breath m.'s Profile

Lac-Viet Bistro is a rarity amongst the sea of Vietnamese joints which make up what's come to be known as Orlando's "Little Vietnam" (see: http://en.wikipedia.or... ). Along the stretch of Colonial Dr, diners will find dozens of locations which are nothing more than giant 90 degree waiting rooms, filled with noisy patrons, tables which are arranged in efficient grids, and menus which cater to anyone with a Hanoian education.

Walking into Lac-Viet, though, is quite a different experience from the cool statues at the entrance, to the warm and genuine greeting from the owners. Moving into the dining area reveals a full bar, a beautiful fountain, and a semi-private area for special occasions. Comfortable seating and a varied catalog of music (everything from traditional Vietnamese to muzak renditions of Madonna) all adds to the cozy atmosphere.

The menu is not as extensive as many of the nearby competitors, however what it lacks in quantity, is more than outweighed by it's devotion to quality. You won't find any Thai or Japanese fusion here, just a moderate sampling of traditional and popular Vietnamese cuisine, underlined by a large selection of what most consider to be a must have for any Vietnamese outing, Pho.

Being a vegetarian, I can promise you won't be disappointed if you decide to skip the meat and try Mi Quang Chay (flat rice noodle spicy soup with tofu, bamboo, and mushroom ). At only $6.95 this flavorful and filling "Pho" (truly vegetarian, no beef broth here) actually has tofu and seitan (and at times a textured soy protein which is made up to look like shrimp).

Other personal favorites include Cari Chay ($6.95, tofu, bamboo, mushroom, potato, sweet potato & coconut milk in curry sauce) , Dau Hu Xao Nam ($8.95, fried tofu sauted w/  mushrooms in a light ginger sauce), and Bun Rieu Chay ($5.95, vermicelli noodle soup with tofu, bamboo, mushroom & tomato). Any of these are sure to please the pallet of refined diners and neophytes.

The Goi Cuon hay Bi Cuon (tofu summer rolls) are our usual starter at only $2.50 and come with a delicious peanut sauce, which I usually skip in favor of red chili sauce. To take off the heat, try Ca Phe Sua  / Sua Nong, Lac-Viet's perfect (Hot or Iced) Coffee with condensed milk. This is the best coffee drink I have ever had in my life. I'm not big on desert, but what I have tried here, I like... a Moong bean shake, and an assortment of bubble teas.

Whether you are contemplating which Vietnamese to try next, or have never tried it and looking for something different, this is definitely the place to go, especially for vegetarians. On top of all that I have already mentioned I would add,  Lac-Viet Bistro is by far the cleanest (looking and feeling) Asian dining I have found in my culinary travels.

Complete menu and information can be found on at  their website:

http://www.lacvietbist....