Dang’s is probably the best Vietnamese joint in BR, but it is way, way out there if you live anywhere near the river, and Drunken Fish is very good with a split between traditional Vietnamese and a really good sushi bar, but the newcomer in the area, Pandan, more than holds its own. Being right next to the college they are all in on the bubble tea fad, and I should have tried one, but it is very difficult for me to pass up an iced Vietnamese coffee and that is one of my markers for Vietnamese places. I was not disappointed.
Maybe it is just the super sweet condensed milk that put it over the top for me, but the coffee base is strong and rich as well and the combination is very, very satisfying and goes well with all Vietnamese food. I went with the pork spring rolls and the pork banh mi on this initial visit and while it took a while to come out I’m pretty convinced it was because they use a parbaked french bread bun and finish it fresh in the oven. Melt in your mouth and the pork in both dishes was hot off the grill which means the spring rolls were also made to order.
I will definitely return to try the rice and vermicelli dishes and the pho. I am also intrigued by the Poor Man’s Noodle Soup. They also offer tea cakes and pastries and on the way out the door I asked about their king cake and they told me it had to be ordered in advance because it came from New Orleans. I will definitely have to get one to start the festivities at the shop!
And here’s a shot of the breakfast menu.
