Tre Viet on Denman is a neighbourhood Vietnamese restaurant in the West End, offering familiar dishes from both Northern and Southern Vietnam in a relaxed, casual setting. The room feels suited to everyday dining, whether for a quick meal or a longer sit down with friends and family.
The menu centres on classic Vietnamese comfort dishes, with a broad range of rice plates, noodle soups, vermicelli bowls, and traditional coffee drinks. There is a solid selection of appetizers and shareable plates, followed by rice and noodle dishes that reflect well known preparations from Hanoi and Saigon. Broth based soups, grilled meats, and crispy rolls form the backbone of the offerings, with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables appearing across many plates.
Here’s a look at my lunch experience at Tre Viet.
A memorable starter was the Anchovied Chicken Wings, listed as Cánh Gà Chiên Mắm. The wings were fried until crisp, then coated in a caramelized fish sauce that brought together savoury, sweet, and salty notes. The glaze clung to the skin and delivered a rich, satisfying finish without overwhelming the chicken.
The Two Sunny Side Up Eggs with Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chop on Rice, or Cơm Sườn Trứng, was a comforting rice plate built around a gently grilled pork chop scented with lemongrass. The sunny side eggs added richness as the yolks mixed into the jasmine rice. Fresh lettuce, cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, and tomato kept the plate balanced, while the small bowl of beef broth and the house sweet and sour chili sauce added warmth and brightness.
The Hanoi Style Vermicelli Noodles with Crispy Crab, or Bún Nem Cua Bể, highlighted the contrast between crisp and fresh elements. The crab parcel arrived golden and crunchy while the chili lime sauce brought gentle heat and citrus, lifting the flavours without masking the crab.
For pho the Phở Tái Nạm Bò Viên featured rare beef, well done brisket, and beef balls in a clear, aromatic broth. The noodles were tender, and the broth carried a steady savoury character that supported the different cuts of beef, making it an easy bowl to return to.
The Vietnamese Hot Coffee with Condensed Milk, or Cà Phê Sữa Nóng, offered the familiar balance of bitterness and sweetness, with a full body and lingering finish. The Avocado Coffee with Oat Milk was smoother and softer in texture, with the avocado rounding out the coffee while keeping their flavour present.
Tre Viet focuses on approachable Vietnamese comfort food rooted in traditional preparations, making it a dependable option for familiar dishes in Vancouver’s West End. Tre Viet is located at 1114 Denman St, Vancouver, BC.
