Kalm Bistro — Restaurant in Burlington

(4.5 stars) I was on the way home from the Triangle, in need of lunch, and in possession of a banh mi craving, so geographic convenience more than anything led me to Kalm’s door. Tucked inside a plaza shared with a Food Lion, it isn’t much to look at inside or out. However, some of the best Vietnamese and Thai places are these too-easily ignored hole-in-the-wall joints, and Kalm proved to be no exception.

In addition to a few banh mi options, Kalm’s menu includes rice and noodle dishes, apps, boba tea, poke, and pho. There are several vegetarian selections as well as a kid’s menu. If I didn’t have a specific craving, I might have had a hard time choosing as several other dishes looked good.

I went with a classic Banh Mi Dac Biet (roast pork, sausage, and veggies on a baguette). Kalm’s preparation was different than I’ve had elsewhere: they serve the sandwich deconstructed with cilantro, cucumbers, carrot, daikon, and jalapeños on the side. This preempts patrons from picking out any toppings they don’t like. At any rate, the banh mi definitely hit the spot. The bread was very warm and flaky, and the meats were flavorful. The cucumbers, daikon, and carrots offered a refreshing balance to their saltiness.

Service here is also great. I got a greeting when I walked in, my order was taken and prepared quickly, and everyone was pleasant and polite throughout the meal.

For those despairing about Burlington’s food options, you needn’t have to drive far to find some welcome variety. Support local, keep Kalm,...

Clean, modern bistro vibe on S Church St with warm, attentive service and a menu that respects Vietnamese traditions while welcoming modern touches.

🍲 Food: The pho broth is clear, aromatic, and deeply beefy, with tender proteins and properly cooked rice noodles—classic technique on display.

Vermicelli bowls hit great balance and texture—crisp veg, bright herbs, and well-marinated grilled meats or tofu, all composed with care.

Banh mi delivers a crackly baguette, lively pickled veg, and savory fillings, while the poke bowls emphasize freshness and clean flavors with vibrant toppings.

🍵 Drinks: The drink program is a sleeper hit: boba teas are dialed-in (not cloying), with chewy pearls and plenty of flavors like Thai tea, jasmine, lychee, brown sugar, and matcha.

🧫 Dish Sizes: Portions are generous and pricing fair for the quality, and plating is tidy and appetizing without being fussy.

🧑‍🍳 Staff: Staff is friendly and happy to customize, which ties the whole experience together for both traditionalists and first-timers.

🚨 Real Standouts: Pho Tai, Nam; Bun combo; salmon or shrimp poke; classic banh mi; and Thai tea boba.

In Summary: Overall, this is a thoughtful, well-executed Vietnamese bistro that earns a spot in the regular rotation for comforting bowls and fresh, vibrant plates.

Location: Parking and access are easy at the S Church St location—convenient stop for dine-in...

After moving from Atlanta, I've been searching for great Vietnamese food. I'm thrilled to say I've found it right here at Kalm Bistro. This place truly impressed me with its delectable offerings. The authenticity and quality of the food is remarkable. Each bite was a delightful reminder of the Vietnamese cuisine I've been missing. The flavors were bold and fresh, perfectly balanced in every dish. I've only tried two dishes so far - the bo luc lac and chicken bánh mì - but they've set a high bar. I'm eagerly looking forward to exploring more of their menu in...