The Top Vietnamese Restaurants in Orlando, Florida

I served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in 1970 so it is always seems a little funny to talk about Vietnamese food with respect to United States culture, but that is one of the good things about man's history; moving toward the positive.

When we're talking about food, however, the last thing we want to do is take time to listen to the writer's take on philosophy; we want food; right?

We are looking for the best five Vietnamese restaurants in or around Orlando, Florida. Orlando is big, eclectic and popular so it shouldn't be too hard to find five top Vietnamese restaurants and, it isn't.

Perhaps the name that comes up the most from residents and visitors alike is the Little Saigon Restaurant located at busy 1106 Colonial in Orlando, Fl 32803-4636. The restaurant is open seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dress is casual and the prices are unusually reasonable; you won't spend much money for a standard meal.

Examples are "Com Tom Xao Ot" whish is Sautéed Shrimp with onions and peppers over rice for just $5.95 and "Com Ga Xao" which is Sautéed Chicken with onions over rice and only costs $5.50.

Probably the best comments have to do with service. Apparently the staff keeps the general public away from dishes requiring an acquired taste. Also, the decorum is wonderful with massive fish tanks offering a quiet environment even when busy.

Pho Hoa Resataurant is actually a popular chain serving standard, more expensive chicken and pork fare. Despite the fact that it is a chain, it still brings in nearly a five-star rating. It is located at 649 North Primrose drive in Orlando; the phone number is (407) 895-6098. From the name you can deduce further Asian influence.

Saigon Gourmet Restaurant is ranked about third by locals and it is reported that menu items are under $10. The restaurant maintains about a 4.5 star rating and is located at 150 Alafaya Woods Blvd.in Orlando the phone number being (407)-977-1818. It serves both general Asian and specifically Vietnamese food. It is interesting to see the use of "gourmet" in the restaurant's name because that does indicate American marketing.

I could not get menu information on Vinh's Restaurant but, it is apparently number one in the area so it must be worth visiting at 1231 E.Colonial Drive, Orlando and can be reached by phone at (407) 894-5007. It does suggest that entrees are between $10 and $15 per meal.

The final restaurant is Lac Viet Bistro which is located at 2021 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando and their phone number is (407) 228-4000. This restaurant also purveys dishes at between $10 and $15 per entree. What makes this restaurant unique is the fact that it also has French dishes.

When you are looking for top Vietnamese restaurants if you find a "key list" you really o.k. because most food is going to be inexpensive and virtually all dress codes will be casual. It helps to think in terms of Vietnam's history having had to fight the French, Chinese and us that their food will have different influences and that will often be indicated in the name.

References:

http://orlando.citysearch.com/profile/2380483/orlando_fl/little_saigon_restaurant.html
http://www.littlesaigonrestaurant.com/
http://local.yahoo.com/info-14112271-pho-hoa-restaurant-orlando
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/26/303227/Oviedo/Oviedo-restaurants/Saigon-Gourmet.html
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/26/302064/Orlando/Colonial-restaurants/Lac-Viet-Bistro.html