wanted a quick lunch, but didn't have any cravings to satisfy, so it was hard for me to decide what to eat. had just about given up on grabbing lunch, but then i happened to walk past this coffee shop and saw that there was vietnamese food available! since vietnamese food isn't readily available in coffee shops, i took that as a sign and stepped in to order. 

wanted something fresh and light, so i got the vietnamese chicken salad ($4.50). it was a generous tangle of shredded lettuce, basil leaves and onions, topped with fried onions and peanuts. the dressing was light, just slightly sweet, and just enough for the amount of vegetables (i hate it when salads are overloaded with dressing). i even didn't mind the raw onions! was pretty pleased with the chicken salad. it was exactly what i needed. 

i was still hungry, however (i'd underestimated my appetite). was initially contemplating ordering the beef pho, but got waylaid when i saw someone ordering the vietnamese crepe ($4.50). 

it was a good decision. it was a sizeable portion, and i liked that it wasn't too oily. the filling was interesting- a mix of minced chicken, shredded lettuce, wood ear mushrooms, beansprouts, and green beans. i've never had green beans in a savoury way before, but i liked it. the soft, eggy crepe was pretty good too. flavours were on the light side, but that's the way i prefer it anyway. that's probably why it came with a vietnamese dipping sauce, which provided a good balance. 

only i can manage to spend $9 eating at a coffeeshop. but it was really satisfying! and to think that it was a random find. i'll drop by if i'm in the area; probably will want to try the pho next time. 

the vietnam experience

broadway coffeeshop

100 tyrwhitt road