Viet Hoa looks like nothing special at first sight. The storefront has a simple sign, and it only has basic chairs and tables inside.

However, Viet Hoa has remained a favourite among foodies despite the restaurant’s simplicity. It has an extensive menu of Vietnamese food, all cooked in the most authentic way possible.

It’s common to find restaurants of foreign cuisines customise the recipes to fit the local taste, but that isn’t the case here. 

That’s always a good sign in my book, and it’s safe to say Viet Hoa is a great way to experience the original flavours of Vietnam in Perth.

Viet Hoa has been open for over four decades now, and I’ve been a constant visitor throughout the years. Their roast duck dishes—mi vit quay or co’m viet quay—remain to be a crowd favourite.

You can go for safer options such as different kinds of pho or laksa, and they won’t disappoint. Each dish is priced between $16 and $18, which I think is fair given their large serving sizes.

Unfortunately, the quality of their customer service is not the same as their food. Some diners complained the wait staff isn’t approachable, and others didn’t like that service tends to be slow.

I can attest to the latter, which is why I tend to avoid Viet Hoa during the lunch or dinner rush. You can, however, make a reservation in advance or opt for takeaway.

As you may guess from its name, Pho Thanh Dat is popular for its pho. What I and many diners like best about this restaurant is that they have different kinds of pho, some of which may not be what you consider traditional pho.

For instance, they have steak pho with the option to choose wagyu beef—at a premium, of course. If you prefer not to eat red meat, you can choose pho with chicken breast.

Their beef pho dishes are more popular, and I recommend that you choose from their beef selection as well. This is because their beef is often served with just the right doneness for pho.

I appreciate how they have vegan options for pho as well. Instead of meat, it’s served with mushrooms, tofu, and mixed vegetables, and you can choose between spicy or non-spicy soup.

Pho Thanh Dat only occupies a small space, and it does get full quickly especially during the lunchtime rush on weekdays. On some days, you may find a queue.

This also affects service, with food arriving later than usual. It’s also possible that food may not arrive hot on your table because of the rush.

You can send your food back and ask for it to be reheated, but this will delay service even more. It won’t be the best option if you’re already hungry.

Thus, I suggest you come in for dinnertime when the place is less hectic. It also allows you to enjoy the interior, which is quite cosy with the wooden accents and splashes of green from the houseplants and paintings.

If you’re looking to grab a quick bite for lunch, Le Vietnam is where you must go. They’re a small French Vietnamese cafe that prides itself on high-quality banh mis and the best Vietnamese coffee in town.

Their space is small and can only seat a few groups. They do have outdoor seating, but it’s not the best option especially as the sidewalk tends to be noisy with passersby, and you may find pigeons flying around.

My preferred way of enjoying their food is actually by ordering a banh mi and Vietnamese coffee for takeaway. Service is often quick even with people queuing, and their banh mi is always served hot.

Of course, nothing beats the traditional banh mi recipes like three-meat combos or roasted pork. But what I like about Le Vietnam is that they also offer modern takes on banh mi such as bulgogi pork and even vegan options like avocado and tofu!

I’ve yet to try a single banh mi of theirs that I didn’t find delicious, so I encourage you to try something new here. 

Their Vietnamese coffee is another crowd favourite, which is priced at an affordable $5. Their banh mis go for anywhere between $10 and $14, which gives you a good lunch option on a $20 budget.

However, they are only open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. 

You may catch them at pop-up events around Perth, which you can find announcements for on their social media pages.

You may be looking for a fancier place to enjoy Vietnamese food. In that case, Chopsticks Viet is a great option with its crystal chandeliers and large dining space.

This extra luxury comes at an added cost in their menu items, but they do have banquet items and beverages by the pitcher for large groups. Their individual servings are pretty substantial and can easily be shared by two.

Additionally, they’re also suitable for large groups because of their extensive menu. While their specialties are the shaking beef and broken rice, you’ll also find other favourites such as pho, hot pot, vermicelli noodles, and even tom yum!

I also appreciate how they have a kid’s menu with fish and chips and chicken nuggets. While these aren’t Vietnamese dishes, it’s a good option to have especially if your child is a picky eater.

They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options, which ensures that no one in your group will feel left out.

As mentioned, they are on the expensive side with some menu items going up to $40. This could have been fine considering their large serving sizes, but unfortunately I find their food quality to be inconsistent.

I’ve dined here multiple times, and I found that the exact same dish can be served with different qualities. Unfortunately, it seems all down to luck as to whether you’ll get high-quality food served to you.

Their higher prices aren’t worth their subpar service either, with the wait staff lacking hospitality. Other diners have noticed this as well and said the staff didn’t attend to their concerns.

Last on our list is Phi Yen Vietnamese Restaurant, which is another good pick for large groups. They have a large dining space, and while the setup is quite simple, it contributes to a casual, relaxed ambience.

If you’re dining in a group, I encourage you to pick the tables with the Lazy Susan to make it easier to share dishes. You can also call ahead to request special setups, especially if you’re a group of ten or more.

What makes Phi Yen perfect for groups, however, is their extensive menu. They have multiple items available under each category, and you can even request the staff to accommodate special dietary needs.

If you require this, it’s better to call ahead to make sure that they can make the necessary arrangements. They can make gluten-free options or remove food you are allergic to, although this depends on the dish.

They do have a drinks menu as well, although I find it to be a tad expensive with wine at $10 a glass. You can choose to BYO wine, which I think is a better deal for the $6 corkage fee they charge per bottle.

As for food quality, it tends to be a hit or miss. Some menu items like their spring rolls and chilli pepper squid are exceptional, but others are subpar.

That said, I don’t recommend you get their pho, which is not worth the price at $17 a bowl. While the serving is pretty large, you can find better pho for much less from other options on this list.