Tasty and cheap food, although if you react badly to MSG, steer clear.

The Venue
Anyone familiar with Kingsland Road will know there is an influx of Vietnamese restaurants crowding the strip – each offering nearly identical menus at similar prices – but of all the restaurants on this strip, only one has a crowd of recommendations on its door. The crowning glory of Kingsland Road is Viet Hoa, the third and most frequented Vietnamese Restaurant on the strip.

The Atmosphere
Fluorescent lighting reveals a huge room packed with tables as large as twenty and as small as three, where two to four staff never leave you too long to decide what you’re eating. The place is sanitary, but not stylish. The staff are exceptionally patient as you attempt to pronounce the name Bung Xa for a noodle dish on the menu. The competitors on Kingsland Road all seem to have identical atmospheres as well – the opposite of cosy – but hey, that’s how you know you’re eating Vietnamese.

The Food
Everything is good, tasty and relatively well priced. However, many dishes on the menu may contain MSG, so those with sensitive stomachs should request their order without. This said, the best dishes are the summer rolls, with tofu, shrimp or chicken, and a garlic and peanut dipping sauce, which are fresh, wrapped expertly in rice paper, and feel healthy. The garlic crab with shells on for a starter is also exceptionally tasty and also the most expensive starter at around £6.00. The vegetable soup is simple, satisfying and cheap.

For mains, the sizzling shrimp (a wonderful combination of ginger, fried shrimp and lemongrass in a gooey sauce) cannot be beat – the moment it comes to a table everyone present feels envious. Have it with coconut rice as a side order. The noodles menu has the delicious Bung Xa, a garlic, peanut and fish sauce dish with vermicelli noodles that is very more-ish. The desserts, on the other hand, taste like they come from a freezer, and aren’t really worth thinking about.

The Drink
There is a nice variety of Vietnamese beers, and the juices on the menu are all fresh squeezed. Carrot and ginger is and interesting combination and the orange juice is foamy and great, especially if drunk slowly and stirred frequently. This may not be the greatest place to drink wine, though there is a wine list, complete with house white and house red. Cocktails aren’t served here, so don’t even bother asking.

The Last Word
While you are at Viet Hoa you will undoubtedly enjoy your food, but if you’re badly affected by MSG you’re best to pace yourself or just ask that it’s left out of your food.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) image gallery (5)