Cay Tre Vietnamese Kitchen, London

Went out with my French Vietnamese friend tonight to test out the authenticity of this award winning vietnamese restaurant that boasts that this is "as authentic as it gets".

the tummies actually ate there a few weeks ago and both found it pretty good. subtle flavours that come together nicely. but is it authentic?

initial impressions were good. she recognised quite a lot of dishes as being food that her mom might cook. but as everyone knows, the true test of the quality of food is in the taste. it may be able to fool non-vietnamese people like us, but will it survive the true test of authenticity!

ROUND 1

Goi Ngo Sen

(Lotus stem salad of pork, shrimps and Viet herbs. Bags of Crunchy fresh lotus, limey zap and a jolt of sweet chilli sauce filled to boot)

Judge's comments: not bad. good crunch. nice blend of flavours. just the right amount of sauce.

Mr Tummy's comments: great appetiser. interesting use of prawn crackers as little edible plates. kitschy but totally fell for it. i want MORE!!! give me MORE!!!

ROUND 2

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pizza)

(A traditional Vietnamese pancake with prawns, chicken and vegetables. Served with marjoram, fresh Vietnamese Watercress and a special dipping sauce)

kinda looks like a big stuffed omellette! eaten by cutting by the pancake and wrapping it in the leaves and dipping in the sauce. MMMmmm. hungry yet?

Judge's comments: pancake should have been thicker. not quite up to the mark. mom makes a better version.

Mr Tummy's comments: quite oily but very tasty. quite a messy eating experience. never had watercress that big before! always thought they were little leaves that inevitably found their way into soups or sandwiches

ROUND 3
Pho
(The classic Vietnamese noodle soup dish, based on a fragrant broth, served with either beef, shredded corn fed chicken or combination and Vietnamese herbs topping)

in my humble opinion, any proper vietnamese restaurant worth it's weight HAS to get this dish right, otherwise don't bother calling yourself a vietnamese restaurant.

Judge's comments: broth could have been more flavourful. should be more "beefy". in true vietnamese style, they should have other beef parts with the noodles instead of sliced lean meat

Mr Tummy's comments: been craving this for so long... *SSSSSLLLUUURRRPPPP* agree that the broth could be more flavourful especially since that's what really holds the dish together. whoops. all finished. heh.

Overall verdict: Not quite "as authentic as it gets" but i think mr tummy still liked it anyway *burp* =)

301 Old Street • London • EC1V 9LA