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Mien Tay

180 Lavender Hill, SW11 5TQ Full details & map

Restaurant: Vietnamese

Time Out says 6 Users say 4/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Sep 17 2010

The original branch on Kingsland Road sent the food community into a lather when it first opened; Mien Tay's fresh approach to Vietnamese cooking clearly struck a chord among those jaded by the near-identical menus along 'pho mile', offering as it did the sweeter, more delicate flavours of south-western Vietnam.

Chargrilled quail lightly brushed with honey is a signature dish: all smokiness and spice and deep, gamey flavours. Another highlight is deep-fried sea bream, free of oiliness and served whole under tart slivers of mango and splashes of sour-salty-sweet nuoc cham. These classics are executed with equal aplomb at this newer Lavender Hill outpost. We'd also say that the pho here is marginally better, with an astounding balance of complexity and clarity in the beef broth; bouncy beef balls are a recommended addition.

The restaurant is never going to win accolades for outstanding decor - it's the usual plain furniture and paper tablecloths, with colour added by way of cheesy plastic vines and flowers curled around the edge of the ceiling. Service is as hospitable as you might expect in a family-run joint.

Tags: South-East Asia, Vietnamese, Groups, South, Battersea, Budget, Restaurant

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Mien Tay details

Address

Mien Tay

180 Lavender Hill SW11 5TQ

Transport Clapham Junction rail or 77, 87, 156, 345 bus

Telephone

020 7350 0721

Lunch served noon-3pm daily. Dinner served 5-11pm Mon-Sat; 5-10pm Sun

Main courses £5-£8

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable ( weekend ), Available for hire, Disabled ( toilet ), Takeaway service

Mien Tay map

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Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 6 ratings)

By Davide Perou - Feb 4 2012

5/5

I went to Mien Tay last night and was surprised to find they have a wine list that recommends wine with matching dishes.

I had not heard about this and it was amazing! We love Mien Tay anyway and then to have a wine that goes perfectly just makes everything 100% more amazing!!

What is really good is the wines are all available by glass and are really cheap, we always just get lots of starters so in theory you could get a different wine for each dish.

Can't wait to go back and try more matches.

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By Kristiana - Jan 25 2012

1/5

This was the worst service I have ever had. Rude waiters, I was interupted at least twice when tryign to order. Food came out late, by the time I got it everyone else had finished eating and there was no apology. The duck dish with rice was horrible. Really dissapointing.

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By James - Jul 12 2011

5/5

There are only a few places i really look forward to going to in the Clapham Junction area, and this is definitely one of them. I have been to the sister restaurant on Kingsland Road (look at me i am so well travelled!) whichIi feel has a little more charm being narrow and intimate, but this location still maintains the fantastic food.

The salt, pepper and garlic squid may not pure Vietnamese, but it is crispy and tender. The goat is great and the beef with lemongrass and chilli also hits the spot. This is the only place I have ever had fresh rolls, which for me have all the delight of the spring rolls while leaving you spritely enough to continue gorging happily. Having said that the Vietnamese spring rolls are lighter and crunchier than any Chinese counterparts I have had in London (including Royal China and Wing Yip). Finally the deep fried whole seabass with ginger, lemongrass chili and mango is amazing.

If you plan to head there between 18:30-20:30 either book or expect a wait. This place used to be a little known treasure, but the secret is out.

This place now has a license and you can pick up a 330ml beer for 2.50 and wine is reasonable, but it is still BYOB if you fancy increasing the savings.