Lua Viet Kitchen
I was on my way to Good Dog Houston for lunch when I spotted Lua Viet Kitchen opened for business. Never one to pass on trying a new Asian restaurant in the area, I turned around and opted for lunch here instead.
There was a soft opening sign on the door and a small group of people already inside the restaurant. Instead of paper menus, there was an electronic screen on the wall listing their available menu items.
Any first time visit to a new restaurant usually entails an order of a staple food so I can compare it to what I’ve had at other restaurants. I ordered a Beef Soup (Pho Tai Bo Vien) while my co-worker ordered the Seared Beef Soup (Pho Tai Uop). The difference between the two was that the Seared beef was cooked in garlic sauce beforehand. Instead of including a side of garnish like most Vietnamese restaurants, they ask at the counter what garnish I wanted in my bowl. While I like that this method reduces waste, I wasn’t too fond of the garnish to soup ratio and will ask for less next time. I did enjoy the cut of beef they used for my pho and I could tell that it was a quality cut of beef. I only wish that they could have added a little more protein since this bowl of pho was a little more expensive than my usual sources coming in at about $12.95.
I like that the spring rolls were freshly made and quality shrimp was used. So many of the more inexpensive places have pre-made shrimp rolls or use a cheaper brand of shrimp, that I appreciate when a restaurant does the opposite. The Vietnamese Iced Coffee is locally sourced from Boomtown Coffee in the Heights.
The owner (Nick) was incredibly friendly and stopped by to inquire about our meal. My dining companion and I learned that the restaurant specializes in using locally source ingredients which explains the Vietnamese coffee and the 44 Farms Beef they use for their pho. While not as aromatic as my usual pho places, it was definitely a cleaner less fatty broth that still manage to maintain a subtle flavor.
From our conversation, I gathered that using locally sourced ingredients was incredibly important to the owner and that he wanted to do as many items In House as possible to ensure quality control. They also offer a lot of vegan options which I think is what sets it apart from most traditional pho establishments.
While this would not necessarily be the first place I would go for pho, I could see myself coming here for a vermicelli bowl or if I was dining with a friend who needed vegetarian/vegan options. I will be back to check out the other items on their menu.
Attire: Casual
Family Friendly: Yes
Price Range: $$ ($11-30)
1540 W Alabama St #300
Houston, TX 77006