Huong Viet ~ Falls Curch, VA

Saturday night, decision made, I am off to the mecca of all things vietnamese in good ol Falls Church VA. Visited by individuals like Anthony Bordain of the TV show No Reservations. I have wanted to try a restaurant there for some time. I decided on Huong Viet based on reviews from former patrons.

The first thing that caught my attention was the place was hopping, a grand mixture of Vietnamese and American diners.The next were the many, many, many accolades from local and not so local publications. Awards from Washingtonian magazine each year from 2006-2011. 

All of this pales in comparison to the delicious food of which I am about to partake. I was really excited about this place, so in my typical fashion, I over ordered. To start I ordered the spring rolls (w/ Ground Pork, Crab Meat & Shrimp), and a small bowl of pho (Awesome traditional Vietnamese noodle soup). If you have never tried pho (Fu, like the first part of a very naughty word, see demonstration here) run out right now, well after reading my review, and get some.

 The spring rolls were surprising. Not at all like the Chinese versions I have had. Filled almost exclusively with pork and crabmeat with very little filler. The outside seemed almost battered and fried. Absolutely DELICIOUS. As wonderful as they were, the pho was above and beyond. Sensuously aromatic herbal spicy goodness in a bowl. The noodles were good too, but that broth. It was cold outside, but my tummy was warm and happy.

For the final act I ordered the BÚN THỊT NƯỚNG – Rice Vermicelli with Grilled Pork. This dish demonstrated perfectly the freshness that permiates all Vietnamese food. A simple bowl of plain rice noodle covered with delicously sweet grilled pork. This is served over fresh lettuce and other vegetables. What finishes this dish if the spiced fish sauce you pour over, along with other condiments like siracha sauce for zing. The flavor simple yet complex and fresh. Pleasure personified.

Another thing of note, they are very fast in delivery. This is not European style dining. They must have a fairy godmother in back doing the cooking, cause it was very impressive. This means good things for the mid day work lunch. You can easily get in and out in less than an hour, and be gratefully satisfied.

Another note, no credit cards. Bring cash. They do accept checks, as I found out <blush>, but the ritual of wrting out the check was humiliation enough to swear I will always have cash when I dine here. Yes, I will be back. 

Contact Information

Huong Viet Restaurant
6785 Wilson Blvd
Falls Church , VA 22044
Phone: 703-538-7110
E-Mail: postmaster@huong-viet.com

Website: http://www.huong-viet.com