Maelynn L.
Yelp
Xinh Xinh Bistro is located towards to Eastern Side of Portland, near the Hawthorne area. It is known for their comforting and finest Vietnamese food you will find in Portland. Walking in, yes, it is a bit small, however it is such a hidden gem in Portland. If you want some homemade Vietnamese food in Portland, this is the spot to go. They have items ranging from Banh mi, pho, rice plates, vermicelli, and great appetizers. I got their Sesame rice balls, Vegan Hue Spicy Soup, Steam buns (jack fruit), and their Vegan rice plate. All of these items were so delicious and comforting, it reminded me of home.
If you don't know what Bun Bo Hue is, it's basically more of a spicy noodle soup and translates to hue beef noodle soup. I got their vegan hue soup which comes with tofu and other ingredients you typically see in bun Bo hue. Their vegan hue spicy soup was very robust and spicy. I like how they can make a vegetarian version of it because well, not many places do that. It has a nice spicy, salty, and filled with great umami flavors. I also do like the noodle texture and typically, these noodles are a bit thicker compared to pho noodles. I like the strong lemongrass being present as well as every bun Bo should have. Overall, great noodle soup I recommend.
My favorite item I recommend the most would be their vegan rice plate! I can't believe I was eating bbq tork because it tastes like bbq pork. The tork I believe is just shredded tofu and it absolutely tastes like actual bbq pork. I love the smokey flavor of the tork and it also gives a nice chewy texture as well. I also loved the steam buns with jackfruit. Jackfruit mimics pulled pork in a way because it has a bit of a sweeter flavor and the "pork is more shredded." I liked how the jackfruit complements well with the carrot and fresh herbs. The steam bun was fluffy soft and wasn't too hard. It was almost like a pillow.
Overall, this was great Vietnamese comfort food that I loved and will cherish! The staff was great and this is just comforting Vietnamese food you must try in Portland. Make sure you come here because this bistro spot is awesome! They even have another Vietnamese spot called Tangy kitchen which I went to as well.