Cafe Xu Hue — Restaurant in Vancouver

Interesting experience as a first time diner. Stood at the door for 5-10 minutes without anyone greeting me or suggesting I could sit at a table (as multiple staff looked over from behind the counter). I noticed some kind of reservation/waitlist at a front table, so assumed one would be seated by staff. It was wet outside and when I eventually was approached, they thought I had just entered their restaurant to get out of the rain, which I wouldn't think is a common occurrence.

Has a family-run, no-frills eatery vibe. They could really use double-walled glasses for their hot tea (as it's very hot when first poured). I had number 9, Thai Fried Rice. Unfortunately, because of some dietary sensitivities, I asked for no spice and no egg. When the staff were communicating the order to the kitchen, it was strange, but I almost felt like they were commenting on the food requests (in a negative or mocking light). There was maybe one other table filled and the restaurant is small, so the staff talking between each other fills the dining space. Obviously with taking the spice out at my request, the rice didn't have any Thai kick. However, I did enjoy it as a simple rice dish. Like another reviewer said before, it was largely frozen vegetables (carrots and peas), with imitation crab, shrimp, and ham slices. I think it would've benefited from more soy sauce to add flavour (without the heat) and fresh vegetables, even something like fresh green onions, bell peppers, green beans, etc. The lady who served our food didn't make eye contact or acknowledged when we thanked her for the food.

My friend arrived late and at our fault, we didn't know they closed at 7 pm. We didn't think much of it when we received the bill (maybe around 6:30 or 6:40) with no words, and still had a decent amount of food left. At around 6:50, another lady came around and said she'd be leaving now and asked to take my friend's bowl away (probably had a good 30-40% left), which confused us, and then prompted me to check their hours on Google. My friend hurried to finish what she could. We definitely felt rushed at the end and pressured to leave, which we'll take responsibility for. That being said, I wish communication was better - even a gentle reminder from staff when delivering the bill that their kitchen was closing shortly. The staff didn't even offer to pack my friend's leftover food to-go.

Both of our dishes were $19.50. Small menu so it's great for indecisive diners. Cash only. Tax must be built within the price. We each left a small tip. While the food was OK, I wasn't a big fan of the service as a new customer. There are a lot of good Asian eateries on Kingsway, and I've had better fried rice...

The interior and exterior of this Vietnamese restaurant have nothing fancy. When you look at it outside, you can think of a local traditional old style of Vietnamese restaurant.

Their menu has limited options, but those dishes are what this restaurant is good at and what they focus on.

I love their spicy Vietnamese vermicelli with sliced pork and beef in soup. The Vietnamese siu mai dumplings were very unique that I couldn't find in a lot of Vietnamese restaurants. The skin of the Vietnamese siu mai dumplings were soft and chewy. Their Vietnamese rice noodles with chicken in soup was great as well. The broth was better and different from other Vietnamese restaurants. This is how they differentiate from others in the market.

Pricing is average among the Vietnamese restaurants in Lower Mainland. Customer service was okay. Can't expect too much when it comes to a small Vietnamese restaurant.

There is no private parking lot. Street parking...

I always judge Pho restaurants by one dish. Bun bo Hue. This dish ultimately is the deciding factor on whether we return for a repeat visit..or if we continue the search.

I have RETURNED!!

The right amount of heat in this stock, not overly rich and with the right amount of chili flakes which make you cautious of reckless slurping of the thick noodles.

Coughing and watering eyes when said chili flakes go down the wrong passageway🤣 not as uncommon as you may think!

A real piece of pork hock and pork blood brings authenticity to this dish! No fakeouts in this Bun bo Hue.

#4 item on the menu followed by a #2 cold cut Banh Mi sandwich completes the meal nicely...don't forget to ask for the hot pepper for the Banh Mi, mine didn't have it so a little disappointed with that.

All things considered...I will return, repeatedly for this whenever time...