Banh Xeo Quan — Restaurant in Rosemead

I found this place from a Google review! I had to try the crispy fried crepe they are known for. When I stepped in I was greeted by one of the owners, a woman, who asked me if I'd been there before. I told her that it was my first time. She informed me that they are famous for the Banh Xeo, which are the fried crepes. I ordered the first one on the menu, which comes with shrimp, pork, mushrooms, beansprouts, eggs and onion all sautéed into what looks like an omelette; the crunchy crust is colored by the turmeric. She told me the proper way to eat them: you eat them with your hands. Start with a leaf of lettuce, add some mint leaves, then some of the banh xeo, then some vinegar sauce. If you like it spicy, add some chili sauce too. It was fantastic. It was like comfort food but not too heavy. I ate all of it, every bite, and left feeling great! Comfort food you can overeat! They offer tea, boba, and vietnamese coffee. I loved the ambiance. There was quite a few happy customers in but still the service was attentive and fast! I felt very welcome here and I enjoyed the conversation with the friendly owners. They do take credit cards. FYI the owners are taking a month off for a late New Year celebration and the place will be closed Feb 19, 2023 to March 19, 2023. Mark your calendar for March 20 and try...

I saw the review from Lan Hoàng, and I have to speak up—because I was there that day, having lunch with my mom. And frankly, her version of the story is completely misleading.

She made a scene over the rice paper—complaining that 8 pieces for $2 was “too expensive” and demanding 12 pieces for $3. The prices were clearly printed on the menu. Then she loudly announced she could buy rice paper cheaper at the supermarket and bring it in herself. Seriously? That’s not how restaurants work.

Her voice was so loud that everyone nearby could hear her ranting, ruining the dining experience for others. The manager, to his credit, remained calm, professional, and stood his ground. He told her—rightfully so—that the price is $2 for 8 pieces, no exceptions.

Then she goes online and has the nerve to say the manager “lacks manners”? That’s laughable. If anyone was disrespectful, it was her. She should take a long, hard look in the mirror before she dares to judge someone else.

If I were the manager, I wouldn’t serve her again. Period. People like that come in with entitlement, create drama over one dollar, and then try to trash hardworking staff online when they don’t get their way. It’s not okay.

I will say this—the Bánh xèo was absolutely delicious. And that’s the only thing...

I was in New noodle city and fresh from HCMC when I realized I never had a bahn Xeo when I was in Viet Nam . Then I found out it's pretty hard to find on Valley Boulevard. So I did some research and found this place. I begged The Worm to take me and we chatted our way over there. The look of the place from the outside was not promising -- I thought it was closed -- but inside in was super cool, an old shotgun donut diner. Half the tables were filled and the owner, James, seated us and gave us the simple menu. I was going to get the vegan one because gout but he sensibly intervened and suggested we get the fish. We did. It arrived huge and with a big plastic bag of greens -- he told us to wrap it and drip it in fish sauce, and further suggested that if I liked spicy I could put siracha or Chile sauce IN THE FISH SAUCE. I cannot believe I got this far without knowing about, much less thinking of, this genius step. It tastes so, so good, god knows how James got all that flavor in there. So very satisfying in ways I was not expecting. The Worm was well impressed that Thai Tea was only $2.50, and it was very good. The iced sue da was full of flavor too. New addition to my top five....