Banh Bot Chien
Ba Sa

Ba Sa

101 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, 98110, United States Of America

Pizza • Asian • Lunch • Steak


"Unfortunately, I can neither say that this food is authentic or good. I have been here twice and I was hoping that the second time would be a redemption but it was probably worse than the first time. I have eaten a lot of Vietnamese food in my lifetime and there was only one dish that tasted vaguely Vietnamese? I understand that it was part of a fusion concept but many of the menu items just didn't make sense and the menu felt very incohesive. The ambience was nice though and we were seated on the outside patio on a chilly fall day. I feel like it could have been more heated, but that's just a minor complaint.I ordered the chicken buns, chicken pho, and the vermicelli noodles with grilled pork. The vermicelli noodles were the most Vietnamese and it was acceptable. Good char on the pork, although it felt like something was missing-maybe it was that they didn't give the proper herb bundle with mint and such. The chicken buns were not great as the chicken was chewy and stringy, instead of being juicy and moist. Finally, the most egregious menu item was probably the chicken pho with the onsen egg. To be honest, I don't even know what an onsen egg is doing in pho; it didn't work. The chicken, just like the karaage, was very much overcooked and not done as traditional pho ga chicken. It was tough and stringy, and the broth was overwhelmingly a massive salt bomb. The soup was so salty that I couldn't even even drink more than two sips.Finally, the service just wasn't great when I went. I had to flag down the waiter multiple times to even order and ask for water, and there weren't even that many other tables. I also felt frustrated at the end when I was trying to pay for the bill, the waiter took a credit card from my grandparents when I pleaded with him not to and he explained, he was very much first come first serve. I understand this is some specific cultural social norm and not something to drag a waiter into, but it did feel tone deaf. Unfortunately, I just can't see myself returning especially considering the price point is high. There is much better Vietnamese or Asian for a much better price point in Seattle."

Tuong Ky Com Tam

Tuong Ky Com Tam

11210 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, 77072-2500, United States Of America, The Energy Corridor, Houston

Soup • Fish • Meat • Chicken


"It was my first time here. The place is hidden gem in the corner of the same shopping strip as Lee Sandwiches on Bellaire. To be honest I probably would not eaten here if my sister didn't suggest it. My sister and I were greeted right away and seated. I really appreciate that this place was clean and they actually had the AC on!! That right there is 2 stars automatically for ANY Asian restaurants on Bellaire!! The food was really good. I ordered 2 appetizers because I wanted to try both. Banh bot chien was crispy and not greasy but I think it needed more eggs and radish/green onion toppings like Tan Tan. The dipping sauce was ok, maybe more of the darker sauce in it then the red vinegar. The Vietnamese egg rolls were delicious but for the size and amount they were a little pricey. 6 small egg rolls for $8.50 (Especially being on Bellaire). The com tam was tasty and everything had flavor. The thit nuong actually had finely mince lemongrass in the marinade. I like the flavor it gives bbq meats. Thit nuong is supposed to be marinated with lemon grass. That's how my mama made it so it is the way I grew up eating thit nuong and pork chops. The pork chop thit nuong were tasty not over cooked. I thought the meat would be tough and dry but it was surprisingly tender. The tofu shrimp thing was good since it was NOT drenched in grease since it is fried. Everything on my 6 item plate was seasoned well and tasty. I enjoyed my rice plate. The chicken rice plate my daughter had was tasty too! The meat was flavorful and NOT dry/over cooked. They do give complimentary plain small bowl of broth like they should with the rice plates. Great food at a CLEAN restaurant with good service. The fish sauce was good. My sister wanted the Me Den dessert but the waiter said they were out. I will definitely be back again. If you are craving com tam come try it out here!"