Vinh Phat

This place has changed location sometime between the original post and my visit this evening. It is now abut 1113 W Argyle, right on the main drag.  

Initially I was a little surprised that they didn't have Pho---but their Duck BBQ rice noodle soup was great to try nonetheless, although it was a little over-peppered and the BBQ element was lost in the broth. My mom got the chicken and vegetable stir-fry which was simple, fresh and really nicely cooked.  We also shared their spring rolls, which came with a really great peanut sauce.  It seems like if you are the mood for Vietnamese stir-fry, this is the place to go.  The best part though was their coffee with condensed milk--delicious.

I have now eaten barbecue pork from Sun Wah, Hop Kee, and Vinh Phat -- VP was the priciest at $7.00/pound but also the best. It's on par with Sun Wah for flavor but unlike Sun Wah, I actually got lots of meat and not just fat and gristle. (Maybe it was the luck of the draw at Sun Wah?) Hop Kee is the lowest price and good ratio of meat:fat but I felt their bbq flavors did not meld together as pleasingly as SW or VP.

I also got a pork belly banh mi here that was pre-wrapped. The pork belly itself was awesome, and the sandwich contents (cilantro, peppers, etc) were up to par. The baguette, however, was stale :( maybe you have to get 'em made fresh? Like, it's cheaper than Ba Le, and it's still a really good sandwich because omg pork belly. I will try again, no doubt.

I came there today for my lunch. It was terrible place to come. The food was old and dry!!! I decided to throw my lunch to trash can after I saw rats running on the floor. TERRIBLE!!!!!!