Goc Viet — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

Terribly authentic and delicious food. Good thing it's not hyped up and hidden away here because the staffing is lean so service can be slow if there's too many people. Their banh mi is generous. Had the pork banh mi, crusty outer shell, and airy insides paired with the ham, pickled onions and cucumber plus parsley(?)or bay leaf with topping of chilli and peanut bits. Wonderful play of textures and flavours as I bit into this Vietnamese delight. How would this compare against Jane's Nem and Ara Vietnamese Noodles? Well, it's second place to Jane's. Why? Because the missing liver pate and the accompanying chilli sauce. Since I opted for takeaway I did not have access to their chilli! This will be unfamiliar to those who are used to the franchise type of Vietnamese restaurants because there are some differences to the style/flavour profile. I'd say the taste here is less tangy and more clear(bland on the tongue of salty,SOUR+Xtra spicy lovers). It's very apparent when I had their beef tripe & tendon pho. Distinctively the soup base has more of limau purut leaf lingering taste&scent with light basil and beef whereas Ara Vietnamese would have more beef and basil + lime(from squeezing). The Vietnamese boss must be from a different region of Vietnam. And accompanying the pho was a paste(?)of serai, dried prawns and chilli flakes instead of usual chilli+fish sauce+vinegar+garlic combo. Fascinating indeed. The portions of the food here is large, especially the beef pho, 1 bowl can be shared by 2 person. It's a good find of a place. Because this is an open air restaurant, can get a bit hot especially in Malaysian weather. Good thing the place is well ventilated and lighted. Staffs are lacking, need to wait to take order and be served. Fresh spring rolls were packed, and I chose the pork option, it's well seasoned. The accompanying pickled chilli and carrot sauce gives that refreshing and tangy flavour to the rolls. Although it's only 2 rolls for RM12 but prices from other Vietnamese restaurant is similar. Braised beef soup with banh mi, can just imagine it's beef stew but Vietnamese version, with basil, sweet fish sauce and spicy pickled chillies. I must say this would be the best version I've had so far. I even had leftover soup and separately cooked noodles to add to it so I don't waste all that beefy goodness. Their dry vermicelli+ pork another wonderful cold noodle dish perfect for Malaysian weather. Koreans have their naengmyon, Japanese their cold soba, and Vietnamese with this. Paired with starfruit/cucumber juice to combat...

Humble, with no pretence — just a family doing what they know best: Vietnamese food. There’s no air-con, just ceiling fans groaning above like old men in a coffee shop. This isn’t the glossy, Instagram-perfect spot — but it doesn’t need to be.

Pho is their main event. You’ll hear different takes on the broth — some say a little salty, others say just right. But what’s clear is that it’s been simmered with care. Real beef bones, herbs — the good stuff. The beef slices are thin, sometimes too thin, but fresh and full of flavour. Some days it’s perfect, some days just good — either way, it’s still better than most.

The bánh mì is the real deal — a thin, crackly crust that shatters with each bite, soft and airy inside. The fillings are generous, well-seasoned, and packed in like they actually want you to be full. The pork is tender, the beef steak juicy, and the pickled veg brings the whole thing together.

Their Vietnamese coffee is a punch in the face, in the best way. Strong, sweet, rich. Just be sure to ask for less sugar unless you like syrup in the morning.

Service is quick, even when it gets busy. The lady boss is friendly and helpful, happy to explain the menu or switch out ingredients if you’ve got dietary needs. That kind of care stands out. Give them credit for their authenticity. Every bite feels like a trip back to Vietnam — without the...

limited choice, limited seats, friendly boss, really good price. the closest i can get to a vietnam street experience. super friendly talkative lady boss speaks in both cantonese and mandarin. best part is there is a sink to wash your hands. advisable to come on a cool/rainy day, sat/sun (closes at 3pm). this unassuming kampung in pj feels like a short escape. people are just so chill and friendly.

banh mi (5/5) - they have 2 types of banh mi. i had the basic one. no pate inside (i think) but the sweet juicy charsieu was bomb. the bread is crunchy but small (1 is definitely not enough for 1 person). [great part is they have it even after 12pm, which is quite rare]

pho bo (5/5) - the soup is soo hot, and slightly sweet. the beef pieces tear easily, not dry/hard. theres this chilli container that kills your throat (please only take 1/2 spoon, still traumatised till today)

coffee (5/5) - i underestimated this. super black and gao original vietnamese coffee, you need to try this.

apple juice (4/5) - they have either orange or apple juice. but the apple juice tastes like a mixture of both. tastes super good.

tapau'ed the hu tieu (gigantic prawns) and spring rolls (doesnt taste basic at all,...