HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT
/TRE VIET
A Northern Vietnam Experience
by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlargeO)
Tre Viet on Denman is, to me, a newly discovered delight! Featuring the cuisine of northern Vietnam, the menu is varied and delicious.
a mural of the Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi adorns a wall of tre viet.
Owned by Linh Bang and managed by her husband Toan (Tony) Luong, this charming couple have created a delicious and visually appealing restaurant.
In an interview, Tony explained that Tre Viet has a very special meaning. The name reflects the strength of the Vietnamese people; Tre refers to the bamboo trees that grow in Vietnam and are a symbol of cultural identity. “Tre is a metaphor that symbolizes resilience, perseverance and sustainability.” The bamboo trees are strong and flexible, unaffected by the weather and strong enough to be used in the construction of houses and boats. Viet is for Vietnam.
The restaurant’s webpage (see link below) tells us that the restaurant entails three key components - delectable foods, appetizing beverages, and the exquisite exclusivity of dining ambience.
The childlike plastic seating is typical of eateries in vietnam.
Open since April of 2023, this attractive restaurant seats 25 inside and 18 on the summer patio.
Have you noticed and wondered about the childlike plastic tables outside the restaurant? They are typical in Vietnamese eateries. In conversation with a young Vietnamese man, he advised me that folks in Vietnam like those small outdoor chairs as they allow rapid flight from police!
The huge mural inside is of the Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi. Called Cau Long Bien in Vietnamese, this cantilevered bridge was constructed by the French between 1899 and 1902, connecting two Hanoi districts. The walls also display many interesting photos and posters of Vietnam.
Perusing the menu with Tony was illuminating. I asked him about the differences between northern and southern Vietnamese cuisine.
“More pho, not a lot of seasoning, we rely on salt, pepper, garlic, sugar, shallots and fish sauce. Bahn mi is also popular.” The baguettes and the shallots show a French influence. The French colonized Vietnam from 1887 to 1940.
Bun Cha.
Before meeting Tony, a Vietnamese friend suggested I order the Hanoi Style Vermicelli Noodles and Crispy Crab Parcels. Bun Nem Cua Be. Delicious and beautifully presented, it was big enough to share.
Tony suggested the Hanoi Style Vermicelli Noodles with Charred and Caramelized Pork Grilled over Hot Charcoal. View the menu in the link below to read the description of this and all the dishes.
He also explained that many of their ingredients are imported directly from Vietnam. Despite the many Vietnamese grocery stores in Vancouver, Tony explained that much of the food for purchase in these stores is made for export. Lihn and Tony want to have the true Vietnamese village flavours, so they import ingredients directly.
Tony recommends the young rice cakes. These cakes are made from green sticky rice from the north. Both young and green, this rice has a very fresh smell. Vong Village, located in Hanoi’s Cáu Giâ District in Vietnam, is famous for the deep-fried young rice cakes and the green rice flakes.
The chicken used in various dishes is free-range. No commercial chicken. Free range means yellow skin, and the fat is delicious, says Tony.
Anchovy chicken wings.
He also recommended the anchovy chicken wings.
The house special Bahn Mi is the Tre House Special Cold Cut, pork belly baguette with pork belly cooked in a special spicy house sauce, similar to Chinese BBQ pork.
I observed my neighbouring diners. The Rainbow Salad, with prawns or chicken, looked amazing. Big enough to share. A young man on my right was eating chicken breast noodle soup. A huge serving, very shareable!
They serve the famous Vietnamese Coffee, beer and soft drinks. The house lemonade, made from a family recipe, is perfection.
The chef and kitchen staff have much experience with Vietnamese cuisine. Although the kitchen is small, three kitchen staff ensure there is never a long wait. The wait staff are very friendly and willing to advise. The patrons are 50/50 Vietnamese and other folks.
How does the Celebration of Light affect West End business? Tony shares that they are constantly full on the three days. He is hoping FIFA will have an equal effect.
In mid-September, Lihn and Tony flew to Vietnam to search for more food influences, more delicious dishes.
TRE VIET
1144 Denman
604-423.5555
Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. / Fri. to Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m
Website and Menu
