Vie Halong is an institution that’s been serving reliable Vietnamese fare to diners in the know for roughly 20 years, though you might be better acquainted with Muine, its next-gen cafe spinoff at Habito mall. The owner, who hails from South Vietnam, rolls out a menu heavy with classics like pho (Vietnamese noodles, from B125), cha ca (sea bass fish salad, B195), cha tom (minced prawn on sugarcane, B165) and banh xeo (rice crepes filled with stir-fried pork and prawn, B205). 

Despite its two decades, Vie Ha Long keeps things fresh thanks to updated decor (the restaurant moved to its current location over a year ago) and a new menu, both of which bring the place a bit more in line with Muine. Of the new dishes, we’re particularly fond of the fun and delicious bahn mi (Vietnamese sandwiches, from B185), made with crispy baguettes, which are pre-baked to be finished on order with the interior scraped out from the crust. The barbecue chicken option is a delicious handful filled with juicy, tender chicken, pickles, veggies and a mayo-based sauce, nor can you go wrong with the classic cold cuts or nem nuong (Vietnamese pork sausage) sandwiches.

In general, this housemade nem nuong is spot-on. Order a set (B185) and you’ll get to sample these grilled plump pork balls that are dense yet balanced, served alongside moist rice sheets plus green mango, pineapple, unripe banana, garlic and fresh vegetables. Banh cuon (steamed rice dumplings with minced pork, B165) are another staple that shows off the kitchen’s expertise, thanks to the perfect wrapping of the rice batter; while the charcoal-grilled pork with rice noodles (B185) delivers tender meat and flavorful seasoning. For sweets, the banana fritters (B85) are pretty forgettable. Opt instead for a Vietnamese coffee creme brulee (B115), sweet dumplings in ginger soup (B65) or sago with cantaloupe (B65).

The crowd of families wandering in from the neighborhood couldn’t be more different from the hipster kids at Muine, but the food at this down-to-earth restaurant is definitely on par and worth a visit.

This review took place in February 2017 and is based on a visit to the restaurant without the restaurant's knowledge. For more on BK's review policy, click here.