Gạo Restaurant

Recommendation Index: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Average Cost: Around $20 per person Address: Gạo Restaurant, 8405 N Himes Ave #105, Tampa, FL 33614 Stepping through the door of Gạo Restaurant feels like stumbling into a little slice of Vietnam right in Tampa! What immediately caught our eye was that we were the only non-Vietnamese folks in the place—a surefire sign that we were in for some seriously authentic eats. Even though it was well past the peak lunch hour on a weekday, the dining room hummed with energy; families chatted over steaming bowls, friends laughed while passing plates, and the air smelled like a mix of fresh herbs and simmering broth. The staff, all with warm Vietnamese hospitality, greeted us with smiles, answered our endless questions about the menu, and made us feel right at home—total vibe boosters that made the meal even more enjoyable 😊 Then there was the condiment station, and wow, did it deliver! Rows of small jars held everything from fiery sliced bird’s eye chilies to tangy pickled veggies, but the real stars were the endless varieties of chili peppers 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and that golden, pungent fish sauce—exactly the kind you’d find in hole-in-the-wall spots in Saigon. One whiff and we knew: this place didn’t mess around with authenticity. Fried Chicken Feet 🍗 Let’s talk about these game-changers. The chicken feet are fried until they’re shatteringly crispy—think the crunch of perfectly fried tempura, but with that satisfyingly chewy texture only chicken feet have. Then they’re tossed in a glossy sweet-spicy sauce that hits all the right notes: a little sugar to balance the heat, a splash of lime for brightness, and just enough chili to make your taste buds dance. We started with one, then another, then suddenly the plate was empty—they’re that addictive. Warning: messy fingers are mandatory, but totally worth it! Fried Chicken Leg Rice 🍚 The fried chicken leg here is a masterclass in texture: the skin is fried to a deep golden crisp, crackling at the touch, while the meat inside stays juicy and tender (no dry, stringy bits here). But fair warning—it’s pretty mild in flavor, letting the crunch take center stage. Here’s our pro tip: if you already ordered the fried chicken feet, skip this. Two fried dishes in a row turn from delicious to heavy fast, especially if you’re not a die-hard fried food fan like me. Pair it with a side of their fresh lettuce or pickled daikon instead, and it’s a solid choice—but save room for the noodles. Mystery Noodle Soup 🍜 Ugh, I kick myself for not jotting down the name of this soup because it’s hands down one of the best Vietnamese noodle bowls I’ve ever had. Let’s start with the broth: it’s simmered for hours, you can tell—rich, cloudy, and packed with depth. There’s the umami punch of slow-cooked bones, a hint of star anise and cinnamon from Vietnamese five-spice, and a fresh herbal zing that cuts through the richness. Then the toppings? Chef’s kiss, no exaggeration. Tender, silky pig’s blood (trust me, it’s amazing in broth), pork knuckle that falls off the bone with a fork, beef tendon that’s been braised until it’s melt-in-your-mouth soft, and thin slices of beef that cook just right in the hot soup. The noodles? Silky, springy, and perfect for sopping up every last drop of that incredible broth. By the end, we were slurping so loudly, we didn’t even care—this is comfort food at its finest. Oh, and let’s circle back to those homemade chili sauces because they deserve a standing ovation. There’s a fresh green chili paste that’s bright and zesty, a red chili jam with a smoky kick, but the oil-based chili is the MVP 🔥. It’s made with fragrant sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and maybe a touch of garlic—drizzle it over the noodles, stir it into the rice, or dip your chicken in it, and it transforms every bite into something bold and unforgettable. If you can handle spice, don’t hold back—load that spoon up. Overall, Gạo Restaurant is a hidden gem that feels like a well-kept secret (and judging by the local crowd, it is). From the warm service to the mouthwatering, authentic flavors, it’s a spot that makes you want to come back again and again—if only to figure out the name of that noodle soup. Go hungry, bring your appetite for spice, and get ready to fall in love with Vietnamese food all over again. 😋 #Patan