by Riley Wootten, junior editor
Hidden inside a parking lot, Vietnamese Cuisine boasts an atmosphere in this unique space. This restaurant recently opened and has brought Fairhope a new type of food and culture. Asian artwork and subtle lighting illuminate this quaint city diner in a small town.
Last Sunday, my friend Sadie Claire joined me to try a new potential lunch spot. As soon as we walked in, the hostess welcomed us and gave us a look at the menu along with recommending a few of her favorite items. We took a minute and looked around the shop intrigued by their homemade spicy chili garlic sauce and marble sodas on display. A gentle hum of relaxing melodies surrounded the restaurant creating a leisurely feel. This place delivers a personal connection outside of food and provides a relaxing atmosphere to its customers.
Once we were finished looking through the menu we placed our order at the front table. I ordered the hostess-recommended entree, pork vermicelli and Sadie Claire ordered the chicken Banh Mi sandwich. Along with our meals we ordered the chicken summer rolls as an appetizer to split.
The food tasted delicious. The vermicelli was a combination of noodles, pork, veggies, peanuts and garnishes served with a light sauce that accentuated its bold flavor. Each bite brought a sweet and spicy flavor to my taste buds that kept me wanting more. The Bhan mi sandwich was packed with pickled carrots, pate, chicken, jalapenos, cucumbers and garnish between two toasted buns. This dish looked exquisite and tasted even better as I just couldn’t help but take a bite.
Next we tried the chicken summer roll that was made with rice paper wrapping, rice noodles, lettuce, basil and chicken. This was the perfect appetizer and served as a great alternative to a spring roll as it carries all the same flavor without the fried shell. It was a small dish and only came as a two-piece appetizer, so I would not recommend buying this to split. Our whole meal was refreshing and a unique find in Fairhope.
The service was efficient and the hostess did a great job at accommodating all the customers while being the only front of the house worker. She consistently made sure my glass was refilled and checked up on me through my dinner despite being busy. Not only was she great at customer service but she recommended entrees and was up to date on what was in food and what to avoid or go for based on a customer’s likes and dislikes. I appreciated that since it was my first time trying Vietnamese food.
The overall service was fast, and we were finished eating in around 30 minutes making this spot a perfect place for a grab and go order.
Vietnamese Cuisine offers great food and efficient service for a fair price. The vermicelli cost a total of $13, and the Banh Mi sandwich cost a total of $9.
My meal portion was enough food to take home for another meal. These fair prices allowed me to enjoy two meals for the price of one, and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone trying to save money and eat healthier.
Vietnamese Cuisine has become a regular lunch and dinner staple in my household and it is safe to say that my patronage will continue. I give it 5/5 stars and can’t wait to try a new meal there.
