Cedar Park: Vietnamese Cuisine

Opening its doors just four months ago, the Vietnam Café brings friends in for a quick lunch and entertains 40th birthday celebrations.

This restaurant is nothing new to Southern Vietnamese owner Benny Lai. In 2008, he and his family members ran a small BYOB restaurant. Opening the Vietnam Café in November 2009 was an expansion of this business.

The café now has a liquior license and the capacity to hold large parties. Furthermore, Lai owns the Vietnam Restaurant in Chinatown. According to Lai, juggling two restaurants was not difficult.

“[In the] beginning it was hard, but now we are so used to it,” Lai said.

For the next six months, Lai will continue to increase the menu selections. Traditionally, southern Vietnamese cuisine has French influence. Using raw vegetables, mint and basal leaves, most foods are grilled. Unlike heavier Chinese foods, chefs at the café cook in less oil and grease. Additionally, Vietnamese food uses more Chile spice than Thai food.

Most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest times. When young professionals and people from Mainline, City Avenue and Manayunk finally thaw out from the wintry season, the Vietnam Café will be full of activity.

Trenae McDuffie, Cedar Park