Why These Restaurants Have the Best Vietnamese in Texas 🍜🌟

Hidden kitchens crafting magic from simple bites and Southern vibes 🍜✨

By Margaret Schwegmann
Asian FoodAustinBlogHoustonRestaurantsSan AntonioTexasVietnamese
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Texas’ Vietnamese food scene is a vibrant playground of bold flavors and unexpected delights.

Front view of a large red bridge on a highway over a body of water.
Photo by Juan Nino

From steaming bowls brimming with soul-soothing broths to crispy bites that crackle with freshness, these spots turn meals into adventures. Welcoming vibes meet lively energy in spaces that feel like a warm hello—perfect for newcomers craving authentic tastes with a Texas twist.

A plate of grilled pork garnished with cilantro and with vegetables and a small bowl of sauce on the side.
Rice with Grilled Pork, Photo by Melody C.

🥢 Old Saigon Cafe 🥢

Houston’s Old Saigon Cafe isn’t just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed adventure 🍜🎉!

Five spoons of creme brulee on a white plate.
Creme Brulee, Photo by Ashley M.

This spot slings Vietnamese classics with bold twists, from broths that hug your soul to rolls so fresh they’ll make you cheer 🌟.

Crave crunch? They’ve got it. Need noodles? Oh, they’ve got noodles. Pull up a chair and let your chopsticks do the happy dance 🥢🦀.

A bowl of pho, a plate of fresh vegetables, and a plate of spring rolls with a bowl of sauce on it.
Photo by Requel P.

Food Highlights

  • Old Saigon Pho: Tender brisket, meatballs, and a broth so rich, you’ll debate licking the bowl. Reviewers swear it’s the best outside LA.
  • Shaken Beef Vermicelli Bowl: Juicy beef meets tangy-sweet sauce over rice noodles—a textural party in your mouth.
  • Spring Rolls with Real Crab Meat: Stuffed with mango, crab, and herbs, dipped in peanut sauce? Yes, please.
  • Fried Coconut Shrimp: Crispy, coconut-kissed shrimp that’ll have you side-eyeing fries forever.
  • Artichoke Pho: A veggie-forward twist with seared artichoke hearts—unexpected, unforgettable.

Atmosphere

Walk into a clean, breezy space where staff greet you like family 👋.

Booths line the walls for cozy chats, while managers zip around ensuring every bite’s a win. Outdoor seats? Perfect for people-watching Houston’s hustle. Bonus: Free crème brûlée bites post-meal 🍮!

Why It’s One of the Best in Texas

Chefs here don’t cut corners—broths simmer for hours, herbs are garden-fresh, and even the tofu converts meat lovers. It’s quick, friendly, and somehow makes a parking-lot strip feel like a Hanoi hidden gem.

Two spring rolls standing up on a plate with two bowls of sauce and another spring roll lying down.
Shrimp Old Saigon Rolls, Photo by Jenny S.

Address: 6383 Westheimer Rd Suite B, Houston, TX 77057

Phone Number: +1 (832) 668-5270

🥢 Pho Van 🥢

Craving a flavor explosion that’ll teleport you straight to Hanoi? Pho Van in Austin delivers big bowls of joy, crispy bites, and smiles faster than you can say “phở-king delicious!” 🍜🍲🤴✨

This spot rebounded from a car-through-the-wall saga with a glow-up so chic, even the noodles are jealous.

A Banh Mi sandwich.
Banh Mi Thit Nuong, Photo by Diane T.

Food Highlights

  • Fresh Spring Rolls (A1): Stuffed with shrimp or grilled meats, these translucent gems dunk into peanut sauce like they’re starring in a snackable rom-com.
  • Fried Egg Rolls (A2): Crunchy pork-packed tubes that crackle louder than a TikTok trend—pair with fish sauce for maximum drama.
  • Pho Tai (N1): Rare steak slices swim in a broth so rich, it’s basically beefy liquid gold. Regulars swear it cures everything.
  • Bun Bo Hue: Spicy, porky, and loaded with thick noodles—this soup kicks blandness to the curb. 🌶️
  • Banh Mi Sandwiches: Crusty bread hugs lemongrass-marinated meats. Pro tip: Add a drip of Sriracha for extra sass.
  • Ca Phe Coffee: Iced, sweet, and stronger than your ex’s WiFi password.
Grilled pork spring rolls with a bowl of sauce and a plate of fresh garnishes.
Grilled Pork Spring Rolls, Photo by Julia L.

Atmosphere

Post-remodel, the space is sleek meets cozy—think wood accents, lavender LED glows, and tables spaced for juicy gossip. Servers zip around like caffeinated ninjas, refilling waters before you even blink.

Why It’s One of the Best in Texas

Consistently killer pho, vegan-friendly options, and a family-run vibe that feels like a hug. Plus, where else can you slurp noodles in a spot that survived a car crash comeback?

Address: 8557 Research Blvd #120, Austin, TX 78758

Phone Number: +1 (512) 832-5595

🥢 Pho Kim Long 🥢

San Antonio’s Pho Kim Long slings bold flavors and vibrant vibes in a spot that’s equal parts cozy and buzzing. 🍜🌟

A close up of a bowl of pho, with slices of meat, red onions, and scallions.
Pho Dac Biet, Photo by Jando S.

With a menu that dazzles from banh mi to broths, this Olmos Park gem turns first-timers into regulars faster than you can say “extra Sriracha.” 🥖🌿🥟❤️

Food Highlights

  • Grilled Pork Banh Mi: Crunchy bolillo rolls stuffed with caramelized pork, pickled veggies, and cilantro—a $3.50 steal that’s riotously flavorful.
  • Rare Steak Pho: Silky rice noodles in an aromatic broth with tender beef slices—a classic that’s comfort in a bowl.
  • Vegan Pho: Rich, herb-infused vegetarian broth with tofu and fresh veggies—proof that plant-based can pack a punch.
  • Crab Rangoons: Crispy wontons oozing creamy filling—fried perfection for sharing (or not).
  • Vermicelli Bowls: Chilled rice noodles topped with grilled meats, herbs, and tangy nuoc cham—a refreshing crunchfest.
Shrimp, fried spring rolls, crushed nuts, fresh vegetables and vermicelli in a bowl.
Vermicelli Bowl, Photo by Marisa P.

Atmosphere

Blacked-out windows and dangling chandeliers give mysterious speakeasy vibes, while leafy green walls and booth seating keep it laid-back. 🌿 Expect a lively lunch crowd, friendly servers, and a soundtrack of clinking spoons and sizzling woks.

Why It’s One of the Best in Texas

Pho Kim Long nails the balance between authentic Vietnamese staples and crowd-pleasing twists.

A plate of fried spring rolls.
Cha Gio Tau, Photo by Jando S.

The broths simmer for hours, the banh mi could rival Saigon’s, and vegan options don’t skimp on flavor. Add generous portions, wallet-friendly prices, and a vibe that’s unapologetically fun, and you’ve got a must-visit for Texans and travelers alike.

Address: 4230 McCullough Ave Ste 2, San Antonio, TX 78212

Phone Number: +1 (210) 829-8021

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