Christoff.ai

Huong Viet

restaurants•
London
London

Huong Viet

94 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AA, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Curtain Road, Huong Viet might not look like much from the outside, but this family-run Vietnamese spot harbours a secret weapon: Executive Chef Do Minh, Forbes-nominated in 2019, who's been perfecting his craft for over two decades. With pho broths that simmer for 8+ hours and prices that won't break the bank, it's become my go-to when I'm craving authentic Vietnamese without the Shoreditch markup.

Huong Viet: Shoreditch's Unassuming Vietnamese Gem with Forbes-Nominated Pedigree

Where authentic pho meets surprising value in the heart of trendy EC2

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you'll find a cozy, modern Vietnamese space that strikes the right balance between authentic and accessible. The compact seating arrangement creates an intimate feel, though this becomes a double-edged sword during peak hours when tables are at a premium. The bustling kitchen sounds and aromatic environment immediately transport you away from the trendy Shoreditch streets outside. What I particularly appreciate is the genuinely welcoming atmosphere - this is a space that feels equally comfortable whether you're dining solo, bringing the family, or settling in for a late-night meal with friends. The modern Vietnamese decor doesn't try too hard to impress, instead focusing on creating a relaxed, unpretentious environment. It's refreshingly LGBTQ-friendly and family-oriented, which isn't always a given in this part of London. The energy level sits comfortably in the middle ground - lively enough to feel vibrant but not so intense that conversation becomes a challenge.

Food & Drink

The food here is where Huong Viet truly shines, and Chef Do Minh's expertise is evident in every bowl. The signature pho broths are the real deal - rich, complex, and clearly the result of that 8-hour simmering process. These aren't the watery approximations you'll find at some Vietnamese chains; they're deeply flavourful and authentic. The house-made Saigon spring rolls are another standout, showcasing the kitchen's commitment to doing things properly rather than taking shortcuts. The menu spans traditional Vietnamese cuisine with particular strengths in lemongrass chili dishes and jasmine rice specialties. What impressed me is the thoughtful inclusion of both halal and vegan options alongside the traditional offerings, making this genuinely inclusive without compromising on authenticity. The generous portions mean you're getting proper value, and the kitchen maintains consistency even during busy periods. The classic Vietnamese coffee rounds out the experience nicely, though the beer and wine selection, while present, isn't the main attraction here.

Service & Experience

The service at Huong Viet embodies the friendly, attentive approach you'd hope for from a family-run establishment. Staff members like Philip provide genuinely helpful personalized recommendations rather than just going through the motions. There's a warmth and authenticity to the service that matches the food - you get the sense that the team genuinely cares about your experience rather than just turning tables. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to guide you through options, particularly helpful given the range of dietary accommodations available. Service remains consistent even when the restaurant fills up, though you might wait a bit longer during peak hours given the compact space and popularity.

Value for Money

With mains ranging from £10.90 to £14.95 and set menus for two around £20.95, Huong Viet represents exceptional value in an area where you can easily spend twice as much for half the quality. The generous portions mean you're genuinely getting your money's worth - this isn't one of those places where you leave hungry despite the bill. The 8.8/10 rating on TheFork reflects what locals have discovered: authentic Vietnamese cuisine at prices that make sense. When you factor in the Forbes-nominated chef's expertise and the quality of ingredients, particularly those slow-simmered broths, the value proposition becomes even more compelling. It's rare to find this level of authenticity and expertise at such accessible prices in Shoreditch, making it a genuine gem for students, families, and anyone seeking quality without the premium.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive at 5:30pm to secure a table before the dinner rush hits - the compact seating fills up quickly after 8pm. Weekday lunchtimes (11am-3pm) offer a more relaxed experience, while weekend evenings require patience or advance planning.

What to Focus On

Start with the signature Huong Viet Pho to experience those 8-hour simmered broths at their finest. The house-made Saigon spring rolls are essential, and don't overlook the lemongrass chili dishes which showcase the kitchen's expertise with traditional flavours.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The restaurant offers delivery via Uber Eats, but the pho experience is infinitely better when consumed fresh and hot in-houseLate-night dining is available with extended hours on weekends - perfect for post-drinks sustenanceThe set menu for two at £20.95 offers the best way to sample multiple dishes while maximizing value

The Final Verdict

Huong Viet succeeds because it focuses on doing Vietnamese food properly rather than chasing trends or inflating prices to match its Shoreditch postcode. Chef Do Minh's Forbes-nominated expertise translates into genuinely authentic dishes, particularly those exceptional pho broths that justify the visit alone. The compact space and peak-hour crowds are minor inconveniences when weighed against the combination of quality, authenticity, and value. This isn't a place for impressing dates or conducting business meetings, but it's exactly where you want to be when craving proper Vietnamese food without the premium. The inclusive approach to dietary requirements and genuinely welcoming atmosphere make it a neighborhood asset that happens to serve some of London's best pho.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Vietnamese food enthusiasts seeking authenticity over ambianceStudents and budget-conscious diners who refuse to compromise on qualityFamilies and groups looking for generous portions and inclusive dining options

Quick Details

1

Huong Viet

⭐️ Forbes nominated
🌿 Halal vegan
🎨 Shoreditch value
🌙 Late night
⭐️ Lgbtq friendly

Forbes-nominated Executive Chef Do Minh brings 20+ years of Vietnamese cooking expertise to this Shoreditch gem, where rich pho broths simmer for hours and house-made spring rolls arrive perfectly crispy. The halal and vegan options don't feel like afterthoughts - they showcase the same attention to authentic Vietnamese techniques that makes the traditional dishes shine. Generous portions at £10.90-£14.95 create exceptional value in trendy Shoreditch, while the 8.8/10 TheFork rating reflects consistent quality that keeps locals returning. The cozy space buzzes with energy from the open kitchen, where aromatic lemongrass and chili dishes fill the air with authentic Vietnamese street food scents. Late-night dining availability makes this perfect for post-pub Vietnamese cravings, and the LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone to experience proper Vietnamese hospitality.

What's Great

✓ Forbes-nominated chef crafts rich pho broths with 20+ years expertise

✓ Generous portions at £10.90-£14.95 create exceptional Shoreditch value

Keep in Mind

× Compact seating gets tight during peak hours, especially after 8pm

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 5:30pm to secure table before dinner rush and try the signature Huong Viet Pho with 8+ hour broth

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Wed: 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm\nThu: 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm\nFri: 11am-3pm, 5pm-12:30am\nSat: 11am-12:30am\nSun: 11am-11pm"
📍94 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AA, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7739 0007
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Huong Viet has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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