Orange, CA might not be the first place people think of when discussing Vietnamese food in America—Westminster’s Little Saigon has that title on lock. But there’s a reason why Orange County’s culinary scene is still celebrated: The city offers authentic pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls that can go toe-to-toe with any in the region. Here’s your guide to navigating them all.
Omeli Kitchen
$$ | (714) 770-0970 | WEBSITE
Omeli Kitchen makes a pho called Pho Short-Rib that will turn you into a fusion fanatic and haunt your cravings the second you leave Orange. It has a rich, hearty broth and comes topped with tender short rib, fresh herbs, and rice noodles that soak up every flavorful drop. If pho isn’t your thing, try the Lomo Saltado: a classic Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion dish with tender meat prepared with Vietnamese techniques, served alongside potatoes, rice, and a vibrant cilantro sauce.
As the cozy setting suggests, consider pairing your meal with a glass of lychee peach iced tea while dining at one of the ten intimate tables.
Pho Vina
$ | (714) 777-3785 | WEBSITE
If you can’t afford to travel all over Vietnam, just make your way to Pho Vina in Anaheim Hills for a taste of the country’s finest. Their authentic pho features filet mignon from the grill, fresh herbs from local gardens, rice noodles from traditional mills, and broth simmered for hours. If you’re visiting with a group, Pho Vina serves great party trays showered in egg rolls, fried rice, and garlic noodles.
And no matter what the occasion, their veggie pho filled with fresh vegetables and amazing beef salad is a go-to. There’s also generous portions, a reasonable price point, and some pretty prime family-owned atmosphere with warm service.
Pho Lab
$ | (714) 594-3879 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, you just need a bowl of pho, and Pho Lab’s combination pho is the perfect example. This rich, balanced broth is filled with tender meat cuts and firm, chewy noodles that hold up beautifully. They’ve been serving up steaming bowls for years, and having one fresh and hot on a chilly day is hard to beat. Their other dishes are decent, but the combination pho is good enough to carry the whole menu.
Grab a bowl with extra meat, then pair it with their popular strawberry tea for the full experience.
Kim Ky Noodle House
$ | (714) 898-8141 | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of eating the same bland noodle soup for the fifth week in a row, head to this noodle house tucked behind the bustling streets of Orange for a flavorful escape. You can choose between their rich noodle soup that’s topped with crispy pork rinds and fragrant fried garlic, or their dry seafood noodles crowned with fresh seafood and a savory dipping sauce.
Enjoy it while sitting at one of their simple wooden tables, with the comforting aroma of broth that transports you straight to Saigon’s District 5.
PHO LOVERS 3
$ | (714) 596-0220 | WEBSITE
After you finish shopping in Orange, head to Pho Lovers 3 and settle into one of their comfortable booths for a steaming bowl of pho. A standout here is their Beef Rib Pho—it’s superb with high-quality meat and a delicious, flavorful broth that keeps you coming back. They also have excellent brisket pho with a generous amount of beef, as well as crispy special egg rolls that the attentive and polite servers recommend.
Enjoy everything in their clean, roomy interior that’s perfect for gatherings, with easy parking making it convenient for pho lovers.
Faifoo restaurant
$ | (714) 534-3600 | WEBSITE
Head to Faifoo for authentic Hoi An cuisine, and enjoy it inside their lantern-lit dining room, beneath charming paper lanterns and warm lighting. If you’re a fan of central Vietnamese dishes, the Cao lầu is what you want. Tender pork, chewy noodles, crisp greens, and fragrant herbs get piled into a bowl with a rich broth that’s deeply savory yet balanced. Or, opt for the Mi Quang Tom Thit, scattered with plump shrimp, sliced pork, rice crackers, and fresh herbs.
Finish it all with a cup of their strong Vietnamese coffee, a dark roast that cuts through the meal’s richness.
Brodard Chateau
$$ | (714) 899-8273 | WEBSITE
Brodard Chateau is the standout spot by the team behind some of Orange’s best Vietnamese kitchens. What makes this elegant restaurant consistently packed is its unparalleled spring rolls. You can taste the savory filling in every crunchy bite of the wrapper, setting the stage for their exceptional dishes, like a generous smear of peanut sauce and plenty of fresh herbs on the shrimp rolls.
Their chicken curry, loaded with so many tender pieces and fragrant spices, is another standout, as is their nem nuong crowned with grilled pork and crisp vegetables. Take your leftovers home in their boxes, and stay close—you’ll want to go back for their macaroons.
Tai Tea x The V Kitchen
$ | (657) 208-3338 | WEBSITE
Step inside Tai Tea x The V Kitchen’s bright, clean space tucked away in a plaza that might look sketchy from the outside, and get ready to choose from their tasty Vietnamese-inspired drinks and snacks. You’ll find options like garlic noodles with shrimp, garlic fries, and popular drinks such as the Princess Peach with jasmine tea, honey boba, and lychee jelly, and the rich, smooth Thai milk tea that rivals Chatramue. Our favorite?
The honey boba with its perfect sweetness and chewy texture that makes every sip satisfying. The friendly, efficient staff keeps service quick even during busy hours, and with hours until midnight, it’s a solid spot for late-night cravings.
Pho 101
$ | (714) 375-3330 | WEBSITE
Everything Pho 101 serves turns to comfort, including the signature pho at this modern Vietnamese spot. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and simmered with just enough spice to warm your soul. You’ll find classics like beef brisette and straightforward chicken, along with some standout options like ox tail or crispy chicken. Enjoy a bowl and cup of hot tea, just off the 405 near Bella Terra.
Saiga Vietnamese Eatery (Irvine)
$ | (949) 346-6701 | WEBSITE
Saiga Vietnamese Eatery has so many tempting dishes, we’re convinced that one of Vietnam’s culinary masters is working in the kitchen. Bowls of fragrant jasmine rice and fresh vermicelli fill the counter, while their standout banh mi sandwiches and crispy pork sit front and center. Their BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is super satisfying, with tender chicken, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a flavorful green aioli that’s the ideal balance of creamy and tangy.
They also have a juicy, pork-packed Grilled Pork Banh Mi and savory, crispy, popcorn chicken that’s worth trying if you’re in the mood. Bring as many friends as possible to help you sample everything.
Thuyền Viên Vegetarian Restaurant
$ | (714) 490-0242 | WEBSITE
Thuyền Viên Vegetarian Restaurant is where you’ll find the best vibrant, tofu-laden ĐẬU HỦ CHIÊN RAU RĂM Fried Tofu in Orange. This is the top choice here, and you’ll realize why once crispy tofu swimming in a pool of fresh herbs and dipping sauce delivers hot, savory flavor with every bite. Enjoy your meal in their clean, bright dining room known for its speedy service, and end your feast with their vegan flan boasting a light and refreshing texture.
Mama Hong’s
$ | (714) 685-9571 | WEBSITE
There was a time when we thought nothing could surpass a bowl of traditional pho. Then we tried the oxtail pho at Mama Hong’s. Its broth, simmered with rich, savory depth, tender oxtail meat, and aromatic spices, made us realize we were wrong. Located in Orange, this popular Vietnamese restaurant is known for its variety of delicious dishes and creative authenticity.
Don’t miss their pork chop special, with its complex flavor profile and satisfying texture, or the garlic noodles that serve as a solid, comforting choice. Their trio appetizer, offering a wonderful variety of textures, is particularly delightful, too. And be sure to try the Vietnamese condensed milk coffee, which has just the right amount of kick to satisfy a sweet tooth, or the Jasmin ginger tea for a refreshing finish.
Akaushi Pho Seafood & Noodle
$ | (657) 465-5333 | WEBSITE
We could tell you about the way the owners at Akaushi Pho Seafood & Noodle greet every guest with the warmth of family, or mention their cozy tables and welcoming atmosphere, but none of that matters when their Rare Wagu Steak Pho is as good as it is. Picture a rich, flavorful broth filled with noodles and melt-in-your-mouth steak that’s been cooked to perfection. And if you dragged along a friend who really wanted something different, they have shrimp spring rolls and chicken egg rolls too.
But skipping the pho would be like going to Orange and visiting all the other Vietnamese spots without trying what makes this place truly special.