Huong's Vietnamese Bistro — Restaurant in Ottawa

We were impressed with the reviews we read and decided to give it a try on the day b4 Family Day 2018. The service was pleasant, the atmosphere was quaint and clean. We started with their version of vietnamese spring rolls (though not authentic) which we liked. The flavour was good but it was just average. Good 4pc portion for $5.60. We both ordered Bon bo hue at $8.50 each and felt even less impressed. Its not supposed to be douced with satay sauce but this one was. In fairness we would have to say it was a 3/5 becaused though not authentic, it did taste good. We also ordered for takeout the crispy seafood noodles which others have shared their pictures. That was even less impressive at $9.50. It was mostly dry noodles with only 2 shrimps, 4 small fish balls and 1 imitation crab meat. The portion was small (for 1 person), taste was average but the protein was very dissapointing and didn't match the picture which some have posted. Their pictures show it had squid but ours did not. The sauce was ok, we'd rate it as a solid 3/5 too. We might go back to try another few dish but for the moment this is our tentative review until we try more dishes. Pics to come. Fyi to the person saying that Toronto doesn't have good authentic pho, then you haven't been to st. Clair west where all authentic Vietnamese pho...

From a Vietnamese's perspective, this place has the most flavorful phở in Ottawa. Most importantly, the flavor isn't fake (for example when it comes from a broth can or bouillon) or doesn't just taste like salt + MSG. Although the broth isn't as rich as phở would desire to be (which, you probably have to go to Vietnam for that - or maybe Toronto), it is very decent.

On top of that, if you ask them for their special noodles (the ones that are even special in Vietnam), you will also be impressed. These noodles are listed on their white board, which unfortunately are only in Vietnamese and Chinese. These noodles are not just "special" because they want to add more things into their menu. They are special because this restaurant wants to offer them and they offer them truly. Their bún riêu (crab-meat soup) is impressive. While their bún bò Huế is not the favorite amongst the Ottawa-Vietnamese, it is also very flavorful.

Last but not least, their vermicelli is also wonderful, and this is based on how they marinated their meat. They should add more vegetables into the vermicelli bowl though, I think.

Overall - this is my go-to spot...

I usually don’t give high ratings for places off the first visit. I usually write reviews if I’ve been to a place 3-4 times and have tried various things off their menu.

After looking for a place that serves Hainanese chicken I decided to come to Huongs Bistro for lunch. I ordered Banh Xeo and the Special No.1 aka Hainanese chicken.

The banh xeo was solid it had everything you wanted in every bite. The crunch, flavour and freshness of the vegetables.

The Hainanese chicken was amazing, the rice complimented the chicken very well. The chicken stock on the side really brought out the simple flavours in the chicken.

For those who never had Hainanese chicken. At a glance it may look like some boiled chicken slapped on top of rice. It’s not that. It’s all the simple things that make this dish what it is. From prepping the chicken before it is cooked to serving it on a plate with cuts so careful the chickens skin is still intact. Hainanese chicken is rich and flavourful.

With that said Huongs is definitely one of if not THE Vietnamese spot that is super versatile, affordable...