SFReview
photo credit: Julia Chen
Mộng Thu Cafe
The noodle soups at this Tenderloin Vietnamese cafe are so big that you might fall in. While taking a swim in some tomato-heavy bún riêu isn’t logically in the cards, slurping it down at this cheery, teal-colored spot in five minutes flat is. Yes, get the soups, but also the bánh mì and specials like the bánh uot chay: perfectly bouncy rice noodle rolls topped with plant-based pork and a heap of crispy shallots. Their hearty portions will fill you up for $15 or less. This is the lunch plan when a plate of sad leftovers is out of the question, or any time you need to defrost over some hot bún bò huế. Note that it’s cash-only.
photo credit: Julia Chen
Food Rundown
Bánh Mì Xiu Mai
All of the $6 bánh mì here are worth your time. Hone in on the xiu mai version. The pork meatball is saturated with mayo and pâté—we just wish there was a bit more meat.
Bánh Uot Chay
This mound of rice noodles and plant-based pork could feed us two and a half times over. Even if you’re not vegan, you should order this. It’s a texture fest on a plate: chewy, bouncy, and a touch of crispy from the jalapeño and fried shallots.
Bún Riêu
Massive crab and pork balls and big hunks of tomatoes make this the best soup on the menu. Order it.
