This definitely my favorite banh mi place in Austin or ever. Food, service, and environment is just on point.
First of all, let's talk about how great their banh mis are. They actually make their bread from scratch. No buying frozen dough and then baking it or buying it from another bakery. We had a great talk with the owner too and she said the process takes 3 hours just to make the dough before putting it in the oven. That's amazing. I love the effort that is put behind the food we eat. They bake the baguettes every day! So great and fresh bread itself already says enough about the banh mi. They have many options as fillings for your banh mi.
One thing to note is that they were actually NGBMT from back then. A very successful banh mi place but closed down due to various reasons, but the owner's passion for her food ignite her to put in the effort and start the restaurant again. Came back with a slightly different name but they still got the NG part! And they have Thai food options too.
We came during dinner time and we got to have free soup!! Omg. The soup is so good that my friend and I just kept on refilling. Yes, it's unlimited, self-served soup!! They have 4-5 different kinds of soup and the one we opt for was Tom Kha and I'll probably be dreaming about it one of these nights.
10 minutes in, we already know that we'll be back to try other items. The owner chatted with us and gave us free samples of soft tofu with ginger syrup. So good, you guys. It's one of my favorite Asian desserts.
They had other baked goods too. We tried a gingerbread cookie and it was delicious. I'm not sure if that's a normal item because that was supposed to be for Farmers' Market at Georgetown the next day. They were baking it and it smelled so good that we had to get one haha
Everything is so tasty and the owner is so sweet. I'm telling all my friends about this place and you all...
Read moreOur recent visit to NG Cafe in Austin transported us to a world of tantalizing flavors and culinary excellence. The Green Curry and Drunken Noodles we savored were nothing short of extraordinary. The Green Curry was a masterpiece of creamy perfection, combining succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The richness of the curry and the expert balance of flavors left us craving for more, while the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables added a delightful texture to each bite. The Drunken Noodles, a true highlight of NG Cafe's menu, showcased their culinary prowess. The noodles were cooked to perfection, offering a satisfying chewiness that paired wonderfully with the stir-fried medley of vegetables and choice of meat. The delightful combination of savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors created an unforgettable symphony on our palates. Aside from the outstanding cuisine, NG Cafe's dedication to providing a memorable dining experience was evident. The attentive staff members created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction. The generous portion sizes and impeccable presentation of the dishes further added to the overall appeal. The ambiance of NG Cafe was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect setting for an enjoyable evening. We appreciated the attention to cleanliness and hygiene, which made us feel at ease throughout our visit. NG Cafe in Austin is a must-visit for Thai cuisine enthusiasts and anyone seeking an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. With their exceptional Green Curry and Drunken Noodles, coupled with attentive service and a delightful ambiance, NG Cafe has truly mastered the art of creating an unforgettable...
Read moreUPDATE: I'm gutted that I have to write this review.
Let me get this straight, their food is phenomenal tasting. Their customer service, order taking and Vietnamese generation judging.... are not so much.
I bought the buy 5 get 1 free banh mi special and he forgot to honor the free banh mi. When he called out his wife to fix the situation, not only was she stingey with the complimentary soup but she also suggested me just getting another banh mi instead because they essentially didn't want to deal with giving my money back.
Mind you, there was no one else in the restaurant at the time.
To top it off, I asked for some rice paper for my banh xeo and they told me in a judamentally tone "you don't eat banh xeo with that. It's probably a different dish you're thinking of..."
Look, even though their grilled pork banh mi are to die for, I don't know if it's worth dying over for a $60 bill going down the drain for an experience like this...
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I honestly was quite skeptical to try a new Vietnamese restaurant because there weren't a lot of Yelp or Google reviews from Vietnamese people. (I apologize for doubting non Vietnamese taste buds)
Dine in comes with complimentary soup so yaaay (sweet and sour or egg drop)! We ordered a pineapple fried rice and grilled pork banh mi.
The grilled pork banh mi hands down is the best in town!!!! The baguette was nice and toasty. The butter and mayo was perfectly distributed. The pickled veggies were standard and typical, the pork.... The pork marinade was the BOMB DOT COM.
Go get that foodgasmic experience with the grilled pork banh...
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