Kau Ba Saigon Kitchen & Bar
I was happy to learn the Chef would open a restaurant in Houston after watching Episode 4 of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious. She spoke with so much conviction about Viejun food that my taste buds were excited to try something new. A part of me was also giddy with the prospect of the Chef possibly offering Bun Bo Hue on their menu in the near future.
Despite going on a Saturday at noon, the restaurant was fairly empty with only 3 to 4 other groups dining at the same time. I sat at the bar and the bartender who served me was incredibly friendly and attentive.
As much as I wanted to try their boiled seafood, I was dining for one and short on time, so I opted to try their more traditional fare — the ($12) Bun Rieu – Crab Paste Soup with a ($3) side of pho meat just for a tasting.
I am usually more lenient with critiques when it comes to mom and pop establishments, but I have to say it was one of the most disappointing meals I’ve had in a long time. The menu indicated that there would be shrimp and tofu. What I didn’t anticipate was that there would be EXACTLY one overcooked shrimp and a mostly tofu dish. Also a heads up on the blood cubes would have been nice since I’m not always in the mood for it and it was not indicated anywhere on the menu listing. The broth was fine, but not as flavorful as I had hoped. The side of pho meat I ordered was also NOT fresh and tasted like it was least several days old. It was like a Vietnamese friend invited me to their house to share leftovers, but charged me inner loop prices.
There was a gentlemen next to me raving about his dumpling appetizers, so I don’t know if this was one of those times I selected the wrong item to eat? Then again, dumplings are one of those things that short of under cooking them, they’re pretty hard to mess up.
I know my own dining rules dictate that I should give this place another try before writing them off completely, but with their items on their menu already so expensive, it’s going to be a while before I visit again.
Attire: Casual
Family Friendly: Yes
Price Range: $$ ($11-$30)
2502 Dunlavy St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 497-5300