Cơm tấm Út Vân - Ut Van Vietnamese Restaurant — Restaurant in Đà Nẵng

Situated on a main strip in Da Nang lies a Cơm tấm restaurant with hundreds of five star reviews. All is not what it appears to be.

How is this even possible?

What did they do to attain such appeal?

Can it be true?

I had to find out… so I went for a visit on a rainy Thursday evening.

Inbound hospitality was acceptable, the staff are friendly and attentive. At first they pointed me to the cơm gá, chicken and broken rice, but I went back to the pork dish that I hold so dear – the reason for my visit and my favourite food in Vietnam.

Something is not right, I think. Why do they want me to eat the chicken? Weird.

Meanwhile I was half expecting to hear screams from the back room. The pleas of the rice that inevitably being broken… somewhere, on-site. But all I heard was silence.

The dining room’s wall holds framed photographs of Saigon’s storied past – romantic clichés, a reference to cô ba Saigon, idyllic scenes of a past era, and a photograph of a truck full of people waving the blue, red and yellow reunification flag.

Hmmm… Saigon I think. This is supposed to be Saigonese cơm tấm. A plate that I think is so special. A plate that has given me comfort while navigating the mean streets of the Southern Capital of Vietnam.

So I get to work, … I order a dish all too familiar to me… broken rice, a grilled pork chop and a fried egg (op la) topping.

Soon the food arrives and I get to work.

I take my first bite. It’s delicious. They may have broken the body of the rice but it retains it’s spirit, heart and soul.

Second taste …. I ask for chili, ớt, they deliver and hand me some scissors. I get to work. Soon my fish sauce accompaniment packs enough heat to take out a small bataillon.

I like it, it works.

Is it as good as what I have enjoyed previously in HCM?

Still needs work.

Marination of the pork chops fail to retain as much flavour as expected but the meat is sufficiently tender that it can be cut with a spoon. (-1 point - flavour ok/texture good/temperature cold/egg overcooked).

Accompanying dip is just too simple and doesn’t add another layer of flavour - even with an additional chili. Also, small quantity means you’re running quite dry at the end of the meal. It’s a communist era ration. Could be better, could be more. (See above negative point.)

Seating and interaction was a bit awkward. In a country of spies, loose lips, antifans and hate groups, the last thing I want to do is engage with the staff to tell them who I am and where I come from. (-1 point)

Overall, would I come back? Possibly. It’s conveniently located near where I might be from time to time. I would want to find other places and try them first.

Of course, it might be as easy to just fly to Saigon to get a dish that I...

Cơm tấm Út Vân: A must-visit for authentic com tam in Da Nang!

I had the opportunity to dine at Cơm tấm Út Vân recently, and I was not disappointed. This restaurant is a hidden gem in Da Nang, serving up some of the best com tam I've ever had.

The com tam itself was cooked to perfection, with the rice grains being just the right texture and the pork being tender and flavorful. The accompanying dishes were also delicious, including the shredded pork, fried egg, and pickled vegetables.

The atmosphere at Cơm tấm Út Vân was very welcoming and friendly. The staff were attentive and made sure that I had everything I needed. The restaurant was also very clean and well-maintained.

Overall, I had a great experience at Cơm tấm Út Vân. If you're looking for a delicious and authentic com tam experience in Da Nang, I highly recommend...

Review of Com Tam Ut Van:

For less than $10 USD, Com Tam Ut Van delivers an exceptional dining experience that balances quality, flavor, and value. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by enthusiastic and friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The dish was beautifully presented with fresh, vibrant ingredients that highlighted the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.

The Bánh Xèo was perfectly crispy, with a delicate, savory filling that paired wonderfully with the fresh greens and tangy dipping sauce. The grilled meat skewers were juicy, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection, adding a satisfying depth to the meal. The balance of textures and flavors—crunchy, soft, savory, and sweet—made every bite a delight. For anyone looking for an authentic Vietnamese meal without breaking the bank, Com Tam Ut Van is...