Vietcafe - Newcastle upon Tyne

I went here on a Saturday afternoon and it was less than half full but soon got busy. I chose a pork Banh Mi and was told that it would take minutes to prepare. Sat at a table that could have done with abit...of a wipe down but it was clean. Food arrived after about minutes. It was very tasty but the bread was very chewy as was the meat but the taste was very authentic.

Beef pho was not nice at all. Precooked meat with tasteless soup. Bean shoot that were put with the meal were all brown (not fresh). Maybe try something else instead if you want to eat there.

This restaurant is in the centre of Newcastle. It is combined with a grocery store on one side. The café is not large, with seats perhaps for people. It is simply decorated. You order and pay at the counter although the food is brought...to your table. The menu is brief, which I consider a good thing in a small establishment as you know the turnover will be fairly rapid. I was the only person eating at pm on a Tuesday evening. Prices are very reasonable and the portions are a good size. I had a portion of Imperial Spring Rolls to begin, two large sausages cut in half, for They came with some dipping sauce and a carrot and lettuce garnish. In Vietnam, the garnish would be more plentiful as you wrap the rolls into the lettuce, as well as various herbs, and then dip the whole lot into a fish sauce. So often in the UK, the accoutrements are overlooked, but I have been told this is because British folk usually leave them and they go to waste. Although reasonably tasty, I fear they had been frozen and brought back to life by some quick deep frying. Although they retained their crispiness, one of my portions had clearly also retained some water and had this dulled the delicate tastes that you usually experience. My main course was excellent (although, again, it did not come with the full range of garnish one would receive in Vietnam, such as holy basil). My beef pho had a wonderfully aromatic clear soup base, tasty strips of beef, flat rice noodles and some vegetables. The bowl was a good size for I am not sure if the café is licenced as I did not see any alcohol but there was a fridge full of soft drinks. I asked for a glass of tap water, which came beautifully chilled.

Right. I never write a nasty review, unless it's unbearable, in this case a very rude behaviour of I believe a Vietnamese guy. But the sad thing is, I don't know if he's working there or not. Saw him in out service area, and...sitting in front of the shop alley, which not a wide area. Some of the food sold in their mini market, lots are only written in Vietnamese characters. As he sat there, I asked him, what is said on the package. I know he spoke Vietnamese language with the rest, so my guess was he could read Vietnamese characters. He looked at me with his unkind face said he doesn't know, and told me to ask others, arrogantly rude. After that he just back looking at his mobile phone. Jesus, I was so tired, just arrived in Newcastle and in here just for a few days, I felt like I wanted to hit him. Definitely minus star for him! But thanks for the kindness, OK service of other Vietnamese there the food isn't too bad.. So stars.

Came to visit as soon as i realised this place existed, having recently returned from Vietnam I have been CRAVING banh mi and I was so excited to find it here. Not much selection but the pork was unreal, proper authentic street food banh mi...and just pure comfort food. The cafe itself has lovely authentic vibes and I can't wait to visit again !