Minh Mat — Restaurant in Stockholm

This restaurant in Stockholm is a culinary haven that transported me straight to the heart of Vietnam. From the cozy ambiance to the exquisite dishes, every aspect of my dining experience was a celebration of authentic Vietnamese flavors.

I especially like 3 dishes "Bò tài mắc khén | Beef Tartare w/ mắc khén pepper", "Bánh xèo | Vietnamese sizzling pancake" and "Nai áp chảo chẩm chéo | Venison w/ chẩm chéo". The Beef Tartare with Mắc Khén Pepper at MINH MAT is a true revelation for those who appreciate the artistry of flavor. The dish is a harmonious marriage of high-quality beef, expertly seasoned with the unique and aromatic Mắc Khén pepper. The finely chopped beef is tender and succulent, delivering a burst of freshness with each bite. The addition of traditional Vietnamese spices elevates the dish to a level of sophistication that sets it apart. Served with crisp accompaniments, this Beef Tartare is a testament to the chef's skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake at MINH MAT is a true masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside, the pancake is generously filled with a medley of fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs. The sizzling presentation adds a delightful element to the dining experience, creating an enticing aroma that heightens anticipation. Paired with the accompanying dipping sauce, this dish is a harmonious symphony of taste and texture, making it a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic and satisfying Vietnamese culinary experience. The Venison with Chẩm Chéo at MINH is a culinary revelation that transcends expectations, offering a dining experience that is both exquisite and memorable. From the first glance, the presentation is nothing short of artistry—a carefully composed dish that immediately captures the eye. As the fork meets the venison, it becomes evident that the culinary journey is about to take a remarkable turn. The venison, cooked to perfection, is a testament to the chef's expertise. Each bite is a harmonious blend of robust flavors and tender textures, elevating the dish to a level of sophistication that showcases the premium quality of the ingredients. The Chẩm Chéo sauce, with its intricate balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, enhances the natural richness of the venison without overpowering its inherent taste.

The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of contemporary design and Vietnamese cultural elements. The soft lighting and soothing music create an intimate atmosphere, ideal for both romantic dinners and lively gatherings with friends and family.

The attentive staff made the experience even more memorable, guiding me through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. Each dish, coupled with Vietnamese coffee, created a sensory journey that will stay with me.

MINH MAT is more than a restaurant, it's a personal odyssey through the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine, leaving me eager to return for another...

Minh Mat is perhaps my favourite restaurant in the city. It's a really nice environment to have dinner in, and some of the best service you will find in the city (owner-operated is a huge green flag). I believe they don't have a restaurant background, but the hospitality is genuinely warm and attentive, and the food tastes like it is made by a real practitioner of the craft. It's not just someone making a weak facsimile of something they saw somewhere and don't know how to recreate "properly", or weren't able to learn how to, for whatever reason. For context, I have no idea to what degree this is "authentic" Vietnamese food, and I don't even know how the team would describe it. In any case, a friend used to say that "authentic" is a dangerous term, as who gets to gatekeep what authentic is? I would guess it is a mix of traditional Vietnamese and modern Vietnamese (modern sort of automatically, as a natural reality of not being in Vietnam, and the importance of sourcing some ingredients from closer to the restaurant), but i'm no expert.

But they do source specific regional ingredients such as spices from Vietnam, as well as meat from Europe from properly reared animals from specific farms and traceable sources, the quality and attention to detail shines through. For people that comment on the price, I would invite you to suggest where in Stockholm, Sweden, or even Europe you can find Vietnamese food of this world-class quality at a lower price (spoiler alert: you can't). If you want a lower-stakes introduction to the restaurant, order from the separate takeaway menu, or try a Banh Mi e.g. on a Saturday afternoon before they sell out. But for the actual experience of what Minh Mat is, know that that the dine-in menu has a wider selection, and is on another level. It has so much diversity of flavours and textures, each plate has such a distinct place on the menu. As a result it is a focused and tightly-written yet plentiful and varied menu with no redundancy/close substitutes...

Good food but the portions are on the small side. The nuoc mam cham is a bit bland.

New review: dinner on 25/9/2019 I started off with the sticky rice wine and it was lovely! The aroma was sweet and the sticky rice aroma was very evident. It was so good that my friend wanted one as well. We both ordered the beef noodle soup or pho. This was meh. Bland, lukewarm, noodles overcooked, and the stock was very lacking in depth and taste! The sides consisted of coriander, Thai basil, lime and a tiny amount of sriracha and hoisin sauce. No beansprouts and no fresh chillies. This soup was watered down for the Western palate. My friend found the beef to be chewy but I didn't. All in all, an unacceptable soup for 240 Swedish crowns. Even if I had paid half this price, I still would've been unhappy with my meal. The quality of the soup was average, something that I would not have any trouble producing at home.I had eaten lunch here several times (first review) and found the food to be delicious except for the banh xeo. It was therefore, a surprise that the pho was so tasteless this time. I'd recommend that you skip this dish here and eat...