Urban Orient
If you're craving an authentic taste of Vietnam in the heart of London, Urban Orient is a must-visit. Situated at 74 Westow St, London SE19 3AF, this charming restaurant offers a delightful journey through Vietnamese flavors. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, Urban Orient is the perfect spot whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or just a drink to unwind.
Urban Orient offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. Start with the Summer Rolls or Spring Rolls, both fresh and light, perfect for a snack or starter. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the Beef Pho or Pho Noodle Soup are crowd favorites, rich in flavor and aromatic spices. For seafood lovers, the Prawn Pho and Salt & Pepper Squid provide a satisfying, savory experience.
One standout dish is the Hue Beef Noodle Soup, a flavorful, slightly spicy offering that’s a true representation of the central Vietnamese region’s cuisine. For those who prefer a lighter option, the Vegetarian Pho is a fantastic choice, brimming with fresh herbs and vegetables. The Pad Thai and Prawn Salad are excellent options if you're after something with a bit more bite, while the Duck and Rice Noodles offer a heartier alternative.
No meal at Urban Orient is complete without a refreshing drink. The restaurant’s Vietnamese Coffee Brewing and Vietnamese Ice Coffee are a perfect way to end your meal. These traditional beverages are brewed to perfection, offering a rich, bold flavor that pairs wonderfully with the restaurant’s offerings. If you're in the mood for something alcoholic, Saigon Beer and a selection of wines are available, offering the perfect complement to your meal.
While Urban Orient offers no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance, it more than makes up for it with its excellent service and food. The restaurant provides a variety of dining options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Whether you’re popping in for lunch, dinner, or a solo dining experience, you’ll be met with friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere. For those looking to enjoy their meal outdoors, the restaurant also offers outdoor seating.
Urban Orient caters to various dietary preferences, offering plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Their Pho Chay (vegetarian pho) is a must-try for plant-based diners. The restaurant's small plates also allow for a great variety of tastes, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
What sets Urban Orient apart from other eateries is its dedication to offering an authentic Vietnamese dining experience in London. The restaurant serves up traditional dishes with modern flair, ensuring both locals and visitors enjoy a flavorful and unique meal. Whether you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or trying it for the first time, Urban Orient promises a memorable experience.
Urban Orient is not just a restaurant; it's a place where every dish tells a story, and every bite brings you closer to the heart of Vietnam.
Reviews
A really cosy and vibrant corner of Crystal Palace, we were greeted by a lovely waitress (forgot to get her name) she guided us to the window seats, unfortunately the table was sticky so maybe a further wipe down needed but overall well setup, chopsticks over a tissue in front of us. Me and my mate sat next to a couple, as it was my first time, I asked the pair next to us what was good, he said to get the chicken phô, so I obliged and got it. Luckily he was not in earshot, whilst I described it. We put our orders in: prawn wontons, kimchi wontons, satay chicken skewers, garlic beef phô and chicken phô. The starters arrived swiftly, thankfully interrupting our baseless chatter. The wontons were crispy and succulent especially the prawn (recommended), kimichi and satay skewers not so much as the kimchi wonton had a small amount of filling and the chicken skewers felt rubbery (peanut sauce was good though). The cups given for water, did not look as clean as they could have but I was thirstyy. We then received our phô's, I had the chicken which was hot and filling. The soup was delicious, warm and tingly but alas nothing compared to the richness of the garlic beef phô which was mouthwatering, the beef was soft and melting apart in our mouths. I did not however like the flat noodles (not my jam) but it was still delicious. Phô can feel like a very basic dish but there is enjoyment in simplicity once in a while. We finished up, it was genuinely a hefty portion so you do get your money's worth, speaking of, it is cash only so if you want to go, remember to visit the bank under the mattress. (IFYKYK) All in all: C'est fantastique.
Really lovely food and very pleasant service! The noodle broth is heavenly, and they’re very generous with portions (and more prawn crackers!). Decor could do with a small revamp, but otherwise no complaints! Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area
Fresh food for summertime Mixed juice is a must try, good dose of vitamin and yummmm
This busy spot almost constantly has Take Out going out the door. I recommend the shrimp pho. it’s a casual place and really good for tables of two and four, if you have larger groups, you will definitely need to book ahead as there are limited spaces. we were all really impressed with the service, and the fact that the waitresses have to bring large bowls of soup up a flight of stairs.
Deliciously authentic Vietnamese food with plenty of tasty vegan options. The staff are super friendly and provide excellent service. Would love to see a menu displayed outside for passersby to check, definitely a place worth coming back to!