Best Vietnamese Restaurants in OC

With five of ten cities in the state of California with the biggest Vietnamese population all located in Orange County, this is home to some of the best Vietnamese food around. No doubt, Orange County is a homage to the former South Vietnam capital and a hotbed of culture and commerce from a world away. What that means for lucky commuters is an opportunity to enjoy some fantastically authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Another gem in the crown of California's cultural landscape, here is a quick list of must visit destinations the next time some sweet and spicy goodness is on deck.

Brodard Restaurant
9892 Westminster Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92844
(714) 530-1744
www.brodard.net

You have to appreciate any place that has what resembles an assembly line dedicated entirely to the preparation of spring rolls at all times of the operating day. While the menu touts more than 100 different items, the king here is the rice paper wrapped perfection of a Brodard spring roll. With options that include succulent shrimp, beautifully charred beef, or tofu for the vegetarian – daikon, cucumber, mint, carrot, shallot, salty peanut and vermicelli combine to make one of planet Earth's best handheld dipping foods. With two locations, the Chateau (a bit more upscale) and the Brodard restaurant, the crowds here are as consistent as the product that comes out of the kitchen.

Bánh Mì Chè Cali
15551 Brookhurst St
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 839-8185

24 hours, 7 days a week – this former Taco Bell building cranks out some of the finest Bánh Mì sandwiches Little Saigon has to offer. Running a regular "buy two get one free" special on select Banh Mi sandwiches, Bánh Mì Chè Cali caters to the late night clientele looking for something to curb the oncoming hangovers. You'll find fresh baguettes are almost always coming out along with grab-and-g0 desserts and pastries. Also try one of their great boba drinks.

Benley Vietnamese Kitchen
8191 E Wardlow Rd
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 596-8130

Nestled in an antiquated strip mall along the Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress border, technically this tiny gem falls under the LA jurisdiction, but is closer to those in Orange County. Casual settings and simple décor compliment fresh, sleek plates jam packed with incredible flavor such as the sweet and spicy fried green beans which are on just about every table. Loads of vegetarian friendly options here also ensure a premium section of produce that toes a fine line of both healthy and hearty.

Rice Paper Vietnamese Bistro
10561 Bolsa Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92843
(714) 554-8889

Located in a tiny storefront in a strip mall on the Bolsa Avenue Little Saigon stretch, Rice Paper offers a casual, yet nicer environment for great Vietnamese food. Helmed by the sure hands of Chef Le, there are some interesting options here to contrast the traditional Vietnamese fare. Ga Roti (fried Cornish Game hen) is offset with a far from tame grilled squid dish. Between the wine racks, dark wood, and mason jars with fruit infused water, this bistro has plenty of fodder for the hipsters while delivering on the hype that comes from being hip. What should you get? The Pho is some of the best anywhere or grab the bowl of vermicelli with grilled meat and fried spring rolls.

Thanh My Restaurant
9553 Bolsa Ave
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 531-9540
www.thanhmyrestaurant.net

As an institution among the Little Saigon community, Thanh My was one of the first established eateries prior to the Vietnamese influx in Westminster. Churning out traditional Vietnamese dishes for 35 years, there is a degree of authenticity that is felt well before the dishes hit the table. The Chao Tom is a shrimp cake wrapped around sugar cane is easily one of the best examples of said authenticity. Table side grilled beef, venison, fresh prawns, and loads of simple accoutrements like garlic, butter, salt and pepper make for a dining experience that is tough to match anywhere outside of going to Vietnam proper.

Article by Ramon Gonzales.