Vinh-Long

I dined at Vinh-Long on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 1 pm. I had a less than ideal experience here. Even though the menu offers a good variety of mostly Vietnamese and some Japanese dishes at affordable prices, I felt that there was a lot to be desired in the quality.... To the point that I'd rather pay more for better quality bowl of pho. Walking into the small establishment, it felt very tight and almost claustrophobic. The tables were close together so you're almost sharing a table with everyone seated around you. The restaurant also smelled musty as soon as I walked in.

My bowl of pho was below average. The broth was very cloudy, which is a sign that the impurities were not properly removed. At the end of the meal, the cloudiness had separated and settled to the bottom, which was off putting. The broth tasted like it looked, imbalanced and under-seasoned. I had only 3 small meatballs in my medium size bowl, and I thought that was stingy. 3 larger size beef balls would have sufficed. The beef balls were soft in texture, which I guess that is the cheaper type of beef balls. The sliced flank tasted fine. The tray of bean sprouts, basil, and jalapeño to supplement the pho was pitiful. I had to ask for more and I got a second plate of the same quantity. All the basil leaves had black spots on it.

As this establishment is cash only, I think that would be a slight inconvenience for some folks. Also, it can get busy during peak hours, so expect some wait. The establishment seems to have a fast turnover so, I would not expect to wait long. Overall, I think if you want some place cheap with a variety of average food, this place is for you.

On my recent visit to Vinh Long on a busy Sunday afternoon (3/10/24), As one of the long-standing Vietnamese restaurants still graced by its original owners, it truly stands as a pillar in the local culinary landscape. Despite it being a packed house at 1 pm, the staff were able to seat us after a brief 5-minute wait.

The service was prompt and attentive right from the start, with menus and a courteous inquiry for our drink orders arriving in no time. The menu featured a diverse assortment of authentic Vietnamese fare, along with a selection of Japanese dishes and a delightful variety of Vietnamese desserts--all offered at very reasonable prices.

My order included the Pho Special, Com Suon Bi Cha Trung, and Goi Cuon, each of which was a delightful surprise in terms of flavor and quality. The Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls) were notably fresh, brimming with vermicelli and mixed vegetables, and perfectly paired with a savory house hoisin sauce. The Com Suon Bi Cha Trung (White Rice with Shredded Pork, Egg Quiche, Pork Chop, and Fried Egg) was a symphony of textures and tastes--tender pork chop, perfectly cooked shredded pork, a tasty egg quiche, and a fried egg done just to my liking. The Pho Special was a comforting bowl with a richly flavored broth and an ample serving of meats, though the accompanying vegetables and herbs were somewhat scant. However, the staff was more than willing to provide extra upon request.

Vinh Long, while compact, operates with a team that moves swiftly to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all. Ample parking is available in the lot, which is always a plus. It's worth noting that this cash-only establishment. Initially, there was a fleeting, odd scent upon entry, reminiscent of an older building, but it quickly dissipated, allowing the aromas of delicious food to take over.

In summary, my experience at Vinh Long was filled with the warmth of nostalgia and reinforced by delicious food, friendly service, and swift delivery. It's clear that the restaurant continues to uphold its reputation, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

After spending a delightful week exploring Nashville and enjoying a diverse array of local cuisine, our culinary curiosity led us to seek out some delicious Vietnamese fare for a change of taste. We stumbled upon Vĩnh Long restaurant, conveniently located just a brief 10-minute drive from downtown Nashville. Nestled within a small shopping mall boasting ample parking spaces, this hidden gem offers a menu that caters to both Vietnamese and Japanese palates.

Upon our visit, we indulged in several bowls of Pho, and they exceeded our expectations with their remarkable flavor and freshness. Having hailed from the DC area, where authentic Vietnamese cuisine is cherished, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Vĩnh Long's offerings measured up admirably. The attentive and friendly service only enhanced our dining experience.

In sum, we wholeheartedly recommend Vĩnh Long to anyone seeking an authentic and delightful Vietnamese culinary adventure while in Nashville.

I haven't been here in years just cause my schedule doesn't workout with their hours. They close pretty early and it's closed on Mondays.
As we walked in, I noticed they did some upgrades but I definitely feel like there's more they can do, like get a new kitchen door. It looked like it's been kicked to death and I didn't want to use their restroom.
I always go for the beef stew, the meat wasn't as tender, but the stew was still good. Got the pork chop plate togo. The pork chop was thin but it had good flavor to it. I still hate that it's cash only but, hey it works for them. I'm glad they're still around since 2002!

I had this meal ordered as a To-Go so don't have pics. I was really looking forward to a great meal reading the reviews but was sorely disappointed.
I had ordered a pint of Pho Broth, Shrimp shumai and the No 45 Lemongrass Chicken Rice and made sure to request NO SALAD but got salad.

The broth was still hot (which is why this is a 2 star instead of 1* I'm really trying to be generous) but it was soooo bland. For a minute I actually wondered if I might have covid bcos this was the blandest broth I've ever tasted in my life!

The shumai was soggy and the 4 tiniest mini pieces. Based on the food, $3.25 is overpriced for the taste and quantity.

But the greatest regret was the Lemongrass Chicken. It tasted more like a Ginger chicken but there was not a hint of lemongrass and not even 1 tiny shred of lemongrass! For a second I considered that maybe I received someone else's order but the other 2 items (shumai and broth) were packaged together so it couldn't have been.

I love Lemongrass Chicken and get it often from another Vietnamese restaurant on Charlotte so I know what it is supposed to taste like and this was the most disappointing experience.

PS - I am negative and don't have covid so can't explain the bland taste

Some of the best pho in the city!!! This little restaurant is so good. I went during lunch and it was crowded for a to go order. The wait was pretty sick but because of the size of the restaurant they gave me a pager and told me to wait outside in my car. Once I got home with my food everything was packaged perfectly. The pho itself was well seasoned and tasted amazing!!!! The egg rolls were average. But they so be my new neighborhood pho restaurant

Best Pho in Nashville. We're here so often they know our order by heart. There's not much more I can say. If you like pho you have to go here. Btw it's a hole in the wall but that just means it's going to be good.

Stopped by here for pho. We ordered their beef stew with carrots and noodles and a side of French bread and it was so good! The beef stew is tender and soft and the soup tasted so good! This is a hidden gem!!! Moreover, bring cash, please this place is cash only!

Embark on a Vietnamese culinary journey at this family-owned gem. Their egg rolls are unparalleled, boasting a flavor that's truly unforgettable. The secret to their success? A fish sauce that sets the bar sky-high. The warm and friendly atmosphere reflects the family's hospitality.

Just a heads up - it's a cash-only spot, so make sure you're prepared. If you're seeking authenticity and mouthwatering dishes, this is the place to be.

The pho, spring rolls, and udon soup that I've tried here were fantastic. The real highlight for me is the agedashi seasoned deep fried tofu. It's got some delicious big flavors and good textures. The salted lemonade is also good, but on the smallish serving size. Cash only. Nice little hidden gem.