Vien Huong Restaurant
Vietnamese restaurant · Chinatown ·

Vien Huong Restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant · Chinatown ·

Teochew-Vietnamese noodle soups, fried rice, and fried noodle dishes

chow jew ho fun
noodle soup
cash only
ho fun noodles
chili sauce
kidney
fried fish cake
parking
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by @TheInfatuation
Vien Huong Restaurant by Al T./Yelp
Vien Huong Restaurant by Andria Lo
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null
Vien Huong Restaurant by null

Information

712 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607 Get directions

$10–20

Order delivery
Usually a wait
Cash only
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch

Information

Static Map

712 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607 Get directions

+1 510 465 5938

$10–20

Features

•Usually a wait
•Cash only
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Trendy
•Good for groups

Last updated

Jan 29, 2026

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@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

How To Spend A Day In Oakland Chinatown: Community Spaces, Restaurants, Shops, & More - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Dig into a bowl of Vien Huong’s beloved chow jew ho fun noodle soup and you’ll uncover another understated thread within the Chinese diaspora. The noodle soup, by way of Vietnam, originates from Chaozhou or Teochew, China (transliterated into “chow jew” by Vien Huong), a region in northern Guangdong province with a distinct culture and dialect separate from the rest of the province. I happen to have Teochew roots myself, and Vien Huong’s take on the noodle soup brings me back to the flavors of my mother’s home region whose diaspora and culinary influence extends across countries like Vietnam and much of Southeast Asia. The thick ho fun rice noodles are submerged in a crystal clear broth and topped with heapings of homemade fish balls, chicken, pork, and liver. Opened in 1983, the second-generation owners have stayed true to their parents’ recipe only adjusting slightly to reflect some changing tastes of their customers. Cilantro? No. Extra fried garlic? Yes. Be sure to grab extra helpings of their chili sauce - their delicious take on the classic Teochew condiment, which brings a pleasant sweet heat to the otherwise delicate flavors of their dishes." - daphne wu

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-restaurants-oakland-chinatown-daphne-wu
@TheInfatuation
Vien Huong Restaurant
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

The Most Exciting San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants That Opened in 2023 | Eater SF

"I visit Vien Huong in Oakland for their noodle soup." - Eater Staff

https://sf.eater.com/2023/12/26/24008698/best-new-bay-area-restaurants-2023
Vien Huong Restaurant
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Vien Huong Restaurant - Review - Chinatown Oakland - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Dig into a bowl of Vien Huong’s beloved chow jew ho fun noodle soup and you’ll uncover another understated thread within the Chinese diaspora. The noodle soup, by way of Vietnam, originates from Chaozhou or Teochew, China (transliterated into “chow jew” by Vien Huong), a region in northern Guangdong province with a distinct culture and dialect separate from the rest of the province. I happen to have Teochew roots myself, and Vien Huong’s take on the noodle soup brings me back to the flavors of my mother’s home region whose diaspora and culinary influence extends across countries like Vietnam and much of Southeast Asia. The thick ho fun rice noodles are submerged in a crystal clear broth and topped with heapings of homemade fish balls, chicken, pork, and liver. Opened in 1983, the second-generation owners have stayed true to their parents’ recipe only adjusting slightly to reflect some changing tastes of their customers. Cilantro? No. Extra fried garlic? Yes. Be sure to grab extra helpings of their chili sauce - their delicious take on the classic Teochew condiment, which brings a pleasant sweet heat to the otherwise delicate flavors of their dishes. photo credit: Andria Lo" - Daphne Wu

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/vien-huong-restaurant
Andria Lo
Vien Huong Restaurant
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Oakland | Eater SF

"You could argue Vien Huong shouldn’t be on this list, since it serves dishes from China’s Guangdong province. But the owners are from Vietnam, and this style of Teochew cooking is really popular in Vietnam. Plus, the restaurant’s name is Vietnamese, so we’re going to say it’s Vietnamese and Chinese. Regardless, noodle soups swimming with fish balls, shrimp, meats, and wide rice or egg noodles are the thing to order here." - Janelle Bitker

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-vietnamese-restaurants-oakland
Al T./Yelp
Vien Huong Restaurant

ahkwai L.

Google
At this location, the fried garlic is served separately—a detail I truly appreciate. I also really enjoy their thin egg noodles, which strike a perfect balance between chewy and tender without becoming overly soft. However, the dish tends to be quite oily, so if you prefer lighter meals, this might not be ideal for you. My usual order is the Number 1 without kidney, with the soup served on the side. I also always add fish cake as an appetizer. The total cost for two regular dishes plus one appetizer comes to $53.75. What I love about this restaurant is how it evokes the authentic flavors of Thailand’s street food, especially the dry yellow egg noodles. While it doesn’t include traditional Thai-style char siu or wontons, the taste remains quite close to home. This well-established Chinese restaurant impresses me with its surprisingly clean restrooms, likely due to my morning visits. Parking can be difficult, as only metered street parking is available. The branch tends to be busy, so clear communication with staff is important. Although there may be a short wait, the service is attentive and friendly.

Marijke Large - S.

Google
Five stars for the egg noodles - bouncy, chewy, homemade. Highly recommend asking for fried garlic to add to your dish. Fast service, great soup!

Xitlalic H.

Google
Don't order takeout, they're very conservative with their portions vs when you dine in. I ordered sparerib ho fun and I didn't have enough broth. Really disappointing

C L.

Google
Always a must stop for anyone visiting the East Bay. This hole in the wall is where you get the best Trieu Chow noodles. They even make their own chili satay sauce that is spicy and flavorful. If you have to try any Chinese noodles in Chinatown, come here and you will not be disappointed. They have something for everyone. This is for the authentic taste buds. Best bowl of noodles in Chinatown hands downs but it’s a tiny location and parking is horrible. Bring cash. Follow me @Only1Christinelu (IG & TikTok) 1.5M on Google

Alice H.

Google
*2/25/2024 I ordered the mixed noodles with both ho fun and rice noodles. The broth is light and clear, and it comes with lots of toppings like chili, sriracha, hoisin, vinegar, and Vien Huong's special chili sauce. There's a mix of meats in the dish—shrimp, fish balls, pork balls, pork pieces, kidney, and your choice of sliced chicken or pork—all served with your favorite type of rice noodles. The homemade chili oil and pickled jalapeños give it a spicy kick, making the flavors really pop. 1/25/2024 No. 21 Chow Jew Ho Fun is a dish featuring shrimp, fish balls, pork balls, pork bits, kidney, and your choice of sliced chicken or pork, all harmoniously paired with your preferred rice noodles. The addition of homemade chili oil and pickled jalapeños provides a spicy burst, delivering that extra kick! The flavorful combination keeps me coming back for more. Venturing into something new this time, I got the fried fish cake. It proved to be incredibly tasty, although the only drawback is its slightly higher price for relatively smaller portions. But, it's definitely worth a try! *Tip: Cash only. 12/27/2023 Vien Huong's No. 21 Chow Jew Ho Fun is a monthly ritual with my friend! Their exceptional chicken broth, light and clear, is unmatched. After trying other places, I keep coming back for its distinct flavor. What makes Vien Huong special is the thoughtful addition of kidney, setting them apart. The dish includes shrimp, fish balls, pork balls, pork bits, kidney, and your choice of sliced chicken or pork—all perfectly paired with your preferred rice noodles. Vien Huong adds a spicy burst with homemade chili oil and pickled jalapeños, providing that extra kick! A flavorful experience that keeps me hooked! *Tip: Cash only. 11/27/2023 No. 21 Chow Jew Ho Fun takes center stage on their menu. This time, I tried their mixed noodles with ho fun and rice noodle. The chicken broth is a light and clear base for their impressive array of condiments such as chili, sriracha, hoisin, vinegar, and Vien Huong's house-made chili sauce. The dish features a generous medley of meats—shrimp, fish balls, pork balls, pork bits, kidney, and your choice of sliced chicken or pork—all served with your preferred type of rice noodles. The homemade chili oil and pickled jalapeños add a spicy burst and extra kick, creating a delightful flavor combination. We also tried their Sauteed Kidney with Ginger Onion, which I really enjoyed and highly recommend if you are not apprehensive about eating pork kidney. The kidney is well-seasoned and flavorful, with a crunchy but not mushy texture. The onions complement the kidney really well, even when paired with the Chow Jew Ho Fun. *Tip: Cash only. 10/23/2023 Vien Huong Restaurant is a hidden treasure. I revisited this place, and it's just as amazing as ever. Their No.21 Chow Jew Ho Fun takes center stage on their menu. The chicken broth is light and clear, giving you the perfect canvas to season to your liking with an impressive array of condiments. They offer chili, sriracha, hoisin, vinegar, and, of course, Vien Huong's house-made chili sauce. This dish is a generous medley of meats, including shrimp, fish balls, pork balls, pork bits, kidney, and your choice of sliced chicken or pork, all served with your preferred type of rice noodles. Their homemade chili oil adds a spicy burst of flavor, and the pickled jalapeños give your meal an extra kick, creating a delightful flavor combination. *Tip: This restaurant is cash-only, so be sure to come prepared. The prices are incredibly reasonable. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is. Not to mention, the service is lightning fast; I can finish my meal in about 15 minutes and be on my way. Parking can be a bit challenging, but it's a minor inconvenience for the fantastic food.

J H

Google
Cash only restaurant that is worth the hurdle! Lunch time is cery busy and the staff hustles and bustles to get you in asap. Food is authentic as it gets. I went with their popular dish - #21 Chow Jew Ho Fun which is also know as Hu Tieu. Pork Broth is clear, savory and rich. Liver is tender and not too irony. Will come back to try other dishes here.

CRYSTAL M.

Google
Great hole In the wall Vietnamese restaurant. I’ve been going for years with my best friend who introduced me to it! The best soup on the menu is #21 hands down

Christopher C.

Google
For those keen on savory Asian breakfast, this Chinese-Vietnamese noodle house in Oakland Chinatown is unbeatable. Though a bit divvy from the outside, the dining room is tidy and the atmosphere authentic — complete with wontons being handmade from the back table. #20. Cambodian Ho Fun: cooked-to-perfection, chewy rice noodles served in light, clean-tasting broth. Topped with pork slices, hand-cut ground pork, shrimp, fish balls and kidney. Garnish to taste with chili sauce and oil, hoisin, and jalapeño vinegar. Personal preference to leave the broth unadulterated (perfect as is!) while making a dipping sauce for the yummy soup toppings. An Oakland gem.
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Will C.

Yelp
Ordered takeout for lunch the other day. I highly recommend calling in or ordering online before picking up. It was my first time and I got their noodle soup with all the meats. It was really good and the amount of food you get was a great deal. It was packed for the lunch hour, but they made our order quickly. The workers were also really nice, helping us get the sauces, and even offering a bag to carry all the sauces in. I'll have to come back and try dining in, but would definitely recommend if you're looking for some hot soup.
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Aly C.

Yelp
===TL;DR=== - #22 Chiu Jew Rice Noodle - #21 Chiu Jew Ho Fun - #5 Sautéed Kidney w/ Ginger Onion ===TMI=== Ohhhmygoodness, let me tellllll you. If I'm ever on this side of town, this place became my "if I have cash on me" place. Almost became a ritual coming here if I have cash on me b/c this place just hits every time. Classic #21 or #22 depending on your noodle preference. I like mine with soup and my bf likes it on the side. The super star is their house made hot sauce and their marinated jalapeño. But proceed with caution as it can get spicyyyyy af.... But in a good way. I'd be tearing up and blowing my nose and still be adding more. Soup base here is amazing and they're always busy. Must visit if you're around! People are here for a good time, not a long time. Oh of course, CASH ONLY!!
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Marlene T.

Yelp
Vien Huong has been my go-to spot in Oakland for as long as I can remember. It's one of those rare places where the food has never changed -- and that's exactly why I love it. The quality has been consistent for over 30 years, and every visit feels like coming home. You'll usually find a line out the door during rush hours, but it's worth the wait. Pro tip: there's a list -- find a staff member and make sure your name's on it! Service moves fast once you're seated. The dishes are flavorful and comforting. I always get my noodles dry, while my husband prefers the soup noodles -- both are fantastic. My kids can demolish the crispy noodles in minutes! And definitely order the fried garlic on the side -- it takes everything to the next level. Whether you're a regular or visiting Oakland for the first time, Vien Huong is a must-try for an authentic, fast, and delicious meal that never disappoints. CASH ONLY!!!!
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Sunnie W.

Yelp
Always a go to after a long night the night before. The teow chew wonton noodle soup is always a 5/5. The soup is flavorful (I usually get it on the side) and you get plenty of shrimp, chicken and pork with your serving of noodles. They speak Chinese and Vietnamese primarily but since it's a well known spot they know enough English to get you through your order. Always get my food with 10 mins. It's a traditional Chinese/Viet fusion restaurant of sorts. Super laid back, but they're clean and everyone there is there for a good filling meal and minds their own business.
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Alyssa Mae L.

Yelp
Neighborhood spot always filled during weekday lunch hour. Partner and I came in on a Wednesday at noon and secured the last open table. We were served hot tea before placing our orders. Service was quick and no-business type. I ordered the #21 and dry, with the soup on the side. Order was essentially a combo with all the possible meat toppings they had. The table had all the condiments necessary to adjust to anyone's liking. Soup was good - light yet flavorful. A solidified local spot. The kind that you want to gate keep since it's already so busy and to stay true to what they serve. Great representation of Oakland's Chinatown culture.
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Lea M.

Yelp
When I think of hidden gems of Oakland, I first think of Vien Huong. Their soups have been a staple of my high school meals whenever I was in town and it's been a while (a few years honestly) since I've last been here. #21 has always been my favorite along with their fish cakes. There are plenty of seating inside the restaurant and the service is pretty quick as they want you in and out because of the demand of their food. If you come here during lunch hours it gets pretty packed. Parking is kind of tough. Cash only.
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Anh T.

Yelp
On a weekday afternoon, this place was filled for lunch! My friend and I were able to get the last seats in this restaurant, but there were several people waiting outside while we were eating. Most waiters at here were speaking either Chinese, Vietnamese, or English, and so it was nice to be able to order in any of these languages. I ordered their assorted fried rice while my friend ordered the beef chow mein. The assorted fried rice didn't have ingredients that I am used to when I see the words "assorted fried rice," but it had fresh ingredients including chicken, pork, tofu, and shrimp. My friend and I were both able to finish our dishes in one sitting, and we were served hot tea with our dishes. While the dishes were slightly more pricey than I expected, I enjoyed my late lunch and am interested in trying their other dishes on a colder day.
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Maria C.

Yelp
Great sized bowl of soup that hits the spot, especially with the chilis and the hot sauce; not too large that you have to take leftovers, and the flat noodles are delicious. The volume of customers is always high, and service is super speedy here to match. Vien Huong is also open really early in the mornings (and on Mondays!) when few other places are. I was recently noting the variety of chairs, which just adds to this place's character. Apart from soup, people seem to also get the birds nest, chow fun, fried chicken over rice, etc... but every time we go it's hard not to order #21 - the chow jew ho fun (without kidney)!
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Helen H.

Yelp
The restaurant opens up early. There was a crowd of people waiting outside the door. We weren't sure if there was a sign up list, until we found a man with a notepad to put our names down. Mainly communal seating, but we got our own table. Cash only. Fried fish cakes are popular, but we went with the sautéed kidney with ginger onion. It was a pricy dish at $24. I enjoyed it though. For my soup, I got the Chow Jew Rice Noodle. The menu doesn't have a description, but I saw photos of it on Yelp. The bowl contained ground pork, sliced chicken, fish balls, pork ball, shrimp, and kidney with flat rice noodles. There was also some bean sprouts and green onions. It hit the spot. I finished all the soup but had enough noodles/ meat leftover for dinner. My bf got the Preserved Orange Skin Duck Noodle, which had a good amount of duck. Overall, a great place for a bowl of noodles!
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Dominic V.

Yelp
I've been coming here since I was a kid and haven't been back in a while. I am happy to say that everything still taste the same. On a random Wednesday morning, even raining, I had to wait a few minutes for a table for 2. That's good food right there. They're famous for their chew chow style noodles, you can get it with soup or dry (soup on the side). I like it better dry. It's very flavorful. Their fried fish cake is also a good thing to get. I normally get some Vietnamese iced coffee with my meal, it's hard to say no. Their prices have changed a lot and keep in mind, they're only open until 3PM and cash only. Parking is ROUGH, so for these reasons is why they only get 4 stars from me. I would come here more if they were open for dinner.
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Jack H.

Yelp
Cash only restaurant that is worth the hurdle! Lunch time is cery busy and the staff hustles and bustles to get you in asap. Food is authentic as it gets. I went with their popular dish - #21 Chow Jew Ho Fun which is also know as Hu Tieu. Pork Broth is clear, savory and rich. Liver is tender and not too irony. Will come back to try other dishes here.
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Jenny L.

Yelp
Best hor fun noodle place in chinatown. Chow Jew noodle is their signature dish. You don't need to order anything else but this when you come here, but please make sure you bring CASH. Like many other Chinese restaurants this is an all cash only place. Smoothest silky hor fun rice noodle. Variety of pork, fish balls and shrimp in your bowl. Tip: It usually comes with kidneys in the bowl but u can ask to remove them and they will substitute with extra pork balls.
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Christine L.

Yelp
Always a must stop for anyone visiting the East Bay. This hole in the wall is where you get the best Trieu Chow noodles. They even make their own chili satay sauce that is spicy and flavorful. If you have to try any Chinese noodles in Chinatown, come here and you will not be disappointed. They have something for everyone. This is for the authentic taste buds. Best bowl of noodles in Chinatown hands downs but it's a tiny location and parking is horrible. Bring cash.
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Cynthia M.

Yelp
Free hot tea. Okay noodles, not salted well so this isn't as great eating dry. Great toppings! Fish balls, ground learn pork, legit! Best part of the meal. Hot sauce: meh, doesn't have enough shallots. You can get free fried garlic but they really need shallots to up the flavor. Not sure if I'll be back, places in Monterey Park just tastes better. Lady at the register shorted me a dollar. So I gave them less than a dollar tip at the table. People at the restaurant at really friendly to non Asians but give meh service if you are Asian. Not sure how I feel about that being so blatant.
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Stella Y.

Yelp
I don't normally prefer to get rice noodles but i wanted to try what they were known for so I got the Chow Jew Ho Fun and was not disappointed! The broth was light but super flavorful and comforting. The noodles were tender and not super oily and delicious with a spoonful of soup. I loved how there's many different things in the soup - shrimp, balls, kidneys, pork, etc and the hot sauce was so good with it! I luckily found cash in my purse as it's still cash only.
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Ethan N.

Yelp
Vien Huong's reputation was already well-established in Oakland Chinatown well before my generation was even an idea and my family has legitimately been eating here for decades. This joint specializes in traditional Teochew-Vietnamese noodles in a true hole-in-the-wall, street food-esque environment, so don't be offended if the service places efficiency over detail. They open at 7:30AM and stop seating/run out of food around 3:15PM every day of the week except for Thursday, so if you get hungry around closing make sure to call in and order for pick up beforehand. Lines can get long but move fast - prepare to share a table with a stranger if you're a smaller party. My default order is the 12, the Chow Jew Noodle, with thin noodles and soup on the side (so I can sip or hydrate my noodles if I'm feeling like it that day). The ingredients are simple and the flavors highlight the natural taste of the proteins with optional spicy dipping sauces. Typically, it comes with sliced and ground pork, shrimp, kidneys, fish balls, and beef balls, but on our most recent visit they ran out of both kidneys and sliced pork and just replaced them with chicken without telling us. This understandably irked my dad, who started muttering under his breath about how they weren't worth the price anymore and how we were never coming back, but in the way you talk about an ex you can't stop going back to. We'll be back soon.
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Dee B.

Yelp
My friend recommended this place and it's good. The soup was flavorful and everything in it. I got a #21 and added that chili sauce which is real good even though it's spicy. Service was quick. Paid for 40 min parking for $1. We ate and still had time to go to bakery and order next door. Will be back again soon
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Meriya S.

Yelp
At this location, the fried garlic is served separately--a detail I truly appreciate. I also really enjoy their thin egg noodles, which strike a perfect balance between chewy and tender without becoming overly soft. However, the dish tends to be quite oily, so if you prefer lighter meals, this might not be ideal for you. My usual order is the Number 1 without kidney, with the soup served on the side. I also always add fish cake as an appetizer. The total cost for two regular dishes plus one appetizer comes to $53.75. What I love about this restaurant is how it evokes the authentic flavors of Thailand's street food, especially the dry yellow egg noodles. While it doesn't include traditional Thai-style char siu or wontons, the taste remains quite close to home. This well-established Chinese restaurant impresses me with its surprisingly clean restrooms, likely due to my morning visits. Parking can be difficult, as only metered street parking is available. The branch tends to be busy, so clear communication with staff is important. Although there may be a short wait, the service is attentive and friendly.

Jan A.

Yelp
Fire bowls and plates can't go wrong with The Town's Finest in China town in Oakland,Ca
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Gino C.

Yelp
Been going here since the 1980's and this place is our go to soup place. Everyone knows VH and I need not add anymore kudos. Drop by and try our favorite Number 12 with egg thin noodle soup in and a side of crispy garlic. Sit anywhere with anyone if you come during peak. I come early and sit on the same spot by the door lol. Add a little hoisin and house made chill paste to the side of garlic as a dipping dish while consuming the broth and you will be hooked. Finish off with ice coffee to go and that garlic taste will disappear. This is my weekly spot.
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Loralyn N.

Yelp
We just moved here and discovered that this was only 10mins from us. We got there around 12pm on Labor Day and waited around 20min. I really wanted some egg noodles, so my bf and I ordered the chow jew noodles with thin egg noodles. The noodles came quite quick and were pretty flavorful. We both ordered soup on the side and that broth was great. Do I wish the noodles themselves had a bit more flavor? Yes, but adding the pickled jalapenos really helped and some fish sauce/hoisin sauce. That's probably why from the start the flavor isn't too in your face. Overall, it was really nice, and we're so happy we're so close to a place like this. I can tell by how busy it was outside that it's very well loved. Looking forward to trying something else! But please remember to BRING CASH! There aren't signs, but this is CASH ONLY!
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John C.

Yelp
Fast service. Plenty of lighting. Food was great. Parking is a challenge in the area.
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Vivian L.

Yelp
I have been coming to VH ever since I was a kid, and still go there without my family today. VH is a hidden gem, if you know you know! Many Oakland natives come here to get their soup fix. It's perfect hangover food too! They also have other options if you're not a big soup person. I often get the seafood chow fun to go, but if I'm dining in I get the chow jew ho fun. Everyone who says prices are unfairly high just don't understand what Oakland Chinatown (and the rest of the bay) is going through -- inflation and wage disparities. VH and a lot of businesses in Chinatown have had to deal with crime, robberies, and more -- but their quality still remains the same. I have witnessed the menu prices increase as expenses increase -- but the food is just bomb dot com. Another note: their chili oil sauce just hits different for some reason!
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Jenny H.

Yelp
Delicious! Service hit or miss, but delicious! Seating is tight so be prepared lol haha
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Hanny Q.

Yelp
Went on a Monday around 1pm and place was filled but the line out the door wasn't too long (got seated around 15-20 minutes). The service is average, we did immediately get asked if we wanted water or tea but no one handed us menus for several minutes and when we tried to flag someone to take our order (or at least notify them that they were ready), we were not acknowledged for another few. After that though, service was fine and they gave our food in a timely manner and later came back to check if we wanted refills on our drink. I usually order my ho fun noodles with soup but this time, I was convinced to try them dry / soup on the side. While the food was still flavorful, I still prefer with soup. The broth was comforting and the noodles were not super oily, which I appreciated. The sliced meat and the meatball were my favorite parts of the dish as they were super soft and tender compared to other restaurants I've dined at. I did overestimate how much I could eat (because I was hungry) and ordered a large bowl, which I had to take to go since I only ate around half before getting full.
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Soo K.

Yelp
If you're from Oakland, you're likely familiar with Vien Huong, a beloved local gem. My family has cherished this restaurant since I was a little girl, and in my opinion, it's one of the best places for noodle soup in the Bay Area. While people may have different views on the atmosphere and service, I genuinely believe their noodle soups are truly satisfying. There's usually a line out the door, especially on busy weekends, but it's worth the wait. Today, I opted for takeout. My go-to order is #12, which features thick egg noodles topped with fried garlic. This dish comes with a variety of meats that change daily, though I usually skip the kidneys. If you're a fan of spice and sauces, this place is definitely for you. They offer chili oil, pickled jalapeños, spicy vinegar, and hoisin sauce--ingredients I love adding to my noodle soup to create a burst of flavor. After mixing the sauces to my liking, I finish it off with extra spicy vinegar and fried garlic for the perfect bite. Also, just a heads up this place is cash only so come prepared!
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Victor L.

Yelp
I came on a Sunday 12:30. Even though the 49er game is on, there was a little wait. The restaurant is busy but efficient. Patrons are coming and going fast. There were about 5 people ahead of us but we got seated within 10 minutes. This is a hole in the wall ambiance but I'm totally OK with that. Staff here speaks perfect English. If rated just for the dry/soup noodles here I probably give it a solid 4 stars, but my friend doesn't eat seafood so he got the duck rice plate and it just didn't do it for him. I watched him eat his lunch in despair and he probably should've ordered their noodles. He could've easily asked for no seafood as I later discovered there weren't much. My trie chau noodles were ordered dry. This is how I like it because they separate the soup. It came with lots of meat that look like pork and what looks like kidneys. Their kidneys were real tender and juicy in a tasty way. I recall only seeing like 1 shrimp and fish balls for their seafood. I usually add jalapeños and these places typically have a sweet soy flavored sauce that you can squirt. The jalapeños here aren't pickled well. The sweet flavored soy sauce I was expecting was a bottle of hoisin sauce. Hoisin is a thick condiment whereas a more liquid sweetened soy can spread the flavors better. The last thing that I feel like it's missing is the pork bone that comes with the soup. The trie chau places I go to in San Jose serve them. I find them integral to a trie chau meal. Did I mistake this establishment for serving trie chau when maybe it's a different dish? They spell it differently but the pronunciation is similar. You be the judge.

Azul C.

Yelp
Everyone should try their Ho Fun noodles -- no frills comfort food for sure! Their coffee is super strong too!
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Susan S.

Yelp
Bombbbb Number 21 soup on the side! Best dry noodle ever -great fast service here! I love it. Super small and cozy! Yet there early or late bestthe lunch rush
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Allison H.

Yelp
My family and I having been eating here for many years. Our favorite is the Chow Jew Ho Fun Soup but today I decided to get it with wonton noodle instead. I enjoy both noodles equally. The pickled jalapeno, hot sauce and hoisin sauce are my favorites to pair with the noodle soup! I normally get take out but this time I dined-in with my friend and I have to say the food is so much better dining in! Highly recommend coming here if you're looking to eat comforting noodle soup. You can also get the soup on the side if you like. And don't forget to bring cash because they only accept cash!

Alice W.

Yelp
We ordered their popular noodle soup #21, Chow Jew Ho Fun, and it did not disappoint. The broth was clear and flavorful with plenty of protein. We also tried it with their chili sauce and vinegar-chili pepper available on the tables, and it added that extra oomph. Just be careful because they are definitely packed with heat! It is cash only, so come prepared and come before noon to avoid a line out the door!
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WonderingCloud C.

Yelp
This is an average mom/pop cash only restaurant. The dishes are basic and simple, but the price is in the high. I ordered three dishes; noodle soup, gizzard with green onion, and crispy noodle. The total came to about $70.

Angela L.

Yelp
I can't help but get the beef soup. The broth is so rich and thick. I wish there were more broth. Lots of noodles!
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Judy L.

Yelp
Food is still so darn delicious after 30+ years. Service is classic family restaurant. Staff have worked there for as long as I remember and everyone is always nice and courteous. Always leave a generous tip to support this Oakland gem. eating here is nostalgic and brings back happy childhood memories. Thank you so much
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Anna C.

Yelp
This place has been around forever and is a must-try in the area. Everything is super fresh and delicious. One of the more popular menu items is the Chow Jew Ho Fun/Rice Noodle. I recommend you try it! It's a bit of a "hole in the wall" place, but the staff are friendly the food is good.
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Jack L.

Yelp
I don't get why this place is so popular... this place always so busy and been around for awhile... the food itself tasted kind of plain. I don't know if people just like it due to nostalgia or maybe there is some special confident combination they use to enjoy it... but I'll pass next time.
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Jade C.

Yelp
Consistently reliable comfort food in a sketchy background...just the way I like it :). The service is quick and efficient, so even if the wait looks long outside we're always seated within 15-20 minutes. Cash only.
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BeFree Y.

Yelp
I come here from time to time. The price per dish has increased again. And the taste worsen from last year. Just not as tasteful as before.
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Alicia A.

Yelp
Finally got to try this place. We came early before 10am. No wait at all. No frills kinda place, metal tables with basket on the side with chopsticks and spoons and condiments. We ordered the beef stew ho fun and the Chiu chow ho fun and a side of fried fish cake. Noodles soups came out pretty fast. The chiu chow ho fun I had it with the broth. The broth was clear wasn't super aromatic but it was good for a cold morning. The beef stew ho fun was ok as well per the partner. Overall, the place was ok for a quick meal. Just glad that I didn't have a wait this time.

Johnny S.

Yelp
Found partial exoskeleton of a roach inside my noodle soup, told the boss cashier about it, dude was indifferent. Did not offer any apologies nor emotions, refunds, nothing whatsoever, not even a single word, just a meh and arrogant attitude, It's as if he already expected his customers to find roaches in their cooked food. Pathetic, never coming back again.
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Nick A.

Yelp
This place is definitely a hole in the wall traditional style noodle restaurant that you may see in Asia. I came in on a Saturday and it was busy with a few people in line at noon. Luckily as a single individual I got seated right away, although I shared a table with 3 other strangers. I ordered the number 12 Chow Jew noodles but with noodles on the side, as recommended by a friend. This was definitely a great tip because the chili oil and sauces that you add don't get diluted by the soup, and the dish tastes better with dry noodles. The service was fast. I was served the dish in 5 mins. Great place to eat at overall but be prepared to wait if you come with a group. Also they are cash only.
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Megan J.

Yelp
Been eating at VH for 15+ years now so it's a pretty nostalgic staple for me. Quality of the noodle soups have been consistent however service has gone downhill tremendously. They're a lot slower and have messed up my final tab multiple times. $8 bowls of noods then vs $15.50 a bowl now. I get the Chow Jew Ho Fun which I believe is #21. I used to come once a week, now I come maybe once a month if that. The restaurant is usually always packed and busy with a small line out the door. Something to keep in mind-- it's said that the owners keep all the collected tips. Employees receive $0. So reconsider the next time you're tipping here.
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Marlee B.

Yelp
Fast service! This place is as forward as it gets. You walk in, you sit, you order and the food comes out quickly & piping hot. The noodles man the noodles! Portion and price is good.
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Sarah D.

Yelp
My friend and I went here and we were satisfied we ordered #21 and #22 the difference is just the noodles. But same broth.. very flavorful and hit the spot. Our wait was 10 mins max. It was good fast service just gotta consider that this place is in China town so hence theres no parking , we walked. cash only so take cash with you. It's packed inside and I share tables with other people. Would go back again
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Audrey T.

Yelp
What a yummy spot in oakland chinatown! All these flavors definitely reminded me of home, with a perfect blend of chinese flavors. The Ho Fun soup we got was so yummy and such a good steal on the price. It was the perfect breakfast, not too heavy or light and it just made me feel like I was at my aunties house. I know they're known for their soup but we also got the fried chicken and rice but it exceeded our expectations. Such a "simple" dish but the salt-egginess and perfectly season friend chicken was almost perfect. It really felt like I was at my aunts house, except this place is so popular so it was a bit crowded! Also be ready to bring cash as well :)
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Kathleen S.

Yelp
The soup was flavorful, without needing any additional condiments. Good amounts of vegetables and meats mixed in with the noodles. Definitely well balanced and filling. Great service and your choice of water or tea. I was greeted right when my friend and I walked in. Lively ambiance at 1 PM lunch hour
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Bee F.

Yelp
it's great -- quick and casual. always busy but they are efficient. get the jew egg noodle with soup or soup on the side. never disappoints. PSA - it's a cash only
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Berna G.

Yelp
VH is a local gem in Oakland Chinatown, they are constantly a full house serving up some the best noodle soups in the bay. My go-to order is the Cambodian Ho Fun with soup on the side. You can call this the ultimate comfort food, rice noodles topped with an assortment of proteins and the steaming hot pork and seafood broth that brings it all together. Each table has a variety of dressings and condiments you can add to dress up your bowl. Around noon, be prepared to lobby around the entrance and wait for a table, but the staff does a great job at cleaning fast as soon as a table is vacant. The staff here is awesome, they're super friendly and will get your orders and beverages ready within minutes. Don't forget that they are CASH ONLY, there is a Chase ATM at the corner across the street. Prices have increased quite significantly due to inflation and supply costs, and portions seem to be smaller as well. Parking is a bit of a challenge, you can find metered street parking or the lot off 8th St.
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Diana L.

Yelp
This place was a high school go to! For a while it was inconsistent but lately the food tastes just as amazing as it did back then! Of course you know we had to order the OG order: #21 soup on the side! They're quick and def not stingy with their sauces like a lot of places now! The place can get busy and lots of moving bodies, but overall, yummm!