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Mien Tay
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© Ming Tang-Evans
On the site of the former Thang Loi, which was notable for its north Vietnamese dishes, Mien Tray conversely prides itself on the fresh, sweet flavours of southern Vietnam, a cuisine characterised by its emphasis on seafood and influences from southern Chinese immigrants. The stunner of our meal was deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce and mango. Presented whole with slivers of the just-ripe fruit, chilli and lashings of fishy nuoc mam, it was a pure harmony of flavours (sweet, salty, sour) and textures (crisp skin, moist fish, slippery mango). Pho dac biet (‘special’ pho with beefy goodies) contained superb, irregularly shaped beef balls that bounced nicely on the teeth and had clearly been handmade (mass-produced beef balls tend to have a limp, overly processed texture). To finish, the Vietnamese coffee was also excellent – a refreshing, smooth brew and not cloying thanks to a judicious hand with the condensed milk. Alternatively, try the tra sua tran chau (Vietnamese tapioca pearl tea), if available.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Details
- 122 Kingsland Rd, Shoreditch, E2 8DP
- Area: Shoreditch
- Tel: 020 7729 3074
- Category: Vietnamese
- Travel: Old Street tube/rail/26, 48, 55, 67, 149, 242, 243 bus
- Times: Lunch served noon-3pm, dinner served 5-11pm daily
- Price: Main courses £4-£7. Unlicensed. Corkage no charge
- Credit cards: MC, V
- Licenced: unlicensed
- Services:
- Child facilities: Babies and children welcome: high chairs
- Function room: Restaurant available for hire
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Romain
I'm Romain, a 20 years old french guy who's just arrived in town. I'm here for working, actually it's an internship, part of my engineering...
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I had a 40-guest birthday dinner at Mien Tay on Saturday and they did remarkably well considering there was no set menu for such a large group. There were a few instances when mains and sides were served at random times and a few dishes from the menu were unavailable, but the food was still as delicious as ever and, being a BYO establishment, the final bill was incredibly reasonable. There was another large group of diners poised to take our area immediately after my booking which is testament to how great this place is. Highly recommended!
Margie, I am in total agreement! Battersea is like the Dead Zone for food and bam! suddenly our tastebuds are going crazy for Mien Tay. It is almost becoming like a social club, its fab. The food is gorgeous and I love that I can take my kids along for sticky chicken with honey and crunchy spring rolls and my daughter can't get enough of the papaya salad - it is her new favourite word! I love to see strangers faces when she blurts out papaya! papaya! So thanks Mien Tay for educating my kids and providing a place where parents can relax, even when the bill arrives. Delicious, see you in a couple of days!
The one in Battersea is just as good as Hackney.
Mien Tay puts all other Vietnamese restaurants in London to shame. Go there and get the real deal.
When are Time Out going to review the Battersea venue? In a place with zero food you must pick up on this, anyone from Battersea check it out immediately.
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