Last updated on August 5th, 2022 at 08:34 pm
Vietnam is a country with a rich history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and most importantly, some of the best food on the planet. Making liberal use of such fresh and exotic ingredients as lemongrass, long coriander, Vietnamese mint, and bird’s eye chili, traditional Vietnamese cuisine is bursting with flavour and texture.
Traditional Vietnamese cooking culture calls for ingredients to only be briefly cooked to preserve freshness and flavour, with vegetables momentarily boiled or stir fried, and meat quickly cooked to perfection. Broths, pho (noodle soup), and rice paper spring rolls feature prominently, with seafood also playing a big part thanks to the country’s long coastline.
Happily for foodies in the capital, Dublin has seen a number of excellent Vietnamese restaurants pop up in recent years. With a range of restaurants plying their trade, from lavish sit-down dining rooms to friendly and casual food trucks, there is a perfect option for all looking to expand their culinary horizons and tuck into some delicious Vietnamese food.
In this post, we share the best Vietnamese restaurants in Dublin.
Map of Vietnamese Restaurants
The following map shows the location of every Vietnamese restaurant highlighted in this post:
Pho Ta
Named for the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup dish pho, Pho Ta is an exciting and authentic Vietnamese restaurant in Temple Bar in the heart of the city. As its name suggests, Pho Ta’s speciality is delicious, steaming bowls of pho. The dish is made with fresh, handmade noodles and lovingly spiced broth, with a choice of meat including beef, chicken, and prawn.
Also on the menu is bun cha, another classic Vietnamese dish made with pork meatballs. Noodle salads and a variety of other traditional Vietnamese main courses are also available.
Be sure not to miss the delicious dessert options, including traditional Vietnamese yoghurt and mung bean sweet soup with coconut milk.
Location: 6 Cope Street, Temple Bar, Dublin
Website: https://pho-ta.business.site
Saba
The next name on our list is the stylish and luxurious Saba, which operates two locations in Dublin, one on South William Street and one on Baggot Street. Originally established on Clarendon Street, Saba moved to a custom built restaurant on South William Street in 2021, in addition to adding their second Dublin location.
Saba offers a wide ranging menu, featuring beef pho, Vietnamese style curries, and several noodle dishes with chicken, prawns, and tofu.
Saba is also well known for their cocktails, with liberal use of sake providing an Eastern vibe.
Locations: 7 South William Street, Dublin; 22 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin.
Website: https://www.sabadublin.com
Vietnom
Tucked away in the garden of The Glimmer Man pub in Stoneybatter is Vietnom, undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of Dublin’s food scene. This Vietnamese fusion food truck serves up some seriously tasty delicacies, making use of local Irish ingredients where possible.
Not to be missed on Vietnom’s menu is the banh mi, also called a Vietnamese roll or sandwich. A crispy baguette filled with marinated meat and salad leaves, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a cool beer in the pub garden. The noodle salads are also superb and amazing on a warm summer’s day.
Vietnom’s opening hours and more information can be found here.
Location: The Glimmer Man, 14 Stoneybatter, Arran Quay, Dublin
Pho Kim
Set up by second-generation immigrants from Vietnam, Pho Kim has been delighting the people of Dublin with authentic Vietnamese food since 2012. The spacious, beautifully laid out interior of the restaurant charms from the moment you walk in.
The wide ranging menu covers the classics of Vietnamese cuisine, with flavour packed spring rolls in delicate transparent rice paper, jumbo prawns in chilli dipping sauce, and filled rice flour pancakes for starters.
The ubiquitous pho is the star of the mains, with brisket, rare beef, chicken, and prawn options available to go with the noodles and fragrant broth. Mon xao (Vietnamese stir fry) also features, as well as numerous vegetarian options.
Location: 162 Parnell Street, Rotunda, Dublin
Website: https://www.phokim.ie
Aobaba
Aobaba on Capel Street in the city centre is a great spot to enjoy a hearty bowl of pho at a price that’s great value for money. The restaurant is also know for making quality spring rolls.
Aobaba provide a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options alongside the traditional pork and beef dishes. Bubble tea fans should also pick up some great bubble tea here with a wide range of flavours and toppings available.
Location: 46A Capel Street, Dublin
Website: https://aobaba.com
