My Review of Huong Lan

[grdnkat]

I'm stuck on the curried chicken and can't get past that....sooooo GOOD!

[limbery]

I knew from others that this place was considered to be a hidden gem and from the crowds that always seem to be there, I assumed that it must be very good....
I tried some take-out dishes the other night....and was fairly underwhelmed....the curry chicken was almost bland. and the BBQ beef skewers were of the usual fare for any Vietnamese restaurant....however...I'm not too down on the place and next time we'll try some of that hot & spicy soup and maybe the spring rolls etc.

[kaycee]

Thanks for such a great review! I have been wondering about Huong Lan for a while now. Absolutely love Pho a Dong! MM MM Good!

[grdnkat]

I tried some take-out dishes the other night....and was fairly underwhelmed....the curry chicken was almost bland. .

I have always LOVED their curried chicken but have to agree with you...the last time (a couple of wks ago) we had take out, it wasn't up to it's normal high standards...perhaps a new cook?

[G-Ram]

I have to agree with those people posting favorable reviews of the Huong Lan. It is a wonderful example of how a small family-run restaurant can produce excellent service and wonderful food to overcome a decidedly small facility. The pho soups are fantastic and I would strongly recommend you try a big bowl. Make sure you're hungry!

[limbery]

Went in person the other day rather than take-out....much better and my wife and I really enjoyed our meals.....until she had a reaction to all the MSG they use!....I thought that even the Asian restaurants had given up on that but apparently not here!....and I doubt that you could even request something there without MSG since all of their meats are obviously marinated for hrs (days?)

[Gabrielle]

Went in person the other day rather than take-out....much better and my wife and I really enjoyed our meals.....until she had a reaction to all the MSG they use!....I thought that even the Asian restaurants had given up on that but apparently not here!....and I doubt that you could even request something there without MSG since all of their meats are obviously marinated for hrs (days?)

Actually, you can request a dish without MSG. Next time you eat there, ask the server for a copy of their "Allergy Menu". It lists all the dishes with MSG (there really are only a few; mostly just the ones with crab), so your wife can be aware of which meals to stay away from. It never hurts to ask

[limbery]

It lists all the dishes with MSG (there really are only a few; mostly just the ones with crab), so your wife can be aware of which meals to stay away from. It never hurts to ask

I don't believe that....I think that pretty much all of their meat dishes....beef, pork, chicken have all been marinated in a heavily MSG laden mixture.....that's why cheap cuts of beef are so tender....

[Gabrielle]

I don't believe that....I think that pretty much all of their meat dishes....beef, pork, chicken have all been marinated in a heavily MSG laden mixture.....that's why cheap cuts of beef are so tender....

Like I said, it never hurts to ask. The next time you eat there, ask one of the servers which dishes have MSG in them. If they're not 100% certain, ask them if they can ask Tom (the owner) - he'll know for sure. It's better than assuming something that could potentially be false

[Geoff]

I was sooooooooooooooooooo scared to try Vietnemese food because of not knowing what to expect. My Husband suggested Huong Lan and at my old age of 35(lol), I thought I would give something new a try. I am now madly in love with the lemon grass chicken over rice and their won ton soup. The won ton soup is wonderful when you have a cold and want something comforting. That's all I've tried, as I love it so much. And my Husband always has won ton soup and either the prawn rolls with peanut sauce or lemon grass chicken over rice. Such good food. We always get takeout. When we've called, the people taking orders on the phone have always been really friendly. The only negative thing is the lack of seating. There is always a lineup out the door when we pick up our food. They sooooooooooooooo need a bigger place. Get take out...you won't be disappointed!

I can relate to being unsure on Vietnamese food. I went with Ryan to that little Vietnamese place on Bowen Rd, and gave it a try. I'm glad I did. I did some homework on Vietnamese food, and asked him a few questions on it, so I could get an idea on what I was getting into. Ryan is knowledgeable on his restaurants. I would definitely look forward to having Vietnamese again. Judging by the things I have heard on Huong Lan, I'd give this place a look on a future road trip.