When new Vietnamese spots open in Tulsa, we check them out. This means we subject our taste buds to the pho-nomenal, the bahn mi-dling, and more often than not, the perfectly fine. And every once in a while, a new restaurant makes us feel like we’ve been teleported to the streets of Saigon. When that happens, we add it here, to this list of the 10 best.
Mekong River Restaurant
$ | (918) 252-5611 | WEBSITE
This unassuming Tulsa spot is our new go-to for a Vietnamese meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Like the name suggests, the menu leans into classic Vietnamese staples with a few crowd-pleasing twists, and the result is highly satisfying stuff. Hearty beef pho with its flavorful broth contains the tenderness of slow-simmered comfort, especially with fresh herbs and lime. Crisp fried rice with its well-portioned mix of ingredients is the perfect companion to a sweet Thai tea.
And rich brisket pho restores our faith in noodle soups. (Not like we lost it or anything.)
Lone Wolf Banh Mi
$ | (918) 728-7778 | WEBSITE
Tulsa’s Vietnamese scene was overdue for some excitement, and Lone Wolf Banh Mi delivers. Once a popular spot for unique sandwiches, it now has a permanent reputation among the city’s best. The menu focuses on balance and flavor with dishes like the cilantro pesto chicken banh mi made to order and arriving quickly, or the fried rice with kung pao ground pork meat and kimchi vinaigrette that has a well-rounded richness from the tangy kimchi.
It all happens inside a compact, bustling space that works for grabbing a quick lunch at the counter, enjoying the terrific vegan options at one of the simple tables, or posting up near the kitchen to watch the attentive staff work. Before you leave, make sure to try the kimchi fries—a standout with a generous serving of kimchi that adds that perfect tangy kick.
Kai Vietnamese Cuisine
$ | (918) 582-0200 | WEBSITE
Pho joints are everywhere in the city, but Kai is an outlier among the noise. Sure, this bustling downtown Tulsa spot nails the classics, like a predictable-yet-effective combination of rich, fatty broth and generous meat portions in their beef pho. But our brainwaves really can’t stop fixating on the pork belly bao buns. They’re arranged with tender slices of pork moistened by a fresh ginger and garlic stir-fry that cuts all the richness like a delicious karate chop.
Yeah, it’d be better if Kai’s outstanding grilled pork spring rolls or amazing bánh mì were included in the $18 price. But the portions are generous and filling, so let’s call it a win.
Keo
$ | (918) 794-8200 | WEBSITE
From the team behind Tulsa’s beloved Thai scene comes Keo, a sleek all-day restaurant in the heart of the city specializing in the art of modern Thai fusion. That means crispy spring rolls that could use a flavor boost, a green chicken curry that falls short on value, and a pho with a delightfully balanced broth we’d slurp by the bowlful. But you’re really here for the cocktails.
It’s a tough decision between the classic Thai-inspired mixes or a modern twist featuring local ingredients—both are already contenders for the city’s finest sips. Dinner is elevated, too, but in the meantime, we’ll be hanging out in the cool interior for 5pm cocktail breaks.
Ri Le’s
$ | (918) 496-2126 | WEBSITE
The long-standing member of Tulsa’s Vietnamese Pho Coalition could very well be the best. At this excellent community spot, the steaming broth-filled bowls are doppelgangers of ones you might find in Hanoi, and the straightforward toppings succeed with flying colors. Those include the large beef pho enriched by hoisin sauce, the special hoisin beef with its savory depth, or humble veggie egg rolls with their crispy crunch.
Prepare for crowds, prepare for hoisin found on the corner of your lip, and prepare for greatness.
Viet Huong Restaurant
$ | (918) 664-1682 | WEBSITE
The pho masters at Viet Huong Restaurant now serve a full Vietnamese menu, and, surprising absolutely nobody, it’s all very good. Bowls are steaming hot vessels that provide ample flavor, with pockets of spice here and there. You’ll find broth options like beef with clean aromatics and tender meat, or Tulsa’s finest seafood pho with globs of fresh herbs. Just remember that you’re still inside the shell of a casual eatery, which means laid-back, friendly digs—and a Bun Bo Hue for the books.
Phở Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House
$ | (918) 947-4388 | WEBSITE
A bowl of pho under $12 in this town? Before Phở Nhi cropped up, we’d snap back with a belly-laugh and a “good luck, naive scallywag.” But this Vietnamese noodle house serves some of the most affordable bowls around. They happen to be great, too, with abundant rice noodles, clean broth, and the optional-but-not-really-optional-at-all addition of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and squeezes of lime. Summer rolls with fresh shrimp are available, too, with the meatball pho as a standout.
There’s not much to the space, but for a neighborhood with slim Vietnamese pickings, Phở Nhi’s an asset.
Binh Lê Restaurant
$ | (918) 835-7722 | WEBSITE
The owners of this Tulsa Vietnamese spot have been running it for over twenty years, which tells you the kind of authentic experience we’re dealing with here. And the food is great. The Pho doubles down on flavor, with a consistently reliable and tasty broth that stands out in the city. Fried egg rolls with shrimp and peanut dipping sauce are crisp and satisfying as they are flavorful. The soy vegetarian dish remarkably resembles chicken and could fuel us for the entire week.
Service flies out in a few minutes, and the menu has a nice selection of options like Bun Cha Gio and Garlic chicken for supplementing your meal.
Pho Da Cao
$ | (918) 270-2715 | WEBSITE
We knew this casual Vietnamese spot was special after the first sip of their outstanding pho broth. That feeling was affirmed upon discovery of Pho Da Cao’s steak pho with raw steak, chili oil, and fried dumplings. Yes, it sounds like a simple neighborhood meal, but damn, that pho’s the best thing here. With a neat, clean space, friendly service, and plenty of seating availability, this place has the potential to become a real Tulsa destination.
Lo Banh Mi Viet Hot Bread
$ | (918) 779-6177 | WEBSITE
We’ll shout it from the rooftops until we need to pop a lozenge: Lo Banh Mi Viet Hot Bread serves the best banh mi in Tulsa, full stop. The bread gives credence to their daily in-house baking—it’s got a light, airy crunch, but the way it tears unearths pillowy fluff with just a gentle chew. Fillings are just as stellar, like the #1 Dac Biet with its perfect balance of meat and pâté, or you can go with the call xui mai featuring meatball albondigo, cucumber, carrots, and cilantro.
And Vietnamese coffee with its rich, condensed sweetness makes for a pristine accompaniment. Keep an eye on their takeout counter for the buy-four-get-one-free deal.