Cincinnati's 4 best spots to score budget-friendly Thai and Vietnamese

Pho Lang Thang. | Photo: Paulina T./Yelp

In search of a new favorite Thai or Vietnamese spot?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Southeast Asian eats around Cincinnati, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.

1. Thai Express

Topping the list is Thai Express. Located at 213 W. McMillan St. in CUF, the Thai spot is the highest rated low-priced Southeast Asian restaurant in Cincinnati, boasting 4.5 stars out of 198 reviews on Yelp.

On the menu, expect to find a variety of rolls, curry-based dishes, noodles like pad see ew, khao soy and more. Look for the black pepper garlic stir-fry topped with beef.

2. Pho Lang Thang

Next up is Over-The-Rhine's Pho Lang Thang, situated at 114 W. Elder St. With four stars out of 518 reviews on Yelp, the veggie-friendly Vietnamese spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a low-priced option.

This spot offers starters like rolls, rice noodle soup, bánh mì sandwiches, meat-based and vegan salad bowls and specialty items like beef stew. Look for the bánh mì stuffed with lemongrass marinated tofu topped with cucumber and cilantro.

On the drink list, there's imported Vietnamese coffee, tea and beer selections. (For the full menu, take a look here.)

3. Le's Pho and Sandwiches

Downtown's Le's Pho and Sandwiches, located at 3 E. Court St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the low-priced Vietnamese café, which offers sandwiches and more, 4.5 stars out of 139 reviews.

On the menu, find pho, rolls, rice noodle bowls, bao buns and more. Look for the pork bánh mì sandwich stuffed with carrots, cilantro and jalapeños in a crispy roll.

4. Cilantro Vietnamese Bistro

Cilantro Vietnamese Bistro in CUF is another budget-friendly go-to, with four stars out of 237 Yelp reviews. Head over to 235 W. McMillan Ave. to see for yourself.

At this Vietnamese spot, look for starters like pork, veggie and tofu spring rolls. There's also build-your-own soups with your choice of broth, protein and noodles. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a coconut flan with caramel or a Vietnamese coffee. (Take a gander at the full menu here.)