This Vietnamese restaurant is a must-visit for London College of Communication students, conveniently located just a five-minute walk from campus.
You’d certainly miss this place if you didn’t know it was there. Hoa Phuong is tucked on a side street in Elephant and Castle. It may look modest from the outside, but it serves delicious, authentic Vietnamese food. Many of those who have been there claim it’s the closest thing to real Vietnamese street food in London.
The restaurant is run by just one person, the owner, who takes orders and cooks everything fresh. Because of this, the wait can be long, but it’s certainly worth it. The menu offers various dishes, including lemongrass chicken, beef or grilled pork with noodles, rice or spring rolls. The lemongrass chicken had a perfectly balanced flavour, citrusy and sweet, with a bit of spice.
If you can’t find a seat, the food is generally served in takeaway containers, making it perfect for a lunch break between lectures.
The only downside is that the opening times can be a little sporadic. It’s advertised as open from midday to 2 pm and 6 to 9:30 pm but this is not always the case. Sometimes, it can close earlier or open later, so make sure to be prepared that you may miss it. The prices are student-friendly, ranging from £8 to £12 for a full meal with generous portions. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to bring cash as cards aren’t accepted.
Emilia Birch
Address: 4 Hampton St, London SE1 6SN