Adam Erace starts his review in the restroom at Vietnam Cafe, rarely a good sign but Erace does indeed dig the French Colonial dining room at Vietnam’s West Philadelphia sibling. He also finds plenty to like about the food.

Exhibit A: heavenly summer rolls I recommend swirling through the house nuoc mam, a salve of sweet white vinegar, garlic and funky fish sauce. There’s mahogany hoisin too, topped with crushed peanuts, and a vicious chili oil bloody with crushed peppers. Despite the aggressive condiments, the smokiness of the marinated and chargrilled pork inside the rice paper bundles came through, freshened by fragrant bursts of mint and basil.

Vietnam Cafe [Philadelphia Weekly]
Vietnam Cafe [Official Site]