Where to head for the best Vietnamese dishes in Edinburgh

Look, we know shopping in Edinburgh is hungry work – we get it. But next time you’re satiated with Edinburgh’s elite shopping centre, St James Quarter, head on upstairs to Pho – launched in 2005 after its founders fell in love with Vietnam after travelling to the hotspot. While it’s a chain, it’s rarely rivalled for its fresh, authentic flavours and affordability. 

Its menu is giant, gracing starters like spicy salad rolls and chicken wings; as well as Vietnamese pancakes (a must-have) – a savoury, rice paper pancake with tofu, plant-based ‘chicken’ or chicken and prawn. Then, follow up with curry noodle soup – perfect for those who can’t choose between pho or a rice dish – or vermicelli noodles, served with fresh herbs, beansprouts, veggie spring roll and peanuts, with a lemongrass and chilli wok-fried topping. For this dish, noodles are served at room temp – just like in Vietnam itself, apparently. Veggies and vegans, unite! Pho’s ‘prawnless crackers’ are a thing, too – and we’re *very* here for it.

Located right in the heart of Edinburgh, and nestled in its historic railway arches near Waverley station, The Banh Mi Bar is a cult icon amongst foodies for a reason. Decorated with 500, handmade origami birds, the sandwich bar wanted to make fresh, tasty and simple Vietnamese food accessible to all – and my, hasn’t it succeeded. This is more than a simple sandwich, but a culinary delight. 

Opt for its ‘Fishy One’ with hot smoked salmon, wasabi mayo, pickled beetroot and avo; or its ‘Next Level Vegan Banh Mi’ with vegan bacon jam, sriracha, smoked seitan, picked veg and cashew nut cheese – all served on a crusty French baguette. Its environmental efforts are impressive too, with the Bar sourcing only compostable packaging from ethical sources, and have a ‘five cup buy back’ where a customer will receive a coffee on the house in exchange for five used compostable coffee cups (from anywhere!). Then, the Bar ensures full decomposition of used cups in its commercial composter. A true hidden gem in Old Town.

The word ‘sen’ translates from the Vietnamese to ‘lotus’, Vietnam’s national flower – but Sen Viet proves its commitment to the country’s delights and traditions in its food offering, as well as its name. Sen Viet uses the lotus flower as a key ingredient in its cooking, too. Sourcing many of its other ingredients locally, with Scotland as its wild and rich doorstep, Sen Viet is a delight – especially for vegans. Opt for its crunchy coconut peanuts or lotus root chips to start, while you peruse its extensive vegan menu, choosing from ‘Street Food’ style dishes, or ‘Home Comforts’. We fancy its salt and pepper tofu, with a super fresh papaya salad, followed by wok-tossed tenderstem broccoli, and lantern curry – a dish of taro (a root veg), sweet potato, lotus root, tofu, broccoli and mixed peppers.

Vietnamese cuisine in an art gallery? Sign us up! If you’re looking for a cosy cafe and some culture on your lunch break, without breaking the bank, then Vietnam House Cafe is the one. Offering a range of traditional Vietnamese food, tea and coffee, the Cafe also has beautiful and original Vietnamese paintings for sale. It’s quirky and higgledy-piggledy, but no frills certainly doesn’t mean no thrills. Every authentic Vietnamese dish is on offer here, including banh mi, noodles, curry, pho and, of course, crispy spring rolls. Settle into a comfy seat, and sip at a coffee or hot broth, marvelling at Vietnamese culture and tradition.