"Almost 50 years after they first opened, Tú Lan is still serving the same last meal-worthy imperial rolls, huge bowls of phở, and grilled meats over rice and vermicelli. The SoMa Vietnamese spot is pretty straightforward, with just a few seats in the back of their very long dining room, a kitchen where you can see pork sizzling to charred perfection, and quick service that’s efficient without feeling impersonal. The best part? Portions are huge, and you can get in and out for about $15, making a meal here one of the most cost-efficient in the city." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, lani conway