Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Hannah Stephenson
Looking for authentic Vietnamese food in Cape Town? Well, Yen’s has got you covered.
I lived in Vietnam for 2.5 years prior to moving to Cape Town, so I like to think that I know real Vietnamese food when I see it (or eat it!) When I first moved here, I was disappointed that there weren’t any decent Vietnamese restaurants in town, but that all changed when Yen’s opened. I’ve been a regular ever since.
So, let’s get into what eating at Yen’s is like, and what makes it so special!
Where It All Began
The woman behind it all, Yen Nguyen, hails from Saigon – actually, not too far from where I used to live myself. According to an interview she gave the Times, she said that when she moved here she was frustrated at the lack of authentic Vietnamese food in the city.
Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food actually started life as a stall at the Oranjezicht Market. In fact, you can still grab their food here every Saturday and Sunday morning, as well as the Wednesday night summer market. However, it proved so popular that Yen opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2021.
Where is Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food?
You’ll find Yen’s along Dixon Street in De Waterkant. This colourful enclave is the perfect home for the restaurant, thanks to the vibrant decor. I love the Hoi An-yellow walls, the nostalgic pictures and logos on the wall, and the nonla-shaped lampshades!
What’s On the Menu at Yen’s?
Starters
For starters, I recommend either the cha gio spring rolls or the rice paper rolls if you’re looking for something healthier. The rice rolls aren’t to everyone’s liking but they’re fresher and healthier than their fried counterparts, and the ones at Yen’s are just as good as the ones sold on the street in Vietnam. Yum!
Mains
For my main course, I usually go for the pho, which is actually Vietnam’s national dish. In my opinion, the beef is the best, because it’s so satisfying and flavoursome, with aromatic flavours. However, there are also chicken or mushroom and tofu flavours on the menu if you prefer.
Oh, and how could I forget the bun thit nuong? This is a rice noodle salad, typically made with pork, pickled vegetables, and a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavours. It’s another favourite dish of mine, especially on a warmer day when I don’t feel like hot soup.
If I’m at Yen’s for lunch, though, I sometimes opt for the banh mi, which is a Vietnamese baguette sandwich. I usually get pork or chicken but again, there’s tofu on offer for the veggies. I recommend adding a fried egg to make it a banh mi op la, which is a true Vietnamese staple!
Something sweet
Yen’s doesn’t do desserts which, in my eyes, is just proof of how authentic this place is, as desserts just aren’t a huge deal in Vietnam. However, if you want something sweet, I highly recommend the ca phe sua da. This is Vietnamese iced coffee, which is made with condensed milk and oh my goodness, it is delicious.
I used to drink this all the time in Vietnam so I love being able to enjoy it again! Lots of places that sell this don’t actually offer the real deal, but the coffee at Yen’s takes me back to the streets of Saigon. It’s heavenly!
How Much Does It Cost to Eat at Yen’s Vietnamese?
You’re looking at R25 – R65 for a starter, R80 – R110 for a main, and R45 for a coffee. When I come for dinner, my usual order (rice rolls, pho, and coffee) brings me to R190, before tip. I think that these prices are more than fair!
Do I Need a Reservation?
Not always. I never book when I come for lunch, but on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s a good idea, especially if you’re in a group. You can contact Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food via their website to reserve a table.
What Are the Open Hours for Yen’s Vietnamese?
Currently, the opening times are as follows:
- 10 am – 6 pm on Monday
- 10 am – 9 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
Do You Recommend Eating at Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food?
YES! In fact, I think it’s easily one of the best restaurants in Cape Town. Plus, it’s the only place to get real Vietnamese food here, and I love the ambience and cute decor. This place gets a 10/10 from me.