I’m back in Sacramento, my old stomping grounds, which means one thing— I’m looking for the best Vietnamese restaurants In Sacramento

As the daughter of a French chef and an award-winning recipe developer (and a self-professed foodie who will always travel for food), I’m excited to share my top choices of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Sacramento.

With so many great culinary delights and specialty dishes from all over Vietnam here in Sacramento, knowing where to go for the best food can be challenging.

You don’t have to travel to South East Asia to eat as if you’re in South East Asia. 

Best Vietnamese Restaurants In Sacramento—#1 Saigon Oi

Address: 6835 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 594-7757

Saigon Oi Must-Try Menu Item: Banh Canh Cua

The top spot on my list of best Vietnamese restaurants in Sacramento is my favorite restaurant serving up my favorite dish. 

Banh Canh Cua is a Vietnamese soup dish made with thick rice noodles, crab meat or shrimp, and a rich, savory broth.

The dish is believed to have originated in the Trang Bang District of Tay Ninh Province in southeast Vietnam in the last century.

The name “banh canh” refers to the thick, cylindrical rice noodles used in the dish.

The noodles are made by combining rice flour and tapioca starch, giving them a chewy and slightly elastic texture that pairs perfectly with the seafood broth.

The broth is made with a mixture of pork bones, dried shrimp, and crab meat or shrimp shells, which are simmered for several hours to create a rich and flavorful base.

The soup is then seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, and other spices and garnished with sliced green onions, fresh herbs, and black pepper.

Banh Canh Cua is often served with additional toppings such as boiled quail eggs, crispy pork skin, or fried breadsticks. 

Saigon Oi isn’t the only restaurant in town serving Banh Canh Cua (Tứ Quý Restaurant also serves a great version); my top pick is Saigon Oi.

I loved it. But, full disclosure, I’m the first one to admit it might be because it’s closest to what I grew up eating.  

#2 Banh Cuon Tay Ho

Address: 6840 65th St #125, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 395-1188

Banh Cuon Tay Ho Must-Try Menu Item: Banh Cuon 

As you can probably tell from the name, Banh Cuon Tay Ho specializes in Banh Cuon! 

Banh Cuon is a delightful and delicate Vietnamese dish. Originating in northern Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, Banh Cuon is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine enjoyed for generations.

No list of the best restaurants in Sacramento would be complete without Banh Cuon!

The dish consists of thin sheets of steamed rice flour filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and shallots.

The filling is then rolled up tightly and served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili peppers.

Banh Cuon is believed to have originated in the royal courts of the Ly dynasty in the 11th century, where it was served as a luxurious delicacy. Over time, it became a popular street food and household dish throughout northern Vietnam and beyond.

The soft and silky rice flour sheets are perfectly balanced by the savory and umami filling, creating a taste experience that is both satisfying and refreshing.

I love, love, love Tay Ho’s Bánh Uót Cuôn Bi (Flour Sheet Rolls stuffed with Shredded Pork), but honestly, any of them will amaze you.

#3 Giò Chả Đức Hương Sandwiches

Address: 6825 Stockton Blvd #200, Sacramento,
Phone: (916) 428-1188

Giò Chả Đức Hương Sandwiches Must Try Menu Item: Bánh Mì Sandwiches

Bánh Mì is a scrumptious Vietnamese sandwich that has taken the world by storm. With its unique blend of French and Vietnamese flavors, Bánh Mì sandwiches offer an explosion of taste sensations in every bite.

The origins of Bánh Mì can be traced back to the colonial period of Vietnam when the country was under French rule.

The French introduced their baguette bread to Vietnam, which was then combined with local ingredients such as pork, pickled vegetables, and herbs to create the now-iconic sandwich.

Bánh Mì sandwiches can now be found throughout Vietnam and beyond, with each region offering its twist on the classic recipe.

In southern Vietnam, for example, Bánh Mì sandwiches are often served with pâté, while in central Vietnam, it may be topped with grilled pork or shrimp. And they’re a must on my list of best Vietnamese restaurants in Sacramento.

However, one thing that remains constant across all Bánh Mì sandwiches is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. The pickled vegetables add a refreshing crunch, while the meat provides a savory and satisfying base.

The bread is crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside, making it the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious ingredients together.

A fresh, well-made, authentic Bánh Mì always pulls a bit of a mind-trip on me—I can easily forget that I’m not back in Saigon or Hanoi.

And the Bánh Mì from Giò Chả Đức Hương Sandwiches has that effect on me. Unsurprisingly, it’s the go-to Bánh Mì spot for many Vietnamese families in the area.

And for dessert, you have to try an almond croissant! Service is quick, and the food is fresh. 

#4 Phở City

Address: Lemon Hill Plaza, 6175 Stockton Blvd #200, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 754-2143

Phở City Must-Try Menu Item: Bún Bò Huế 

Bún Bò Huế is a spicy and flavorful Vietnamese soup that has been gaining popularity recently.

Originating in the city of Huế in central Vietnam, this hearty soup is a must-try for any lover of Vietnamese cuisine.

The name “Bún Bò” refers to the thin rice noodles used in the soup, while “Huế” refers to the city where the dish originated.

The soup is made with beef broth, lemongrass, chili peppers, and other spices, which give it a deep and complex flavor profile.

Traditionally, Bún Bò Huế is served with various meat toppings, including thinly sliced beef shank, pork hock, and pig’s blood cake.

The toppings are then garnished with fresh herbs, such as cilantro and Thai basil, and served with a side of lime wedges and sliced chili peppers.

Bún Bò Huế is said to have been created by the royal chefs of the Nguyen dynasty in the 19th century, who wanted to create a dish that was fit for a king.

Most restaurants have a unique spin on Bún Bò Huế, and Phở City’s take on the classic recipe is absolutely fantastic. I love spicy food and enjoy kicking up the heat with additional Hanoi chilies. Perfection!

#5 Cố Đô

Address: 6665 Stockton Blvd STE 10, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 427-8305

Cố Đô Must Try Menu Item: Bún Riêu 

Bún Riêu is a delicious and hearty Vietnamese soup made with freshwater crab meat, tomatoes, and rice vermicelli noodles.

This beloved dish has a rich history and tradition in Vietnamese cuisine and remains a staple of many Vietnamese households and restaurants.

The origins of Bún Riêu can be traced back to northern Vietnam, where it was created to use leftover crab meat.

Over time, the dish evolved to include other ingredients such as pork, tofu, and shrimp paste, creating a complex and flavorful taste experience.

The soup is made by simmering a combination of crab meat, tomatoes, and other ingredients in a savory broth made from pork bones and dried shrimp.

The dish is then seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, and other spices, giving it a unique and unforgettable flavor.

Bún Riêu is typically served with soft and delicate rice vermicelli noodles, which provide the perfect base for the flavorful soup.

And it is often garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro and Thai basil, as well as sliced lime and chili peppers.

Bún Riêu is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Cố Đô. Its unique blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, combined with the delicate texture of its noodles, make for an unforgettable taste experience.

#6 Quán Nem Ninh Hòa Restaurant

Address: 6450 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 428-3748

Quán Nem Ninh Hòa Restaurant Must Try Menu Item: Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is a savory and flavorful Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk.

Originating in central Vietnam, Bánh Xèo has been enjoyed for generations and remains a beloved staple of Vietnamese cuisine.

“Bánh Xèo” translates to “sizzling cake,” which refers to the sound the pancake makes when it hits the hot skillet.

The pancake is typically filled with a mixture of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and scallions, creating a delicious, satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal.

Bánh Xèo is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Vietnam, where it was served as a luxurious delicacy. Over time, it became a popular street food and household dish throughout central Vietnam and beyond.

Quán Nem Ninh Hòa’s Bánh Xèo arrives steaming hot with a ton of fresh bean sprouts (a personal favorite!) and is a must-try for anyone wanting to enjoy a unique blend of flavors and textures. 

#7 Tây Giang Restaurant

Address: 7321 W Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Phone: (​​916) 688-8223

Tây Giang Restaurant Must-try Menu Item: Bún thịt nướng + Grilled Lemongrass Pork

Bún thịt nướng is a popular Vietnamese dish that has been around for centuries. It combines grilled pork, noodles, vegetables, and fish sauce.

The dish originates from the south of Vietnam and is closely related to bún chả, a local specialty in Hanoi.

The name Bún thịt nướng translates to “grilled pork with noodles,” and it’s easy to see why this dish has become so popular.

The sweet and savory flavors of the marinated pork combined with the fresh herbs, pickled carrots, daikon, and rice noodles make for an incredibly delicious meal.

This traditional Vietnamese dish is often served at family gatherings or special occasions like weddings or holidays.

It’s also a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find vendors selling Bún thịt nướng on almost every corner. And honestly, nothing compares to eating Bún thịt nướng on a street corner in HCM!

Tây Giang delivers the same yet flavorful treat that satisfies the taste buds. They’re actually famous for their catfish, and with great reason—it’s fantastic here!

But I guess I’m a little too old school where Bún thịt nướng is involved. I’ll choose it every time, no matter what other deliciousness is on the menu. 

#8 Phở Xe Lua

Address: Address: 5331 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 451-8838

Phở Xe Lua Must-Try Menu Item: Com Sườn Nướng (Grilled Pork Chops)

If you’ve never had Vietnamese Pork Chops, you’ve been missing out. 

Com Sườn Nướng, which means grilled pork chop with rice, has a rich history and is a beloved dish in Vietnam.

It originated in Ho Chi Minh City, where it’s often served in small street-side restaurants and food stalls.

The dish has since spread throughout the country, becoming a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

The dish is made up of several components – grilled pork chops, steamed jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. And if you’re lucky, a fried egg. 

The pork chops are marinated in a blend of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and lemongrass, then grilled to perfection, giving them a smoky and savory flavor. The steamed jasmine rice is fluffy and fragrant, making it the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful pork chops.

The pickled vegetables add a touch of tanginess and crunch to the dish, while the fish sauce ties everything together with its sweet and savory notes.

What really sets Com Sườn Nướng apart is its simplicity.

It’s a dish that’s easy to make yet bursting with flavor and texture. It’s also a great dish for any occasion, whether you’re having a quick lunch or a family dinner.

Phở Xe Lua’s Com Sườn Nướng is my go-to when I want that feeling of home.

#9 Phở Bolsa Restaurant

Address: 5815 Stockton Blvd #A, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 451-7985

Phở Bolsa Restaurant Must-Try Menu Item: Cháo Vịt (Duck Congee)

Cháo Vịt, in many ways, is a classic comfort food perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Cháo Vịt has a rich history and is a beloved dish in Vietnam. It’s believed to have originated in northern Vietnam and was originally made with chicken. Over time, duck became the preferred meat. 

The dish is made by slowly simmering duck meat, bones, and rice together, resulting in a creamy and flavorful porridge that’s both comforting and satisfying.

The rice grains break down and blend with the broth, creating a smooth and silky texture perfect for slurping up with a spoon.

This traditional Vietnamese rice porridge is often served with shredded duck meat, scallions, cilantro, and sliced chili peppers.

These toppings add a pop of color and flavor to the dish, giving it a well-rounded taste that’s hard to resist.

One of the best things about Cháo Vịt is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can add different herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a unique twist on this classic dish. 

Phở Bolsa is not only one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Sacramento; it’s also believed to be the oldest continually operating Vietnamese restaurant in the city as well!!

There’s really nothing more perfect than a steaming bowl of Phở Bolsa’s Cháo Vịt if you want a hug from the inside.

#10 Quan Nem Nim Hoa

Address: 6450 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Phone: (916) 428-3748

Quan Nem Nim Hoa Must-Try Menu Item: Nem Nướng Cuon

Nem Nuong Cuon is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in central Vietnam, particularly south-central coastal region.

It’s believed to have originated during the Nguyen dynasty around the 19th century in Ninh Hòa.

The name “nem nuong” comes from the two main ingredients of the dish: “nem,” which means fermented pork sausage, and “nuong,” which means grilled. 

The dish consists of grilled pork sausage, fresh herbs, and rice noodles all wrapped tightly in rice paper.

It is served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers. 

The sausage is made by marinating ground pork with spices, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce for several hours before being grilled over charcoal.

Fresh herbs and rice noodles are added to the dish to give it a refreshing crunch. The dipping sauce’s sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors perfectly complement the other ingredients, creating a delicious and well-rounded taste experience.

Nem Nuong Cuon has become a popular street food and restaurant dish throughout Vietnam— and right here in Sacramento.

Many families have their own unique recipes for Nem Nuong Cuon, adding their twists and variations to the traditional dish.

And the dish tastes different depending on which part of Vietnam you’re in because of differences in ingredients or preparation methods. 

Order premade rolls or the house special family style (aka build your own). Because of the dish’s popularity, it can be crazy busy there at times. If you’re on a tight schedule, pre-order

Best Vietnamese Restaurants In Sacramento—Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. My top ten contenders for the best Vietnamese Restaurants in Sacramento.

From the traditional Nem Nuong Cuon at Quan Nem Nim Hoa to the rich and savory Banh Canh Cua at Saigon Oi, Sacramento boasts a rich and varied culinary landscape that will satisfy your cravings. 

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some Vietnamese food to eat! 

Thưởng thức bữa ăn thật ngon nhé! 

[Additional image credit: Khánh Hmoong, Kirk K, Anthony Tong Lee]

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