Sen Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Our recent visit to Sen Vietnamese Restaurant was a delightful experience that combined authentic Vietnamese flavors with excellent service, all at an incredibly affordable price. Located in a cozy corner, Sen offers a welcoming ambiance and a menu that captures the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. It turned out to be an ideal spot for a relaxed and flavorful dining experience, and we left impressed by the quality of the food and the value for money.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a simple yet elegant interior that reflects the charm of Vietnamese culture. The décor includes subtle traditional touches, like bamboo accents and artwork, creating an environment that feels both authentic and comfortable. Soft lighting and well-spaced seating make it an ideal choice for casual dining, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a family meal. Despite its modest size, the restaurant manages to maintain a lively and cozy feel without being too noisy or crowded.

The food at Sen truly stands out for its authenticity and bold flavors. The menu offers a diverse range of Vietnamese dishes, from classic pho and banh mi to flavorful stir-fried dishes and traditional desserts. Each dish we tried was prepared with fresh ingredients and displayed a balance of flavors that is characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine—sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements were all perfectly harmonized.

We appreciated that the dishes were not overly complicated but rather focused on showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients. This simplicity, combined with the high quality of the food, made each bite a delightful experience.

Highlights from the Menu

• Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup): The pho was a highlight, featuring a rich and aromatic broth with tender slices of beef and fresh herbs. The flavors were deep and satisfying, with just the right amount of seasoning and a touch of freshness from the accompanying basil, lime, and bean sprouts. It’s a must-try for anyone who enjoys traditional Vietnamese cuisine. • Ca Ri Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Curry): This dish was rich and flavorful, with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. The balance of spices and the creaminess of the coconut milk made it a comforting and hearty option.

Service: Friendly and Attentive The service at Sen Vietnamese Restaurant was commendable. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit. They were knowledgeable about the menu and provided helpful recommendations when we were undecided. The food arrived promptly, and the staff made sure to check in occasionally to ensure that everything was to our satisfaction, without being overbearing.

Affordable Prices for High-Quality Food One of the most impressive aspects of Sen is the affordability of the menu. Despite offering high-quality, authentic Vietnamese dishes, the prices remain reasonable, making it accessible for diners on a budget. Given the generous portion sizes and the quality of the ingredients, we felt that the restaurant offers excellent value for money. It’s not often that you find such delicious, authentic cuisine at these prices in the city.

Suggestions for Future Diners

Make a Reservation: The restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to book a table in advance. Explore the Menu: While the classic pho and banh mi are popular choices, don’t hesitate to try some of the lesser-known dishes like the banh xeo or the Vietnamese curry for a more diverse experience. Perfect for Casual Dining: The setting is ideal for a laid-back meal with family or friends. It’s not overly formal, so you can enjoy the delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, Sen exceeded our expectations and is a wonderful spot for those seeking a genuine taste of Vietnam in a comfortable and...

202407

3-4 Somehow the broth has improved! Flavorful and heartwarming, mildly spicy. The seafood in bon hue hai San is bountiful— there’s even scallop, though the squid is slightly rubbery.

Staff are friendly as always. —-

2023 Tasty dishes, missing ingredients. Having mixed about the restaurant.

The spring roll was crispy outside and flavorful inside, but the prawn option came with a predominantly pork filling.

The spicy vermicelli soup with beef and pork hock (Bun bo Hue gio heo) was also missing beef, though the pork knuckle was tender and springy and the soup was nicely spiced and warming in the freezing winter evening.

I am not against pork 🐷, but the stated main component were missing from the dishes. I was so confused that I kept went back to read the menu.

The chef probably needs to communicate with the shopping team.

I might try the simpler lunch sets next time but will hesitate to order other things if I cannot trust the menu.

The front staff are really friendly ^^

Update in the following week: lunch set on weekend is quite a bargain, though starter is a bit smaller than dinner size. The summer roll has nice stretchy skin and visible prawns. The beef pho actually has beef this time. The regular broth is quite mild but still more flavorful and refreshing than chain stores. Maybe a British thing… American pho is really closer to the Vietnamese one.. (It didn’t came hot enough, so my bean sprouts were still raw.)

Might come back for weekend lunch sets on winter rail...

Sen is always one of those comforting go-to restaurants—when you want something tasty, filling, and reasonably priced, this place delivers every time. The portions are generous, the flavours are satisfying, and you always leave full and happy.

Starter

Goi Du Du with Prawn (Green Mango Salad) They call it Goi Du Du on the menu, and yes—it’s a Vietnamese-style mango salad with prawns, served with prawn crackers and lettuce. Light, tangy, and refreshing. It’s a great way to start the meal, and the prawn crackers add a fun crunch.

Main

Bun Ca A tomato-based noodle soup with chunks of fish, soft fish patties, and plenty of herbs. The broth is light but flavourful—comforting without being too rich. Really satisfying if you're in the mood for soup noodles with a twist.

Bun Cha Ha Noi This one features vermicelli noodles with honey-glazed pork belly. The pork belly was beautifully cooked—tender, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Paired with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, it hits all the right notes: savoury, sweet, and refreshing.

Sen is a humble, no-fuss Vietnamese spot where the food always feels like a warm hug. If you're after something comforting that doesn’t cost a fortune, this is a great pick. Tasty dishes, good portions, and that "just...