Cafe East London
Pho-nominal Vietnamese
South-East London has quite a large Vietnamese population, and as a result, has more than its fair share of Vietnamese restaurants. One of our go-to’s on a weekend lunchtime is Café East - a large, utilitarian dining room housed in an ex-pub on the edge of a carpark that serves a nearby leisure complex. Here you’ll find hordes of East Asian (and quite a few non-Asian) families tucking into steaming bowls of pho and other Vietnamese classic dishes.
What I think sets Café East apart from the competition is the depth of the pho broth, which is boiled for many hours and the subtle cinnamon and star anise notes add a pleasant warmth. The helping of fresh bean sprouts, chili, lime and aromatics on the side is more generous than most other places. Also recommended is the BBQ pork vermicelli served with tangy sweet pickles and salad – mix it all up and enjoy.
Service is brisk and turnover of customers is high, meaning you most likely will need to queue but not for too long. As such, it’s not really a place to linger.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in London
Paradise Soho – Sri Lankan small plates
A must try for me at Paradise Soho are the gigantic grilled ceylonese prawns - tender and smokey from the charring & the cashew curry along with a hopper.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Unwined – With a glass of wine
As an independent wine bar their focus is on stocking wines from smaller producers, lesser known regions and grape varieties, and also female winemakers.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
The Penny Drop – Proper coffee in Fitzrovia
The team at the Penny Drop are real coffee geeks in the best possible sense of the word and go to great lengths sourcing the best coffee beans out there.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Fortitude bakehouse – Sourdough enthusiasts heaven
If you arrive in the morning you’ll find their popular morning buns with a variety of fillings, sticky buns, beignets, and more!
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Rondo La Cave – A hip wine bar
Rondo La Cave is a hip wine bar situated in the basement of the Hoxton hotel and has a charming rustic interior with dim lighting.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Milk cafe – Best brunch in London
The menu has all the brunch classics you’d expect and also some more unusual offerings as well as weekend specials that change regularly...
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Lamb's Conduit Street – Bloomsbury's hidden gem
Quiet yet somehow buzzing, classy yet unpretentious, central yet hidden. What impresses me most is the concentration of great spots in such a small area.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Southwark Brewing Company – A special spot
Southwark Brewing company has a range of traditional beers such as ales, IPAs, porter, and bitter - all really fresh and available on draft or bottle.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Museum Lates – Enjoy museums without the crowds
Museum Lates is a concept that is essentially a late-night opening when you can explore the exhibitions without the day-trip crowds getting in your way.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Stir Coffee Brixton – Coffee with a local vibe
Stir Coffee Brixton is a lovely neighbourhood coffee shop located on the corner of Brixton Hill and Arodene Road which has a very chilled vibe.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
House of Hodge – Books, books and more books
It was set up in 2009 by Highbury resident and cat enthusiast Doreen Rolph, as a place to raise funds for local animal welfare organisations.
By