Paris, France. The city of love, lights, and… lip-smacking Vietnamese food? Indeed, due in part to a historical connection dating back to French colonialism in the 1800s, Vietnamese fare has found a second home in the heart of France.
The intertwining of French and Vietnamese cuisines is indeed a legacy of colonial history, a fusion where baguettes meet bánh mì and pot-au-feu (possibly) crosses paths with phở.
Indeed, the French influence on Vietnamese cooking is unmistakable, with the former’s techniques and buttery pastries blending seamlessly with the latter’s fresh herbs, rice noodles, and sometimes-warming, sometimes-fiery spicing. This culinary marriage has given birth to dishes that are celebrated worldwide for their unique flavours and satisfying textures, one of the world’s most potent testaments to the power of cultural exchange at the dining table.
A Thriving Culinary Community
Paris, a city that prides itself on its culinary excellence, has become a second home to a thriving Vietnamese community, the oldest in the Western World and one of the largest outside the motherland, and one which has woven its rich gastronomic tapestry into the silk of the city.
The Vietnamese diaspora, having settled in Paris over various waves of migration, particularly after the Vietnam War, has established a vibrant presence, bringing with them the vibrant tastes and intoxicating smells of their homeland.
This has led to the rise of Vietnamese restaurants that Phú Quốc-pepper the Parisian landscape, from the charming backstreets of the Le Marais to the bustling avenues of the 13th arrondissement, Paris’s own Asian quarter. Rather aptly, it’s in this arrondissement’s southeast that you’ll find some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Paris.
These eateries serve not just as places to savour a bowl of phở or a plate of spring rolls but as cultural hubs where the Vietnamese community and Parisians alike come together over shared meals. The result is a culinary scene that is as diverse as it is delicious, offering an array of experiences that range from street food staples to haute cuisine, all while maintaining the heart and soul of traditional Vietnamese fare.
With an introduction that’s been bubbling away almost as long as an aunty’s mother stock, let’s get to it; here are the best Vietnamese restaurants in Paris.
Phở Tài, 13th Arrondissement
A comforting, brothy-based hug in that bustling 13th arrondissement from just two paragraphs prior, Phở Tài is not just any Vietnamese restaurant; it’s an institution.
Chef Te’s Parisien love affair since 1968, this spot has been dishing out bowls of goodness for 55 years. Though obviously a good thing, it feels something of a travesty that those bowls have only earned phở Tai a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for the last six consecutive years. How about the remaining 49 years, Big Red Book? And how about an actual star to match that big beauty on the ol’ Cờ Tổ quốc?
Hmmm, we’ve got ourselves in a bit of a quick pickle there. Better seek solace in one of the most life-affirming bowels out. Go for the headliner phở dặc biệt, which features thinly sliced, ultra-fatty brisket, chewy tendon, and bouncy beef balls. It’s an excessive, indulgent joy.
Expect to queue, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. The summer months offer a reprieve with extra seating on their covered terrace. It’s cosy, it’s faithful, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Read: 5 tips for making the best hanoi style phở bò
Bonjour Vietnam, 5th Arrondissement
Tucked in the heart of Paris’ 5th arrondissement, Bonjour Vietnam is a quaint culinary treasure that brings the essence of Hanoi – in all its verdant, rather than motorbike-choked, glory – to the City of Lights.
With its cosy ambiance and a mere ten tables, this restaurant may be small, but it’s bursting with the authentic flavours and aromas of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The beef phở here is a must-try, warming the soul with its delicate, complex broth, while dishes like crispy spring rolls and bò bún – a cold rice noodle salad of sorts – are crafted with the freshest, crispest ingredients. You’ll leave feeling both satiated and kinda cleansed, just as it should be.
Just be sure to arrive early or reserve a table, as this popular spot fills up quickly, reflecting not only its local acclaim and the allure of its delectable menu, but also its central position close to many of Paris’s key sites including the Pantheon and the National Museum of Natural History, making it a popular lunch spot for alighting Paris bus tours. Brave the crowds; it’s worth it!
Dong Huong, Belleville
Over in Belleville, Dong Huong has been serving up Vietnamese delights for over a quarter of a century. This spacious and unpretentious locale offers a menu as large as its dining space, the expansive Southern Vietnamese tradition. From lemongrass chicken with a pronounced flavour of the grill to crispy turmeric pancakes, this is a light, vivacious rundown of streetfood classics found all over Ho Chi Minh City and beyond.
That said, perhaps the highlight at Dong Huong is a dish rarely found in Vietnamese restaurants overseas – bánh đa cua. A thin yet rich, piquant yet savoury tomato and crab roe noodle soup, this is a truly killer version, At odds with the rest of the menu, it’s a Northern dish, hailing from the port city of Haiphong. But since we’re in Paris, who’s getting overly fussy about regionality anyway? Just gorgeous.
Banoi, 11th Arrondissement
For those who fancy a contemporary twist on Vietnamese classics, Banoi – meaning ‘grandmother’ – in the trendy 11th arrondissement is your go-to.
With a snug and intimate setting, this modern Vietnamese restaurant serves a limited but creative menu, with flourishes from across South East Asia featured. Expect to see Thai tom kha soup, smoked salmon and cream cheese (not as incongruous as it sounds, with the Laughing Cow a lunch box staple in Vietnam), and other seemingly disparate elements coming together to, ultimately, delicious effect.
The signature dish here is, without doubt, the spring rolls. Fresh rather than fried, and as light and refreshing as you like, there’s usually 7 or 8 different versions on the menu, with the shrimp and green mango the pick of the bunch, for us. Priced keenly at just €3.80 a plate, these are Hanoi prices in one of the world’s most exclusive cities. Cheers to that – chúc sức khỏe!
Just remember, Banoi is a petite place, and space is at a premium. Expect to queue. Or, click-and-collect a portion and head to nearby Square du Temple for a seriously premium picnic experience.
Un Jour à Hanoï. 10th Arrondissement
Sitting pretty in Paris’s bustling 10th arrondissement, Un Jour à Hanoï offers a culinary escape from the madness of Paris, whisking you away to the heart of Vietnam for the length of a lunch.
The restaurant’s warm ambiance, with its blend of French and Vietnamese decor, sets the stage for an authentic Hanoian dining experience. Patrons can start with sharp, enlivening appetisers like the crisp, perky papaya salad or the prawn-packed summer rolls, before diving into the star of the menu, the revered, elegant chả cá, a turmeric-marinated catfish dish that’s one of Hanoi’s proudest plates. The version here is excellent.
Cap off the meal with a potent Vietnamese coffee, served hot or iced, for a true taste of Hanoi’s café culture in the heart of Paris.
Hanoi Corner, 9th Arrondissement
Vietnam is a country where lunch is undoubtedly the main meal of the day, and for those who yearn for the authentic street food experience, Hanoi Corner is a must-visit.
Located in the historic 9th arrondissement and open from 11am to 4pm in true Vietnamese shophouse style, this eatery offers a casual atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a Vietnamese street-side dining spot.
The menu is a tribute to the street food of Vietnam, with dishes like Anthony Bourdain’s beloved bún chả (a Hanoian grilled pork with rice noodle dish that is only served at lunch) and nem rán (deep-fried spring rolls that pair beautifully with the aforementioned grilled pick) taking centre stage. The flavours are bold, the portions are generous, and the vibe is undeniably fun.
For a quick lunch, the bánh mì selection here is some of the best in the city. Don’t miss out on the traditional phin coffee, of course; if you’ve got a little time to spare, that is!
Foyer Vietnam, Latin Quarter
On the edge of the always lively Latin Quarter, Foyer Vietnam is more than just a restaurant; it’s a meeting point for all those interested in Vietnamese culture, offering a taste of the country’s culinary history while promoting Vietnamese art and heritage. The atmosphere in this canteen-like space, now in its sixth decade, is a charming mix of a traditional Vietnamese home and a Parisian café, with long communal tables in a tight knit space providing a cosy, convivial backdrop for a damn good feed.
The menu at Foyer Vietnam is a reflection of the country’s diverse regional dishes, prepared with a homestyle touch that speaks of passed-down family recipes. Indulge in the comforting embrace of their bun bo hue, a super-spicy beef noodle soup that’s umami rich from shrimp paste, or savour the subtle sophistication of their banh cuon, intricate, delicate steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms. Do so while flicking through a Vietnamese magazine, and feel truly a part of the community here.
Song Heng, 3rd Arrondissement
Tucked away near the Arts et Metiers metro station, this tiny treasure specialises in noodle soups and salads, namely phở and bò bún. And that’s it.
Don’t let the simple decor and sparsely appointed menu fool you; the food here is seriously good, with the compact, one-bowl-wonder menu truly in keeping with Vietnam’s traditional shophouse-restaurants which tend to specialise in a single dish. Practice makes perfect, and these are precision bowls of the good stuff, make no mistake. Be prepared to share a table and enjoy the charm of this little gem.
Entre 2 Rives, 2nd Arrondissement
Located centrally in the 2nd arrondissement, Entre 2 Rives boasts a traditional red French bistro facade that opens up to a moody and minimalistic dining area serving gently contemporary Vietnamese food with little fanfare but much flavour.
The service is rapid and friendly, making it the ideal lunch spot after a morning of exploring the Sentier area. If you’re looking to luxuriate a little while, take a seat on the outdoor terrace directly in front of the restaurant. This was food designed to be eaten on the street, after all.
End, as we are, with a traditional Vietnamese ‘che’ dessert of tapioca balls and fresh fruit in an iced coconut broth. Heaven on a hot day. Or, on a cold day to be perfectly honest!
The Bottom Line
So there you have it; Vietnamese food of the highest order in the home of haute cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a steaming bowl of phở, crispy nem, or a refreshing bo bun, Paris has got you covered. Bon appétit, or as the Vietnamese would say, “Chúc ngon miệng!”