restaurants in Washington, D.C.
1. Pho 14
You can’t talk about Vietnamese food without mentioning pho, and Pho 14 is one of the most famous spots in Washington, D.C. With its rich broth, soft noodles, and fresh beef, a bowl of pho here will warm anyone’s heart.
Bowl of Pho at Pho 14
- Must-Try Dishes: Pho bo tai (rare beef pho), pho ga (chicken pho), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).
- Address: Eden Center, Falls Church (near Washington, D.C.).
2. Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha)
Although not directly in Washington, D.C., if you have the chance to visit Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant former President Obama visited. Their bun cha is famous for its fragrant grilled pork, sweet and sour dipping sauce, and fresh vermicelli noodles. It’s an unforgettable culinary experience!
3. Banh Mi DC Sandwich
Banh mi is a popular Vietnamese street food, and Banh Mi DC Sandwich brings the authentic taste of Vietnamese banh mi right to Washington, D.C. With a crispy baguette, cold cuts, pate, herbs, and pickled vegetables, each banh mi here is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
- Must-Try Dishes: Banh mi thit nguoi (cold cut banh mi), banh mi ga nuong (grilled chicken banh mi), banh mi xiu mai (meatball banh mi).
- Address: Multiple locations throughout Washington, D.C.
4. Com Nha Restaurant
Com Nha Restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy Vietnamese family-style rice dishes. With a diverse menu ranging from com suon nuong (grilled pork chop rice) to com ga kho gung (ginger chicken rice), you’ll find familiar and comforting flavors just like home.
Com Nha Restaurant exterior
- Must-Try Dishes: Com suon nuong (grilled pork chop rice), com ga kho gung (ginger chicken rice), canh chua ca loc (sour fish soup with snakehead fish).
- Address: Adams Morgan area, Washington, D.C.
5. Queen Bee
Queen Bee is a restaurant famous for Central Vietnamese specialties. It’s renowned for its crispy banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), flavorful nem lui (lemongrass pork skewers), and rich bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup). The cozy and friendly atmosphere creates a comfortable dining experience.
- Must-Try Dishes: Banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), nem lui (lemongrass pork skewers), bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup).
- Address: Clarendon area, Arlington (near Washington, D.C.).
6. Little Viet Kitchen
True to its name, Little Viet Kitchen offers a cozy and intimate space like a small kitchen in Vietnam. The menu here focuses on traditional dishes, prepared meticulously and delicately.
Little Viet Kitchen interior
- Must-Try Dishes: Goi cuon tom thit (fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork), ca kho to (caramelized fish in clay pot), rau muong xao toi (stir-fried water spinach with garlic).
- Address: Dupont Circle area, Washington, D.C.
7. Hai Duong Restaurant
Hai Duong Restaurant is one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in the Vietnamese community in Washington, D.C. It’s famous for its fresh and diverse seafood dishes, from tom nuong muoi ot (grilled shrimp with salt and chili) to flavorful lau hai san (seafood hot pot).
- Must-Try Dishes: Tom nuong muoi ot (grilled shrimp with salt and chili), lau hai san (seafood hot pot), goi ca trich (herring salad).
- Address: Eden Center, Falls Church (near Washington, D.C.).
8. Pho Dakao
Pho Dakao is a pho restaurant famous for its clear and sweet broth and chewy noodles. The restaurant offers various types of pho, from pho bo tai (rare beef pho) to pho ga (chicken pho), catering to many tastes.
Bowls of Pho at Pho Dakao
- Must-Try Dishes: Pho bo tai (rare beef pho), pho ga (chicken pho), pho cuon (fresh pho rolls).
- Address: Seven Corners area, Falls Church (near Washington, D.C.).
9. Rice Paper
Rice Paper is a modern Vietnamese restaurant with a youthful decor and creative menu. It’s famous for its fresh and beautifully presented rolls, from traditional goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) to unique vegetarian rolls.
- Must-Try Dishes: Goi cuon tom thit (fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork), cuon diep (betel leaf wraps), bun thit nuong (vermicelli noodles with grilled pork).
- Address: Penn Quarter area, Washington, D.C.
10. Huong Que
Huong Que is a cozy family-run restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared according to family recipes. It’s famous for its flavorful canh (soups), kho (braised dishes), and xao (stir-fries) that evoke the taste of home.
Huong Que Restaurant storefront
- Must-Try Dishes: Canh chua ca loc (sour fish soup with snakehead fish), thit kho tau (braised pork with eggs), ca dieu hong chien xu (crispy fried tilapia).
- Address: Bailey’s Crossroads area, Falls Church (near Washington, D.C.).
Conclusion
Washington, D.C., is not only a political center but also a fantastic culinary destination, especially for those who love Vietnamese food. From traditional pho to flavorful bun cha and delicious banh mi, you can find authentic Vietnamese flavors at many restaurants and eateries throughout the city. Take the time to explore and enjoy these wonderful dishes for a memorable culinary experience in Washington, D.C. Bon appétit!