Thien Huong — Restaurant in San Diego

I have been wanting to try the Banh Cuon at Thien Huong on Mira Mesa Boulevard since it opened in December of 2022. This restaurant specializes in Vietnamese breakfast: Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls) and Banh Mi Chao (French baguette with combo pan of meatballs, beef, eggs and hot dogs). Four variations of each. They also serve Vietnamese coffee, fruit teas and smoothies. It is located in a strip mall with plenty of parking. The interior feels like a typical mom and pop Vietnamese shop with communal seating, about 8 tables set up for dine in patrons. The simple menu was posted on the wall by the cashier counter. Since I have never eaten this type of Vietnamese food so I asked the cashier for suggestions. He said to try Banh Cuon #5 with ground pork. I took his advice, paid for my order and he gave me a number for my food. Cashier was very helpful, straight forward and did’t bother to upsell. The server brought my food and water to my table within 3 minutes after I sat down. The Banh Cuon (steamed rice roll) portion was generous at $12. It came with slices of chua lua (steamed pork loaf) and was garnished with fried shallots on top of the rice rolls and thinly sliced cucumber, cilantro and blanched bean sprouts. The veggies provided the crunchy texture. The rice roll had the perfect textures: thin, delicate, silky smooth with just a slightly oily sheen (not greasy) to it with the right amount of the flavorful pork filling. The fried shallots were freshly fried which added texture and sweetness. The rice roll dish came with Vietnamese nuoc cham dipping sauce, which was surprisingly well made, mild and savory and not as salty as most fish sauce. The cashier (wondering if he’s an owner?) who took my order came to my table to check on me and told me that he’d dunk the rice roll directly into the dipping sauce instead of pouring the sauce over the rice rolls. What a charming and friendly staff! He also took the time to thank the patrons as they were making their leave. Thien Huong is a family owned chain restaurant in Vietnam. The branch in San Diego is their first one in the USA. Food was fresh and delicious. Each order of the rice roll was made to order, the batter was poured by hand. My order was served fast and warm and budget friendly. I will definitely come back to try...

Thien Huong, the Vietnamese restaurant that serves hot rice paper, is a hidden gem that I stumbled upon, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share my delightful experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a culinary treat that would leave a lasting impression.

The atmosphere at Thien Huong exudes warmth and authenticity. The cozy interior and welcoming staff set the stage for an inviting dining experience that transported me to the heart of Vietnam. It was evident that this restaurant had a passion for delivering true Vietnamese flavors.

I had my order to go but it won't skip the deliciousness away from the dish. Nice presentation.

In conclusion, Thien Huong is a Vietnamese restaurant that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a taste of Vietnam's rich culinary traditions. The hot rice paper experience was a revelation of flavors and textures that left me craving for more. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a newcomer looking to embark on a flavorful journey, Thien Huong is the perfect destination for a memorable dining adventure. Don't miss out on this...

12-02-24 -Shrimp roll $14- very tasty shrimp flavor. I couldn’t get enough of it. Steamed pork loaf and fried pork loaf accompanied the plate were a perfect combination along with blanched bean sprouts and chopped cucumber. -Special Combo #1- my significant other enjoyed his dish, especially the fried dough that came with it. -Three color bean dessert $5.66- refreshing. Loved the coconut milk. Most places nowadays use half and half which I don’t care for.

I always enjoy the food here. It’s yummy delicious whether I dine here or order a party tray to take home.

Looking forward to returning for more delicious tasty shrimp roll!

10-09-23 I would not have come in here if my friend hadn’t recommended (not located in a popular plaza, opened Dec 2022). We met up for lunch after her hair appointment next door. Glad I agreed to meet her here because I had a great experience: reasonable price, yummy food, pleasant staff and clean all round.

Food: -With pork $12 -With Shrimp $13.50 -Special #1 $14.50 take to go

Looking forward to sharing this hidden gem...