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For years, West Philly resident Benny Lai was asked when he was planning on opening a restaurant in the area. After all, the Chinatown location is doing so well. As we all welcomed 2008, the Lai family thought it’d be the perfect time to open Vietnam Cafe since West Philly had already been booming with new residents, new restaurants, and even a brewery.

As I took the 34 Trolley down Baltimore Ave- I was greeted with the familiar neon sign that reminded me of its older brother. Before walking in, I noticed the sign BYO. I knew I forgot something! Apparently no one else did, because every other table had wine on their minds. It’s quite cozy with pictures adorned of his homeland Vietnam and modern look accompanying the 12 full tables.

My lady friend Janine had never tried Vietnamese cuisine, let alone use chopsticks- boy was this going to be an adventure!

As I sipped on my soda chanh (vietnamese lemonade), a simple mix of lime juice, sugar and club soda, the server brought out 4 mouthwatering appetizers that brought tears to my eyes. They were all so good!

We first sampled Bo Nuong La -stuffed grape leaves with grilled beef that exploded with smokiness the second it touched my tongue. Our grilled shrimp were plump and juicy, perfect for sharing with four on each wooden skewer. Crispy spring rolls? It’s not often that traditional favorite is served in bite size bites with a sweet vinaigrette. Our final dish was char-grilled pork rolls served in rice paper with a hosin dipping sauce.

There was still room (somehow) for dinner, which included salted pepper chicken and the house special vermicelli that was loaded with meats balls, char-grilled chicken and pork and of course, those crispy spring rolls.

After polishing off my 5th lemonade, I had nothing but praise and a full stomach for Vietnam Cafe. Much like the original, the prices are very reasonable and perfect for a first date. Just ask the couple next to us!!

With University City Dining days starting this week, what more encouragement do you need?

Vietnam Cafe
814 South 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 729-0260
www.eatatvietnamecafe.com