Vietnamese Café — Restaurant in Newark

Great place for those who aren't used to/haven't had much popular Vietnamese/Asian food. Not so great for those coming for an authentic experience. This review comes from SUCH a place of love, as I would like this place to really step it up. I do social media food reviews (@AishahMariee) and plan to do an in depth video as well.

Heres my take:

I suggested this place to my Vietnamese boyfriend, since he doesn't get a chance to get home cooked Vietnamese food much anymore. We've been to 'Pho Bami' on Concord Pike (amazing/authentic experience, highly suggest) but we wanted to try someplace new this time. The overall experience including the food, service, and atmosphere, was just okay.

THE FOOD Altogether, we ordered Beef Bahn Mi, Pho, Spring Rolls, Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea, and Fried Oysters. The total came out to around $50, which was a little high for my liking, given the quality and overall vibe of the place.

Started with the Brown Sugar Boba, which is usually my favourite since its pretty consistent regardless of where you go. Upon sipping it, I was extremely disappointed in the taste. I thought it was impossible to mess up boba. It was missing any sweetness and creaminess that boba usually has. My boyfriend ended up ordering some Viet coffee, which was also not good, and slightly bitter. These two drinks were the exact same colour and both were not good at all, but given the money we spent, we drank them still because they offer no refunds for drinks. Not too long after drinking, I started to feel a bit nauseous as well. Probably the worst boba i've had in my life unfortunately. Their drinks also have no ice in them, which I was disappointed about, but were still cold at least.

As for the food itself, nothing was too enjoyable. The bahn mi was just okay, fried oysters were oily/greasy, the pho was watery and didnt have much flavour at all, and I didn't get a chance to try the spring rolls.

SERVICE Service was simple and not bad. You go up to the register to order, and then someone brings your food to the table. Kind of a mix between fast food, and an actual restaurant.

ATMOSPHERE We came in on a not so busy day/time. Only 2 other couples were there. One were taking out, the other sat in. The space inside is a bit small and cramped, and the seating was a bit awkwardly set up. There were flies flying around and crawling on the tables, which is fine I guess. However, the tables were dirty and sticky and looked like they haven't been wiped down. The music also could be better. Maybe KPOP or Vietnamese music to fit the vibe. Instead it was kind of just random songs like pop playing. The interior is cute and the menu system I liked, but they could do so much more with the space given.

Overall for the owners/workers/cooks, heres my tip. Don't be afraid to be a bit more authentic! You don't have to Americanize these dishes to fit the likings of everyone. Start off by making the pho a bit more flavourful and enjoyable. The vibes in the place can be much better, and there is so much potential here. Im sure your business is fine, and the reviews are great! But for someone who is used to eating authentic Viet food, this place wasn't the best...

I try my best to frequent local business. I just returned from the store. Although the owner was nice, food was fresh, and the summer rolls were good. It is not worth 12.50 for the house special pho. My wife and I are hardcore pho eaters. Go to south Philly Pho 75, Pho Ha, you get a large portion just under $10 bucks....yes you have to go to Philly, but the portion was so small by the time i wanted to take a picture and show the portion, it was already gone. Oh....there is a place in Delaware on Kirkwood highway VPho...they have decent portions for the price. You can't charge $13 dollars for such a small portion of pho. Won't return unless there's more noodles in the serving. Sorry guys you get a 2 star review....way over priced. And for those that are giving raving reviews...they must be new to the Viet noodle scene....had they tried any place in South Philly, they would know what I am talking about...but if you want a closer spot..... go to Vpho...you can get a super bowl of Pho for under 30 bucks and feed about 2 or 3 people. I suggest Pho Ever go to VPho and see the competition portion and adjust...

My recent visit to Pho Ever was an enlightening experience. I've ordered from here more times than I can count, albeit under an alias (thanks, Uber Eats), but setting foot inside for the first time was like stepping into a different world.

The menu was a little daunting - I felt like I was in a neck-stretching contest trying to take in all the options. I swear the Uber Eats version seemed simpler (they also come up as Saigon Banh Mi), but maybe I was just dazzled by the array of choices in person.

In terms of being deaf-friendly, was a beacon of friendliness, communicating with clarity that was much appreciated. The restaurant itself was fairly clean, with plenty of seating space.

However, I’m not sure the menu is the easiest to read or understand if it’s your first time.

At any rate, the food is relatively good, but I think they can perfect the vegetarian options because they were pretty flavorless. My menu faves: vermicelli, summer rolls with peanut sauce and taro bubble...