Viet Kitchen — Restaurant in Mannheim

I have been living in Vietnam before but also visited different vietnamese restaurants around the globe so I do know how many dishes are usually prepared and taste like.

My last visit here has been super disappointing, so here we go. Short version: Partly VERY unfriendly (some few were really nice) service, not even one smile left. They charged about 8 Euros more than they should have, without a bill. Food is okay, has been better, but not worth being treated like you're not welcome or a nuisance. __ SERVICE I have been at Viet Kitchen a couple times before, alone but also with others, but this time, it's been different somehow. First of all, two waitresses didn't seem happy about my visit as I entered the restaurant. No greeting unless I did, no smiles, no welcoming atmosphere, but I didn't mind too much, just wondering what happened to the nicer staff and the friendly space I encountered before. I had to wait a long time for someone to take my order, as if they avoided my glances intentionally (at some point I felt like they waited for me to be fed up and just leave). There were just two other guests and no buzzing. There was a tall waiter seemingly a tiny bit more motivated than the mentioned female colleagues, but again, the other male waiters I had usually met here before were a lot kinder and more attentive towards me as a guest (I'd say they understood the concept of hospitality). He couldn't really help regarding questions about the dishes that were apparently unfamiliar to him, but also didn't even mind asking ANYONE who might know the dishes, so - thanks for that. Interestingly, he did mind more chatting and joking lots with one of the waitresses though. Instead of doing things like being helpful or attentive, being a good staff doing good staff stuff, they both were clearly distracted and less commited. I definitely support happy work vibes and all, but regarding the context, I'd say good service and proper guest treatment is what I expect in the first place. Later on, some other customers asked about the menu as well and in that case, he did pass the questions. Don't know what to think about that or why there was a difference made in the first place, but well. Maybe it's just been me personally or he just had not been in the mood a few moments prior. Who knows.

FOOD My dish this time was, regarding the taste, okay. Has been better though. A bit dry due to the lack of some Nuoc Mam sauce that is usually passed with many dishes. But apart from that, some of the (essential) ingredients were barely there, so although being okay, the overall dish was very imbalanced and therefore rather disappointing for me. Compared to other places and even the same place at another time.

PAYMENT (!!!) Now here comes the unhappy end to a unhappy visit. I had to pay a few euros more than what I should have, but unfortunately I only noticed later after leaving, wondering and taking a look at their menu online. Thia time they didn't give me a bill as a proof at any moment (odd?! I wasn't even asked), so I couldn't even have a look at that. My bad for trusting them (I shouldn't have given them any tip on top. It's not like it's been worth it this time anyway.) Sure, might be a simple mistake, but over all, I think of this place as fairly careless in way too many aspects now.

SUMMARY I used to recommend this place amongst others, but to be honest and that is only my humble opinion, you can easily and definitely find other equally if not better vietnamese restaurants in the region, some are even just a few minutes walk away. With constant friendliness and hospitality, customer orientated service and dishes prepared with more care and a steady quality and quantity. And if you like feeling welcome and being treated fair, you should definitely check out these...

I recently visited Viet Kitchen in Mannheim and unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing. While the lemonades were delicious, the food fell far short of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially for those familiar with it.

The pho lacked the essential Thai basil and had an overwhelmingly salty flavor with dry beef slices. The rice noodle salad was bland, missing herbs and peanuts, making it quite unappetizing. The bo la lot had no lemongrass flavor and tasted overwhelmingly of onions. Even the spring rolls were lacking in flavor. I asked for fish sauce.. I got some kind of watery sweet dip.

On a positive note, the dishes were visually appealing and the service was friendly. The prices were reasonable as well. However, given the overall lack of authenticity and flavor, I don't plan to...

Edited! Beautiful place, looks amazing in comparison with other around city, prices are good, quality of food as well. Personell is friendly

I got a terrible food poisoning after eating curry rice with duck, can’t even compare with anything before! When my girlfriend came to your restaurant asking for refund, she had it back, but owner basically said that she never should come to them! You were my favourite place...