Cafe MeKong Viet-Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Blacksburg

I'll agree with other reviewers that it's less spicy and a bit sweeter than I was expecting, but you know, there's a bit of a stereotype that exotic cuisines get severely toned down for American palates, and it's just not always true. Often, chefs really do their best work as they would back home, and the expectations of people looking to try "the real thing" can be just as unrealistic as those of people who think General Tso's is extremely spicy. There is a region of Thailand called Isan where people eat dishes that are literally half chili, which would blow any of our heads off, with no more pain than I'd eat french fries, but the rest of Thailand tends to have a tamer, more nuanced palate. Even in Isan, people don't eat that for every single meal, other flavors do exist.

The "Thai hot" that's become a meme to order, the one where they dump a whole shaker of pepper flakes in and blow out your palate, is a myth created to appease Westerners who think they know better what "real Thai food" is, and I'm glad this restaurant doesn't do that. In reality, heat level 3 or 4 at most Thai restaurants is closer to what you'll find on the street in Bangkok. I had Papaya Salad and a Thai-ified version of the Chinese dish Dan Dan Noodles (I could definitely taste basil), and it was all pretty sweet, but the bold, strongly contrasting, exotic flavors of Thai cuisine were still there. I could've handled a lot more heat, and I did add more to the Papaya Salad, but it was all unmistakably Thai, made with real Thai ingredients, and there were Thai people there eating the same food we did, no "secret menu" needed. If you're looking for delicious, authentic Southeast Asian food at a great price in Blacksburg, this is the place. As for service, they pretty much treat you like family, what more...

TWEEKS HOME TOWN FOOD REVIEW! For pan asian (Vietnamese, some Korean, some Thai).. Cafe Mekong is the best in town (good pho).. This is my favorite little place in town. Everyone loves them.

Their Thai is "okay".. but not their best. The owner is Vietnamese and uses a Vietnamese chef they hired from San Fran to do a good pho broth.. and they get fresh ingredients from the coast every thursday (they own the Asian market next door.. you can get authentic Asian ingredients there). Since we have a lot of Chinese students in town.. they've started offering a few authentic Chinese dishes now too. Yummy yummy. The pho, Drunken Noodles (quite tasty), and #42 pork rice are our favorites. My wife likes the Bun. My son loves the garlic fried rice. Also must they the spicy Mekong Wings are awesome. Will add photos next time I go.

UPDATE: new favorite just added to the menu.. Kimchee Fried Rice.. wow! Spicy and garlicky.. NOM! Pictured, along with the MeKong wings. NOM NOM!

UPDATE: Another new favorite.. the Vietnamese sub (Banh Mi) + beef broth (pho style + gr onions, Sriracha and hoisin sauce). NOM! (see photo). Just like French dip, you dip the banh mi into the broth before...

I have visited this place almost every Friday afternoon for the past 3 months. I am always greeted with a smile. The 1st time I ordered I asked for a good spicy dish with “0” indication or limitation as to what the dish may offer. Loved it! Now I ask the hosts for a surprise dish. Each and every time, I am surprised at the great taste they deliver. Due to COVID fears, I have not had the pleasure of dining in, but so see that many take the time to sit in and enjoy with friends and family. Restaurant looks clean and tidy. Staff always presentable and courteous. I will continue visiting this location.

Update!

Well it’s officially been over 2 years since my 1st visit. I can certainly say that each and every visit has never disappointed. Helen and her team are amazing. Every dish has been on point. I believe I have had just about every item on the menu and never a repeat since they mix it up a little. I have yet to place my own order. Every dish has been a surprise dish and the only hint is the type of utensils that I’m given. I highly recommend to anyone that is in the mood for nice change of pace and a great tasty meal!

Great Find! Can’t wait for...