East Side Review: Vietnamese Cuisine

This week my dining partner and I visited a restaurant more different than our usual reviews: Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant. You guessed it; it’s a restaurant that serves Vietnamese food! It is tucked just behind Putt-Putt next to Kitchen Affairs on Vogel Road.

Entering, we were immediately enthusiastically greeted by the waitress, and presumably co-owner. At the time, only one other customer was there, but through our meal several more came to dine-in and get carry-out. The restaurant is plain, yet comfortable. The walls are decorated with various framed artworks particular to Vietnam, as well as two small murals. There are plenty of tables and booths, but not over crowded. Though I did notice several space heaters out in the open, which threw me off a bit.

The menu is broken down primarily into noodle, rice, or specialty dishes. I enjoyed that since it helps making your choice easier when you are not very familiar with this style of cuisine. Most entrees are of one of several flavorings: ginger, lemongrass, or curry. We started with spring rolls, which were stuffed with shrimp, pork, lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, and mint served with a peanut sauce for dipping. These were very much enjoyed, in part because they were so refreshing. I chose the Bun Tofu Xao Chay: sliced tofu over noodles and mixed vegetables, on the side came a tart sauce to pour over it. I found the flavors to be too much for me, I think in part due to the sauce poured over it and strong emphasis on the lemongrass. However, I have tended to find that I am not one who very fond of Southeast Asian food in general; therefore, I won’t totally rule it out for others who may enjoy these flavors. My dining partner decided on the Ga Xao Xa Ot, which is sliced chicken served with saut’eed lemongrass and vegetables next to rice. Unlike me, he greatly enjoyed his dish and scarfed it down.

I most enjoyed the service as opposed to the food, while he really enjoyed the food. I can say my dislike of the food stems from my inability to eat the food of Southeast Asia, therefore I don’t hold it against the restaurant, since I’m sure those who enjoy this region’s food will enjoy these flavors. I must mention the excellent prices: large plates and bowls each for $6.99, and 2 spring rolls for $3.50. Also the service was excellent, and the food came out freshly prepared in a very timely manner. While I won’t be going back because of my personal tastes, I do support fans of this regions food to go try it out if you haven’t already.

Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant is located at 4602 Vogel Road. (812) 491-1884. Tues-Thurs, Sun 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9pm, closed Mon.