"This women-owned and family-run Vietnamese kitchen started out as a food truck before going the brick-and-mortar route in Takoma Park. Muoi Tieu, which means “salt and pepper,” specializes in fresh spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, rice vermicelli noodle bowls, sizzling crepes, and hearty pho. Home-cooked favorites include banh beo (small steamed rice cakes), braised pork belly, and fried branzino with a savory ginger nuoc cham. If there’s room for dessert, don’t skip the Vietnamese flan or steamed banana cake. They also serve beer, wine, and sake." - Claudia Rosenbaum