Its a mom's and pop's shop. I think both servers are their children and are very nice people…read more(including the owner)! I don't think the prices on their menu are justified for the big portions they serve! Yes, they give plentiful ingredients for lower than standard menu price compared to my local area. I don't go to Dorchester often, so I am not sure if the other Vietnamese restaurants within its vicinity have similar price range. But this restaurant is definitely worth checking it out as it has a decent selection to order. I had Bun Bo Hue and my friend had #75 Crab Noodle Soup with Water Spinach. Bun Bo Hue was not spicy, was on the sweeter side, but it was flavorful! They provided me a saucer of chilly oil to adjust spicy level to my liking. #75 was good as well and like I stated it had plenty ingredients (at an affordable price)! If you are looking for modern or intimate atmosphere, this is not it! If you are okay with old school look and closer to homemade food, go for this one!

Food was so good. Staff was friendly. The mien ga xe was ok. Wouldn't order again. The banh canh…read morecua was very good. I come here just for this dish. Ambiance was nice typical viet restaurant.

$14 combo for a delicious, generously portioned sandwich, fried spring roll, and drink (my choice…read morewas the Vietnamese coffee) -- AMAZING!! I ordered around 3pm in the afternoon, and it was called in record time. The lemongrass pork was juicy and flavorful in the banh mi sandwich and all the ingredients were fresh: very delicious and satisfying without being heavy! The spring roll was a lovely bonus, and the Vietnamese coffee refreshing and a perfect balance of creamy and sweet (but not too much so). Will definitely be back! I'm sure it's mobbed during the lunch hour, so before 12pm or after 2pm is recommended.

Unfortunately this place just did not cut it for me. Got the vermicelli bowl with pork and crispy…read moreroll. I loved that the crispy rolls were vegan but it was very taro (or potato?) heavy and the taro was just slightly undercooked. Pork looked and tasted old with not much flavor and no grilled taste. It was the most disappointing part of the meal. I ended up just tossing the pork out and eating the rest, which was tolerable with the fish sauce. Wish the fish had some fresh herbs - it only came with noodles, iceberg, cucumber, peanuts, and pickled carrots and daikon. Also wished the veggies were all cut the same way for a better cohesion in texture. The lettuce pieces were kinda large and the cucumbers were sliced into discs rather than strips like everything else. Fast service, but would recommend the noodles. I did see lots of other people getting the sandwiches, which is probably what I should have ordered.

Love going to Ba Le in Dorchester, for a quick bite! They…read moredon't have dine-in, just take-out. Love the variety they offer here. They're popular for their banh mi sandwiches & drinks. I enjoy getting their cold cut banh mi with extra butter and pate! I like that their baguettes are not too thick and are quite flaky. The bread to filling ratio is perfect each bite. Every time I visit, I always get a cold cut banh mi, nem, and sugarcane juice or an iced coffee. Super quick service. The line can seem daunting at times, especially in the early morning or lunch time but I promise it does move fast!

I really don't see any complaints anytime I'm here. Since my grandma to my parents to me as an…read moreadult. Ba Le is my only go to for banh mi, snacks and the occasional hot food. Two cups of fresh sugarcane and I'm good to go! Prices go up, as cost of goods go up. Still a bargain compared to other sandwiches you get for more money! Filling is always generous, you want extra butter pate? Just say so yes it cost a little more but they don't just give u a tiny bit, they smack it on your sub. The tall handsome guy at the register is always cool as hell! We also get jerky and nem with the pepper pretty frequently. Nice snack when you got class or work. I've gone out and tried so many other people's favorites because they wanted to hate on BaLe, and honest opinion lol, those other places don't even come close. They have long lines here during lunch rush or morning rush, but it moves. The bread is fresh every day. I'll just stick to my day 1. Thanks. But ayyyeee bring in more nem nuong for my custom sub haha jk.

I visited the Phin coffee house next to the Atlas hotel on Western by Harvard Business school and…read morehad a wonderful experience. I tried the avocado toast - it was phenomenal. My husband loved his salmon and cream cheese bagel. Then i decided to try to the Coconut coffee. Oh.my.gosh. It was one of the most delicious drinks I've ever tried. Creamy, whipped coconut cream and strong, rich coffee poured on top. I need a Phin coffee in Minnesota! Wonderful staff!! I'll be stopping by on every trip to Boston!

I had such a great experience at Phin Coffee House. I was staying at a hotel across from Harvard…read moreand originally stopped in just because it was convenient, but I'm so glad I did. The coffee is easily some of the best I've had in a long time, and the service was genuinely exceptional. After only one visit, the woman working the register remembered both my name and my order, which was such a thoughtful touch and made me feel incredibly welcome. I also tried the chicken bánh mì, and it was absolutely delicious...fresh, flavorful, and the perfect breakfast/lunch option alongside a coffee. It's rare to find a place that gets both the food and hospitality right, but Phin Coffee House does. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Cambridge. 10/10.

One of the spots that people kept recommending for good coffee & Bahn mi. overall takeaways: good…read morematcha color & flavor, drinks were not too sweet (which is an Asian compliment!), quaint spot. Would rate 5/5 on drinks, 4/5 on food. We got the customer favorite: iced pandan matcha (with oat milk for preference) -- overall: good matcha color & flavor, pandan was not too sweet, ice ratio was good. My bf really enjoyed this one! I also got the Iced Saigonese -- strong viet coffee, still yummy with the sweetness & the foam on top enhanced the creaminess of the drink. We ordered the BBQ Pork Bahn Mi + egg, I would recommend adding the egg for sure! The egg was creamy & runny, giving it extra flavor. However, Bahn mi itself was not particularly special. We actually ordered the egg after tasting the Bahn mi & it was a little dry. Nice location, seating inside & outside but construction was happening outside, so it wasn't as enjoyable. We had went around 1PM on a Wednesday & the seats were filled. Saw some people with computers, with no problem.

Back yet again to enjoy my favorite spot for a matcha and study sesh! It gets a little crowded, but…read morethe service is so fast and friendly making sure you feel comfortable and enjoy your order! Their seasonal banana bread matcha is insane!! So creamy and the perfect level of fresh banana to compliment the earthy matcha taste. Phinista's vibes from the atmosphere to the food to the people never disappoints.

I've been coming to Pho Pasteur for years. It is one of the busiest places in Chinatown…read more They provide complimentary tea upon request. I usually order some type of pho although they have an extensive menu. This time I had the seafood noodle soup.Very good broth and a good amount of seafood. My server seemed bothered when I asked for a fork. Usually although a busy place, I find that servers are generally attentive and also quickly bring your check. This time, I had to go upfront to pay for my bill because I did not see my server for a while. Place wasn't very busy at the time and maybe he had other duties to attend to. Their bathrooms' floor were sticky and did not appear very clean.

Phở Pasteur is a classic Vietnamese restaurant that focuses on traditional comfort dishes,…read moreespecially pho and other noodle soups. We walked into a casual, straightforward space that makes it the type of place you stop by for a quick, warm meal rather than a long dining experience. The atmosphere is nice with a busy, fast-paced energy that fits the style of food being served. The menu covers many Vietnamese staples, including different styles of pho, bun bo hue, rice dishes, and vermicelli bowls, giving plenty of options depending on what you are craving. The main draw here is the pho, but it landed a bit differently than expected. The broth had a lighter profile compared to other pho spots, with less of that deep, aromatic richness that usually makes the dish stand out. It was still enjoyable as a warm noodle soup, but the flavor felt a little more muted and did not have the same depth as some other Vietnamese restaurants nearby. The beef quality was solid, and the portions of noodles and meat were reasonable, but the broth is the part that makes the biggest difference in pho, and here it leaned more subtle than bold. Beyond pho, the menu offers a good selection of other Vietnamese dishes. The bun bo hue is a nice option if you prefer something with more spice and stronger flavors, while the rice and vermicelli dishes provide alternatives to the usual noodle soup. The restaurant also offers familiar sides and drinks like Thai iced tea, which pair naturally with the meal. Service is generally quick and the restaurant has a busy, efficient style, especially during peak hours. The staff handles the steady flow of customers well, and the food comes out without much delay. The location makes it convenient for a casual meal, but the fast pace can sometimes make the experience feel a little rushed. Prices are also a bit higher compared to some other Vietnamese restaurants, especially considering the portion size and the lighter broth profile, which may not feel like the best value for what you get. Phở Pasteur is a convenient option for Vietnamese food in the area, especially if you are looking for a quick bowl of pho. The food is solid, but compared to other pho spots, the lighter broth and higher pricing make it harder to stand out. It works well for a casual meal, though there are other places nearby that offer a more memorable pho experience. For a straightforward, no-fuss stop when you are in the neighborhood, it fills the gap, but it does not quite reach the level of a destination pho spot.

Fantastic Vietnamese without having to go to the south shore. Lots of delicious options. Service is…read morealways friendly and quick, though sometimes, it's very busy and every table is taken. They always play nice, calming instrumental music. Not the fanciest place I've ever been to, but a great option for good Vietnamese food. Their beef pho broth leans a bit more on the cinnamon side and perfumes the broth with a nice, deep flavor. Bun/noodle bowls, rice plates, fresh spring rolls - you can't go wrong. Their chao tom/shrimp paste is also tasty and a nice, light protein. Best part? This place makes durian shakes. I recognize this is not what most people are into, but for those who are, they make a good one and I love not having to go far for it.

Oh my goodness me heavily Pho…read more New Saigon is a must-visit if you love authentic Vietnamese food. Love local small places like this where it simply oozes authenticity. Nothing fancy, and yet everything is nothing short of outstanding. You just can't go wrong with that. The food is insanely fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The pho is rich and aromatic with perfectly cooked noodles and tender meats, and the portions are generous. Exactly what you want when you have that undeniable craving for Pho. You can really taste the authenticity in every bite. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it an incredible value. Whether you're a local or just passing through East Boston, New Saigon is the kind of place you'll want to come back to again and again. Highly recommended!

Came here on a saturday evening for dinner. We didn't have a reservation so we had to wait roughly…read more20-25 minutes. Service was friendly and helpful, we got everything we needed and within a reasonable time. For appetizers we ordered the banh khot which were tasty and crispy, the shrimp tasted fresh. For entrees the table shared the signature fine vermicelli platter. The menu stated that the proteins are the chef's choice and the server mentioned that portions were enough for 3-4 people. The meat included in the platter were all deliciously flavored and cooked nicely. It came with fresh lettuce and herbs to pair with the meat. Our table also ordered a clay pot catfish which was caramelized in a tasty sauce that paired perfectly with the plain white rice. Overall, this is a good place for a meal with family or friends. The seating is comfortable and the restaurant interior is clean and nicely decorated.

Three stars purely for the food, 1 star for the atmosphere, -2 stars for the service. An Nam in…read moreAssembly Square serves up very traditional Vietnamese fare, but the "elevated" fine-dining spin they try to put on the experience feels overbearing, overpriced, and completely misses the mark. Vietnamese cuisine is traditionally rooted in affordability, sharing an abundance of food, and enjoying good laughs with great company. By trying to force the concept into a high-end parallel, it just ends up feeling mediocre and hollow. The value simply isn't there--a single appetizer, one main entree, and three refreshments came out to a whopping $105. To make matters worse, the service was incredibly judgmental. Because our party of three only ordered that amount, the staff pretty much ignored us for the rest of the night after taking the order. The awkwardness started the absolute second we sat down. Before we could even settle into our chairs or get handed a menu, the waiter demanded to know what we wanted to drink. When we asked to see a menu first, he looked completely confused as to why we'd need one. After another staff member finally took our order, we sat there waiting for what felt like an eternity. When the food eventually arrived, they gave us sharing plates and chopsticks. We asked for a spoon to properly eat the claypot rice, and the waiter gave us another judging look. As Asians, we obviously know how to use chopsticks, but you objectively need a spoon to scoop the claypot SAUCE out of the pot! While the food itself is decent, the cramped atmosphere, poor hospitality, and inflated price tag mean I won't be rushing back. I might grab take out for the dumpling platter and cat fish rice pot but definitely not sitting in again.