Date Visited: April 26, 2024
Looking for a great place for amazing Vietnamese cuisine, we decided to try a new place recommended to us by one of Pam’s co-workers. Huynh is located east of Downtown near Shell Energy Stadium (home of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash soccer teams). For this visit, we were joined by our good friends so we could try greater variety of their dishes. Huynh is BYOB, so we brought a couple of bottles to share. Always a nice option.
We started with an assortment of appetizers. Starting with Chả giò viêt nam (crispy eggrolls), Gỏi cuốn (Spring Rolls), Bánh ướt tôm chấy (Rice Paper with Dried Shrimp), and Gỏi Vịt (Pulled Duck Salad). Each was great. The eggrolls were crispy, yet delicate with great flavor, very well done. Pam had never had a dish like the Rice Paper with Dried Shrimp but I think she is now hooked. Jeff’s favorite appetizer was the pulled duck with cabbage. The ginger sauce flavor was well proportioned and complemented the delicious and generous serving of duck.
Moving on we ordered entrees looking to favorites and interesting dishes alike, which led us to Bò lúc lắc (Shaking Beef), Bò Xào Xà Lách (Lemongrass Beef) and Tôm hoặc gà xào lăn (Coconut Curry Shrimp). The Shaking Beef was very tender and just what you would expect. It was one of the best examples of this dish we have had in a long time. The same could be said of the Lemongrass beef. More of a salad then a beef dish, it had layers of flavor. Finally, the Coconut Curry Shrimp was more unique. At the urging of the staff, we ordered it with broccoli. While I haven’t had broccoli in a curry, we are glad we followed their advice. The curry was rich and had a smoky flavor. The shrimp were large and tender. Adding in the broccoli functioned to add a great (and healthier) transport for the wonderful sauce but also was delicious.
This was a wonderful meal with great friends. True Vietnamese comfort food and we will be back. Lunch and Dinner are available. If you work in downtown, try it for lunch. Family owned. It took us too long to find this gem and we will be back! When you go, don’t forget to bring your own wine!
Huynh Restaurant – 912 St Emanuel Street (in EaDo)
Pam & Jeff Rate the Chef 