Where to go for Vietnamese food in Manchester

Once upon a time, Ancoats was known as Little Italy due to its reputation for serving pizza, pasta and all things European. These days, Little Vietnam would be a more accurate description, with numerous Vietnamese eateries lining Oldham Road, as well as Chinatown. Many of these venues revolve around pho, the national dish of Vietnam that’s healthy, hearty and truly good for the soul. From zingy summer rolls to fragrant noodle dishes, the Asian cuisine is increasingly popular in Manchester as many venues try to replicate the lively atmosphere of a Vietnamese night market. We’ve rounded up the best cafes, bars and restaurants serving both authentic staples and contemporary takes on Vietnamese dishes.

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Located on the popular Cutting Room Square, Nam is a bright and airy venue serving a menu of healthy Vietnamese dishes by day, before transforming into a bustling bar and entertainment space come evening. Unlike the more traditional eateries on this list, the venue is distinctly contemporary, with leafy houseplants, modern soundtrack and baby pink menus. From fresh summer rolls to steaming bowls of pho, the food menu ticks off all the staple dishes, while also offering a contemporary twist – it’s the only Vietnamese in town taking on the formidable roast dinner! The Vietnamese-style roasts are the star of the show on a Sunday, where the meat is served with the likes of goi salad, savoury doughnut and signature pho broth, slowly reduced over seven hours into a rich and fragrant gravy.

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Originating from the South Manchester suburbs of Northenden, Mi & Pho is a family-run restaurant serving a full menu of colourful and comforting dishes. It now has a permanent second home in Escape to Fright Island, the popular cultural hub with foodie traders, pop-up bars and a whole roster of live entertainment. The outdoor space even has the atmosphere of a night market in Vietnam, where punters can choose from bowls of noodles, soups and curry, all cooked before them using the freshest ingredients. With influences from the length of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, the food offering is on the traditional side, ranging from spicy soups to chargrilled meats.

Following a successful stint at the popular Arndale Market, Viet Shack opened the doors of its first restaurant in 2018 to serve fresh Vietnamese food with an international twist. Instead of serving heavy plates of noodles, the menu here centres around the traditional Vietnamese concept of ‘do nhau,’ or ‘drinking food’ – small plates designed for sharing over a beer with friends. Perfectly capturing the buzzing atmosphere of a street market, the restaurant is noisy and colourful, with bright decor and the sound of sizzling grills. Since the food offering is more tapas-style, you can sample the lesser known dishes of Vietnamese cuisine, such as sticky pork ribs and steamed rice dishes, alongside Asian-inspired takes on loaded fries and burgers.

Opening a Vietnamese restaurant in the middle of a national lockdown may not seem like the brightest idea but Pho Cue rode the wave on the pandemic to become one of Chinatown’s greatest success stories. By using the power of Instagram to tout the cheeky name and mouthwatering share boxes, the eatery has gained a legion of fans with its delicious and budget-friendly menu. Lovingly crafted from recipes passed down through the generations, the pho here is a fragrant broth brewed for 24 hours, topped with everything from oxtail to roast duck, and finished with a mountain of fragrant herbs. There are also several original dishes, such as the Vietnamese Tacos, a modern twist on the traditional savoury pancake, and delicate soft shell crab, tossed in moreish salt and pepper seasoning.

Pho and food aside, Vietnamese coffee is a huge part of the country’s cuisine. While Manchester is home to many Vietnamese eateries, Ca Phe Viet is the only cafe to specialise in the signature coffee. Prepared using a special filter called a phin, the creamy drink is made using beans imported directly from Vietnam with condensed milk to sweeten it up – it’s then served either hot or over ice. To accompany your caffeine fix, Ca Phe Viet also serves several Bahn Mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich piled high with cold cuts, crunchy vegetables and heaps of coriander. And if you do fancy a bowl of pho – don’t worry, that’s on the menu too.

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