Royal Vietnamese Cafe & Restaurant

A regal culinary treat that wouldn't be out of place at a royal banquet, Royal Vietnamese Cafe & Restaurant is bringing Southeast Asia to Riccarton with aplomb.

Judging by its name, you might think Royal Vietnamese is a visual feast of crystals and plush velvet. Think again! This bright and roomy eatery enjoys a modern farmhouse vibe thanks to its arched ceiling supported by a network of wooden frames, dark oak furniture and the luscious vines that wind their way around the various wooden fixtures. A restful retreat from the city with heaps of charming countryside vibes, Royal Vietnamese is a breath of fresh air.

Once there, make sure you leave plenty of time to peruse the menu. Hint: it leaves no players behind. Let's start with treasured greats that are loved all over the world like pho and other variations of noodle soup with fish cakes, crab, beef and chicken leg. Next are the stand-alone noodle dishes that are made doubly irresistible with fresh seafood, satay chicken, beef, tofu and mixed vegetables.

Next come the chicken, beef, pork and seafood dishes, all of which are loaded with authentic Vietnamese flavours. We're talking creamy chicken curries, sizzling beef, sweet and sour pork, BBQ ribs, lemongrass squid, king prawn curry and much more. As for vegetarians, aromatic tofu curries and stir-fried vegetables form the crux of the delicious meat-free options. How's that for the Royal Vietnamese treatment?