Dinner Out: Nam Phuong
My mom’s visiting for the weekend and we decided to try some place new, so I did a little research and decided on Vietnamese, either the new Le Viet or the Washington Ave standby Nam Phuong. We ultimately decided on Nam Phuong.
It’s a large restaurant with a mix of tables, some pushed together to form more family style tables, other large round tables and some 4-tops. The menu is huge and importantly, cheap!
We ordered a Vietnamese crepe appetizer and I got the house special vermicelli, while my mom ordered a lemongrass & curry chicken. The crepe was really good and came with all sorts of herbs and whatnot to add to the little lettuce rolls. A dip into the standard spring roll sauce (not sure of the name) and you’re all set. The crepe was crispy and had some veggies in it, but definitely need the addition of the mint and some pickled carrots.
My vermicelli was really great, with grilled chicken and shrimp, a spring roll and some “meatballs”. It’s such a deceivingly filling dish, as it’s some thin noodles, veggies and the meat. I loved all of the flavors, although the texture of the “meatballs” isn’t something I’m not quite used to.
My mom’s chicken was really great. I only tried a bit of it but it had a really nicely subtle curry flavor with a fresh, coconut taste. It was served with a good amount of steamed broccoli and rice. Another big serving, she brought half of it back with her.
Nam Phuong is definitely a new favorite for a cheap and filling meal. There was such a cross section of people there and I saw many people pointing at other people’s food and asking each other what they were eating. It’s a nice atmosphere to try new things.
Nam Phuong
11th & Washington
