Ready to celebrate Lunar New Year? On February 5, families around the world take part in the celebrations for Tết, the first day of the Lunar New Year — and spring — for Vietnamese families.
To kick off the celebration, families gather at home or at a favorite restaurant on New Year’s Day for a reunion meal, featuring specialties that may include dưa hành (pickled spring onions), bánh chưng (sticky rice with meat or beans wrapped in leaves) and boiled whole chicken.
If you’re looking for a feast to celebrate the Year of the Pig with friends and family, Hoodline has crunched the numbers to find the top Vietnamese restaurants in Seattle, based on Yelp ratings and our own methodology. Happy Lunar New Year!
1. Bánh Town
Topping the list is Bánh Town. Located at 10414 Holman Road North (between 104th and 105th streets) in Greenwood, this cozy mom-and-pop shop offers much more than its signature bánh mì, including barbecued pork dirty rice, quail egg poppers and oxtail soup.
It's the highest rated Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle, boasting 4.5 stars out of 475 reviews on Yelp.
2. Tamarind Tree
Next up is Yesler Terrace's Tamarind Tree, situated at 1036 S. Jackson St., Suite A (between South 10th and South 12th avenues). With four stars out of 1,262 reviews on Yelp, it's a perfect choice for a celebration.
On the extensive menu, you'll find traditional New Year's dishes like thịt kho trứng nước dừa (pork braised in coconut juice).
3. Meekong Bar
Belltown's Meekong Bar, located at 2525 Fourth Ave. (between Wall and Vine streets), is another popular, if unconventional, choice. Yelpers give the phở-focused spot, which also offers bánh mì burgers and fusion small plates, 4.5 stars out of 367 reviews.
4. Vinason Pho & Grill
Vinason Pho & Grill, a casual mostly-takeout spot in Belltown, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 363 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2134 Westlake Ave. (between Blanchard Street and Ninth Avenue) to see for yourself if you'd like to enjoy your celebration in the comfort of home, without the trouble of cooking.
5. Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant
And over in the International District, check out Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 1,086 reviews on Yelp.
It's best known for its well-liked vermicelli bowls, but the extensive menu also includes everything from stuffed escargot to catfish cooked in a clay pot. Check out the full menu here, or see for yourself at 418 Eighth Ave. South (between King and Jefferson streets).
Go ahead, dare to be picky in Seattle.
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