Restaurants

OH.MY.LORD. I have just eaten the most amazing lunch ever! I reserve excitement normally for swish evening meals but I just met my friend locally from my new office and am in shock! seriously! So much so I am going back this evening with my boyfriend! We shared lots of appetizers, squid with salt and pepper, papaya salad with spicy dried beef, fresh rolls, an amazing pancake with beansprouts and pork with honey and spices. SO fresh and light I left with a spring in my step! If only they had a breakfast menu! i am HOOKED!

My flatmate introduced me to the place when I first moved to Shoreditch. I was initally put off by the shop front and decor, now I'm so gald it's like that. I need as many reasons as possible to keep the masses out of my fave place to eat!
For the last year, we've been going at least once a week. you will not get better on Kingsland Rd.
If it's your birthday, phone in advance and ask for a cake! they will lovingly prepare a multicolured jelly-like cake with a message on just for you! Amazing!
Eat beef with betel leaves or squid to start! I love the egg prawns for main or the hot pot. It's all mouth wateringly fresh so you can't go wrong with any dish. the Morning Glory veg plate is AMAZING!
Mmmm I want to go now!

I have been here three times and each time I have left with the deep sense of satisfaction one feels after an amazing meal. The gui cuon is delicious and the beef pho is as good as any pho I have had in Ho Chi Minh City. If you're looking for an unpretentious restaurant which is good value for money go here!

I've just rolled in from the most fantastic meal ever. If I can recommend this place it will never be enough. Start with fresh rolls, tamarind mussels, salt and pepper spring rolls and the beef in betel leaves. Follow with whole steamed bass and sizzling prawns and then order goat with galangal and duck with black bean. Finish off with toffee banana and Vietnamese coffee - that will prob be approx £20 each and you'll be stuffed.. and happy. Cannot say how highly I recommend this amazing place. GO GO GO!!!!

Ate here last night and was blown away. loved it loved it loved it. what happy polite service delivering tasty food and finishing off with the delight of a cheap bill.
could not eat enough of the salt and pepper squid.
and what a cute lady who runs the floor (i think) just smiling all night at the sight of lots of her happy customers.
i'll definitely be back - top marks

I went to Mien Tay last night and I agree with Chira it's exterior does not do it justice. Take the plunge and go inside and you will never regret it.
This is no lie - I am still thinking about all the food I ate and which could possibly be my favourite. The dishes are unbelievable, not one was inferior to the other.
The punters are really happy and everyone smiles, especially when their food comes out.
It's fresh, crisp, clear taste is a refreshing delight.
And this all before I saw the bill ... which was so low I asked the waiter to check to see if there had been a mistake!
Please take my advise and if you are thinking of Vietnamese try this one out, you will not be disappointed.

I am writing this as I promised i would to say thank you for all the people below pointing out how wonderful this place was - thankyou! I had an amazing meal here last night and am still thinking about the sizzling goat - thanks louisa.
Not only that but the staff and atmosphere was so much happier, relaxedand friendlier than the other places on Kingsland road.
And with prices so cheap i'm hooked!

Thanks to Bob's recommendation below I have to say a huge thank you for the tip-off to try the hot pot. Wow! This was indeed a huge treat and a delicious pot of divine broth encircled by king prawns, squid, mussels and so on accompanied by a huge tray of vegetables and a side of noodles, all to dunk in, cook and devour! AMAZING!

I decided to eat here after having read such wonderful reviews and I definitely don’t regret my visit. I have to admit we almost didn't go in because of the appearance of the restaurant which resembles that of a dodgy café, BUT, the food was exquisite. Served promptly we ordered the deep fried sea bream with fish sauce and mango, stir-fired chicken with lemongrass, chilli and onion, and finally the crispy noodles with a mix of meats and prawns – all superb! My favourite had to be the fish, which for £8 was an absolute bargain and really does not do the fish justice at all.
The only disappointment was that I was so full I couldn’t finish everything. That certainly won’t be my last visit to Mien Tay.

What a FABULOUS place! From stepping in the door to leaving it with a wallet hardly lighter and a belly heavier! Every single dish was amazing, the service was friendly and endearing, the atmosphere was bright and chatty and not like the crowded and stuffy canteen is has for neighbours.
Try whatever you like as everything is delicious, I particularly like the fresh rolls, salt and pepper squid, goat with galangal and .... HOT TIP!!! Ask for their HOT POT - UNBELIEVABLE!! and it is not on the menu!!!!