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As the Asian cuisine wave continues in Cape Town, with diners discovering complex yet wholesome layered flavours and new dishes each week, we have another one to add to your must-visit list soon (we know that as Time Outers you may already have a list on your notes app and we are not judging, because we do too).
Founded by restauranteur duo Su and Anh Nguyen, Viet Roots has opened a new branch located on the corner of Roeland and Buitenkant Street in Cape Town.
Speaking to Time Out Cape Town in an exclusive interview, a representative of Viet Roots summarises the core concept of the new restaurant: "We aim to offer an authentic Vietnamese dining experience, utilising fresh ingredients and not half-assing it; authenticity is core to what we offer at Viet Roots."
Staying true to their name, Viet Roots' authenticity is reflected in the origins and roots of the owners. Heralding from Vietnam, the kitchen is led by co-owner chef Anh Nguyen, who ensures each dish is prepared to perfection with Vietnamese flavours echoing throughout.
It is more than just about cooking an exceptional meal for the owners; it is about sharing a piece of their culture and heritage.
Pho and everything in between
With two Vietnamese restaurants already operational, one in Kenilworth and one in Muizenberg, Viet Roots' branch in Cape Town's bustling CBD offers a tailored and extensive menu that boasts Vietnamese classics.
From hearty and comforting Pho, an iconic national Vietnamese dish that features a complex broth base alongside rice noodles, beef meatballs, beef brisket, rare beef and more, served with vegetables or bean sprouts, chilli and hoisin sauce, to Vietnamese-style chicken wings, Com Chien, also known as fried rice, Banh Mi, an iconic staple Vietnamese sandwich, and so much more.
With a wide selection of options to choose from, Viet Roots shared their top three suggestions: "We would recommend the beef pho, the Bahn Mi, and the fried beef noodles, which is the Mi Xao dish."
For diners that are feeling adventurous, the most unique dish on the menu is the Bahn Mi Chao, which features stir-fried beef, fried eggs, Vietnamese pork sausage, laughing cow cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, coriander, onions, and it is served with bread.
"It has only been ordered once thus far," adds Viet Roots.
Each meal is served with a selection of condiments including chilli oil, allowing you to tailor a spicy kick to your meal.
Menu prices range from R52 to 85 for starters, with mains ranging from R135 to R225 per dish.
Catering to a range of dietary requirements, plant-based foodies will be thrilled to know that Viet Roots can adjust various dishes to be meat-free.
While the menu may feature a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes, there is a tailored section for sushi with signature dishes including the VietRoots roll alongside classics such as California rolls and more.
Not your average coffee
Carrying through the thread of authenticity, the drinks section features a selection of speciality drinks including Avocado ice cream, also known as kem bơ, a Vietnamese sweet treat, and Vietnamese coffees with various options including Egg Vietnamese coffee, Ice Vietnamese coffee and more.
And before you ask, yes, the coffee is directly sourced from Vietnam.
The verdict
Pleasantly overwhelmed by the menu options upon my first visit, I opted for a starter and a main.
As a vegetarian, and from my experience, I often do not get my hopes up for the dim sum packing punch of flavour, due to forgoing meat; however, I was pleasantly surprised that these melt-in-your-mouth dim sum bites were layered in flavour and stuffed with tofu.
Paired with a decent amount of chilli oil, this portion of four dim sum almost had me ordering a second serving.
For mains, I opted for the Mi Xao, a fried egg noodle dish served with onions, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms and a range of other vegetables.
Expecting a smaller dish before it arrived at my table, my jaw dropped at the portion size while drool slowly slipped from the corner crevice of my mouth. The dish felt like a warm hug, and as a vegetarian, the inclusion of generous servings of tofu is something that has, to this date, put other dining options' serving size to shame.
Arriving steaming hot is a common thread with all the dishes served, reflecting the cooking method and attention to detail because the first cue that you are about to eat an exceptional meal is how hot it arrives at your table.
Must know details:
Address: 57 Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 11am to 9pm.
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