Doux Chaton — Restaurant in Liverpool

I had high hopes for this place and wanted to visit it for ages. When I finally did I was very disappointed. I was welcomed by the oldest of the 3 ladies in the staff and the first thing she said to me was a stern: “What do you want?” It took me aback so much I didn’t know what to say and asked where could I order. Without saying anything she handed me the menu. I ordered a bowl of pho and Vietnamese coffee. The food was brought to me very quickly and another lady put it in front of me without saying anything or even looking at me. All of this made me feel very unwelcome and uncomfortable. As an extra I got a plate with some extra veg, herbs and some lime. I noticed a few plates like that wrapped in cellophane on the counter. I wasn’t sure what to do with it so I stupidly put everything in my soup. I know I could’ve asked the staff about it but as I mentioned they were so rude and short with me I didn’t feel comfortable asking them about anything apart from the milk for my coffee which turned out to be at the bottom of the cup. I felt embarrassed because I never had Vietnamese food but probably many people were in my position before and didn’t know how to “handle” the food and to not act like a typical white person. The soup tasted okay before I chucked everything in but after that it was all kinds: sweet, salty and spicy. At times it was so spicy it burned my mouth and I couldn’t continue eating. I don’t know if it was because I threw in a few pieces of chilli pepper from the other plate but I never experienced a tiny piece of chilli to be that hot. The coffee was of good quality but I don’t like sweet coffee however I know Vietnamese coffee is usually sweet. Also, I ordered a small bowl and the portion was so big I couldn’t finish it so at least you get your money’s worth. Unfortunately, probably because of the spice, my stomach got upset soon after I left and I had to find a toilet in a random cafe. It spoilt my day and made running errands harder for me. I admit, I was embarrassed about my ignorance which probably caused me eating the soup the wrong way but if the staff was more approachable I’d ask about everything and possibly have a better experience. Not many people know the Vietnamese cuisine and might make the same mistakes I did. If the staff wasn’t so unpleasant and inhospitable I wouldn’t care as much about the upset stomach, I’d probably just laugh it off and give the restaurant another try. After all it’s people who make the place. But I really don’t feel like visiting again. Also, vegetarian and vegan options are...

A very rude manager/owner’s daughter!

Food was fine, but the manager (who apparently is the owner’s daughter) determined to give us the worst customer experience!!!

First off, this is a causal restaurant where you have to order and pay at the counter before your food is served. We ordered our food and sat down, and noticed that we didn’t have enough chopsticks, so I grabbed a few from the next table (and I made sure that there are enough left for the other guests). But the manager (a young lady so proudly called herself that) wasn’t happy about that and decided to give us a warning and lecture on “you shall never do it again next time!!!”. I was very upset by that and argued that if she didn’t want her guests to do that, she should ensure all table supplies are refilled before sitting the next guests. She said “we already do that…” but apparently they didn’t in this occasion.

Having been in the restaurant business previously, I would never treat my guests with this manner. I would have approached the table and apologise for not having enough chopsticks and offer some, and quickly refill for all the tables. I would also know when to stop arguing with the customers when I told her that I was very upset with her attitude. She clearly didn’t care how she makes the customers feel… very sad!

She was determined to win her argument and embarrass her customers. Apparently she is the daughter of the owner, who I can tell is quite intelligent and confident in herself. But I sincerely hope this young lady will not ruin a business that her parents took years of hard work to build…

This is the first review I write and sadly it is such an...

passion fruit lychee tea £3.50 taro red bean tea £3.50 viet coffee £4

viet spring roll £5.90 bành cuón £6.50 cánh gà chiên gìon £6 bành xèo £7 tôm thịt heo nướng £10.50 phở dặc biệt £12.90

off the bat, there was so much variety for drinks - some of which i’ve never seen before in a restaurant! i especially enjoyed the taro red bean, which we got hot so it was perfect for the rainy day. the coffee was great too, as it was served with the drip filter for maximum strength💥

bành cuón is quite hard to find and even harder to get right so i was quite nervous ordering it but absolutely zero regrets. the filling and the nuoc mam gave it a great savoury and umami flavour, but it was actually the texture which won my heart bc it was perfectly thin and so silky! i was also pleasantly surprised by how crispy the fried starters were without being greasy at all🤯 there wasn't much (garlic) flavour in the fried chicken though so i would skip that next time.

another standout was their special pho! even from just a sip of the broth, you could taste the meat, herbs and spices that went into it. there was so much in it too - chicken, multiple cuts of beef and meat balls! they even very kindly topped up our bowl with more piping hot broth when it cooled down🥹 discovering this spot was both a blessing and a curse bc i don’t even live in liverpool but i would gladly travel JUST to...