Vung Tau Ii - Milpitas

My favorite dish has changed over the years—the Hu Tieu Nam Vang Kho, which has recently been updated to Hu Tieu Ba Nam Sadec Kho due to its delicious crispy shrimp crackers. Both dishes feature clear, slightly chewy noodles topped with their special pork sauce, small pork meatballs, sliced pork, shrimp, chives, a small bowl of salty broth, and a side of fresh vegetables. The key difference in the dishes is that one includes several regular shrimp, while the other boasts a large jumbo shrimp along with roasted shrimp crackers. In recent years, the prices at the restaurant have risen significantly, and Vung Tau in general is one of the pricier options for Vietnamese cuisine, especially for a Vietnamese establishment. Interestingly, their prices are similar to those of "Vietnamese for American" restaurants, which are typically the most expensive. During my last visit to NorCal, I noticed that Vung Tau II was slightly cheaper than Vung Tau I, with Hu Tieu dishes priced at $6.95 rather than $7.95. However, be aware that they add an extra charge for “kho” dishes, which isn’t mentioned on the menu. In terms of service, Vung Tau II unfortunately falls short. My family has dined at many restaurants, so we're quite familiar with the typical migration of restaurant staff, but Vung Tau II seems to have some of the least experienced workers. I usually order the same dish, but there have been instances where they mix it up with someone else's order or forget to make it “kho.” It’s important to be very clear when placing your order. If you end up sitting near the restrooms, you might find yourself overlooked, so I recommend asking for a seat in the main dining area where you’ll be more visible. Parking during lunch and dinner can be challenging due to its proximity to an Asian grocery store (Lion) and several surrounding restaurants and shops. Overall, I give Vung Tau II four stars because I truly enjoy the food, despite the challenges that come with it.