Alfred B.
Yelp
A week or so ago we went along to Viet Hoa for a friend's birthday - even though it has been around quite a few years, I had never been before - and the first surprise was how busy it was. Getting there just after 6PM it was absolutely packed to the rafters - thankfully we had booked - and that never let up over the two hours or so we were in residence - tables were turned over regularly and there was always more than a dozen people clustered at the front counter eagerly eying off the diners in hope someone would leave to free up a table. And I am told it is almost always like this...
Basically a large room, nothing particularly noteworthy as far as décor or design goes, but service was pretty quick especially when taking the crowd and general sense of chaos into account - it's not a place for a quiet meal by any account. The menu is as with many Asian restaurants quite comprehensive and Lady FWO and I were led by the old hands who come along regularly. There was a lot of sharing going on and I didn't get the chance to try it all, but all that I did certainly received good marks for flavours, seasoning and freshness of ingredients.
A couple of starters to get us- fresh rice papers rolls were fine, with well-seasoned and gently flavoured filling.
Then the ubiquitous stuffed chicken wings - very plump, crispy and jam packed with stuffing - up there with the best going around.
Satay fish, in the Chinese rather than Indonesian style, was very good - juicy, succulent fish, a pleasant spice level, good peanutty tones, crunchy and fresh vegetables - all good stuff.
Chicken curry is one of my friend's go to dishes here apparently, and no wonder - again moist, tender chicken pieces in a rich, spicy gravy - more akin to the Malay style curries than an Indian. A well turned out dish.
Chill and garlic king prawns, with lightly cooked prawns, sweet, firm flesh, lovely integration of garlic and chilli - just about the right level of spice for most on the table - being a glutton for chilli I could have had more, but it was very good nonetheless.
Fried tofu with minced chicken and mushrooms was another good production, a lot of finely minced tender chook along with cubes of fried tofu, and nicely pimped up with spice, while mushrooms added a meaty, earthy note. We liked it a lot.
Viet Hoa is a place to head for if you don't mind crowds or high noise levels, but do enjoy a good cheap, well put together meal in a friendly, if bustling environment. They also do a large range of pho for those after a serve of the classic Vietnamese soup.