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Ngon Ngon

restaurants•
London
London

Ngon Ngon

144 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DP, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Clerkenwell Road, Ngon Ngon has quietly earned its stripes as one of London's most authentic Vietnamese spots, boasting a 4.6/5 TripAdvisor rating that places it at #556 out of nearly 20,000 London restaurants. This isn't your typical flashy central London eatery – it's the real deal, serving proper pho with legendary broth alongside generous portions that won't break the bank.

Ngon Ngon: Clerkenwell's Authentic Vietnamese Haven with Legendary Pho

Where proper Vietnamese flavours meet central London convenience

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Ngon Ngon and you'll find yourself in a refreshingly unpretentious space that strikes a lovely balance between cozy and casual. The picnic-style seating arrangement creates an immediately relaxed vibe, whilst warm lighting and lush greenery decor prevent it from feeling too cafeteria-like. It's the sort of place that manages to feel both classy and completely unstuffed – perfect for everything from a quick solo lunch to a proper group dinner. The energy level sits comfortably in the middle ground, lively enough to feel sociable without being overwhelming. With its group-friendly layout and romantic enough lighting for date nights, it's genuinely versatile. The space feels authentically Vietnamese rather than designed for Instagram, which frankly is rather refreshing in this part of London. You won't find cutting-edge design here, but you will find that rare thing in central London – a restaurant that prioritizes substance over style without sacrificing comfort.

Food & Drink

The food at Ngon Ngon is where this place truly shines, and their claim to fame – authentic pho with legendary broth – is absolutely justified. Their pho varieties, including duck, rare beef, and spicy prawn, range from £7.95 to £12, and the broth quality is genuinely exceptional. Beyond the signature pho, their banh mi at £5.50 represents excellent value, whilst vermicelli bowls at £7.95 offer satisfying alternatives. The menu extends to spring rolls, shaking beef, Hanoi fish, and proper Vietnamese iced coffee at £4. What sets Ngon Ngon apart is their commitment to authentic flavours and fresh ingredients – this isn't fusion cuisine or watered-down versions for British palates. The portions are notably generous, particularly impressive given the central London location. Their Vietnamese coffee and Saigon beer complete the authentic experience. The kitchen clearly understands traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques, and it shows in every bowl. This is pho as it should be – rich, complex, and deeply satisfying.

Service & Experience

The service at Ngon Ngon embodies the relaxed efficiency that the best casual restaurants achieve. Staff are consistently described as friendly, and the no-rush dining experience they provide is particularly welcome in an area where many restaurants try to turn tables quickly. The approach is refreshingly laid-back – you can actually enjoy your meal without feeling pressured to leave. However, there's a significant practical consideration: they don't offer online booking, which means you'll need to call ahead during busy periods. This old-school approach can be frustrating, particularly given how popular the place has become. The service style matches the casual atmosphere perfectly – attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely welcoming to both regulars and newcomers.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Timing is crucial at Ngon Ngon. They're open Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and closed Sundays and Monday Bank Holidays. The restaurant can get very busy during peak times, so avoid the obvious lunch and dinner rushes if you want a more relaxed experience.

What to Focus On

Start with their legendary pho – any variety will do, but the duck and spicy prawn versions are particularly noteworthy. The banh mi at £5.50 offers exceptional value for a quick bite, whilst the vermicelli bowls provide a lighter alternative. Don't skip the Vietnamese iced coffee at £4 – it's proper stuff and pairs perfectly with the meal.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Call 020 7278 8888 at exactly 11:30am for lunch or 5pm for dinner reservations to skip the queueThe generous portions make this perfect for sharing – order slightly less than you think you needTheir Saigon beer is the ideal accompaniment to the pho, particularly the spicier varieties

The Final Verdict

Ngon Ngon succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: serve authentic Vietnamese food in comfortable surroundings without the premium pricing you'd expect in central London. The legendary pho broth lives up to its reputation, the portions are genuinely generous, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for various occasions. Yes, the no-booking policy can be frustrating, and the decor won't win design awards, but these feel like minor quibbles when you're tucking into a proper bowl of pho that costs under a tenner in Zone 1. It's earned its impressive ratings through consistency and authenticity rather than flashiness.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

pho enthusiasts seeking authentic Vietnamese flavoursgroups looking for affordable central London dining with generous portionsstudents and locals wanting excellent value Vietnamese food near Clerkenwell

Quick Details

1

Ngon Ngon

⭐️ Authentic
🏠 Cozy
⭐️ Generous portions
⭐️ Central london
😊 Casual

The duck pho here breaks every rule you thought you knew about Vietnamese soup. While most London Vietnamese spots stick to beef and chicken, Ngon Ngon serves duck pho that tastes like it wandered straight out of a Hanoi back alley. The Clerkenwell space feels like someone's living room - picnic-style seating, warm lighting, and enough greenery to make you forget you're in central London. Their spicy prawn pho packs serious heat without overwhelming the delicate broth, and the Vietnamese iced coffee arrives properly sweetened with condensed milk. The TripAdvisor recognition (#556 of 19,693 London restaurants) comes from consistent execution of traditional recipes rather than flashy innovation. Portions arrive generous enough to share, though you won't want to.

What's Great

✓ Duck pho variety rarely found elsewhere

✓ Consistently authentic flavors with 4.6/5 rating

Keep in Mind

× No online booking system means calling ahead essential during peak times

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Call 020 7278 8888 at 11:30am sharp for lunch reservations - their pho broth hits different when it's fresh

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM\nSat: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM\nSun: Closed"
📍144 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DP, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7278 8888
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Ngon Ngon 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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