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ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Thien Huong Restaurant
8.1
A family-run Vietnamese counter spot in Chinatown that builds its draw on clean, MSG-light pho broths and banh mi stuffed into fresh-baked baguettes from a cramped six-table room. The menu covers the Vietnamese comfort canon at prices that keep the line moving and the regulars coming back. Expect a wait, tight quarters, and food that rewards the patience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho, Banh Mi Special, Bun Bo Hue
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Family-operated Chinatown staple known for clean, MSG-light broths and fresh-baked baguettes in a tiny 6-table space that draws steady lines.
Who should go: Budget-conscious pho and banh mi devotees exploring Chinatown
When to visit: Early weekdays; weekends fill the 6 tables fast
What to order: Start with a bowl of pho for the clean broth, add a banh mi special with pate and pickled daikon to share, then try the banh xeo if you have room.
Insider tip: They close at 5:30 PM and are shut Mondays — plan an early lunch to avoid the line and get the freshest baguettes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site underground garage at Far East Plaza (6'5" max height); street parking easier on Hill Street side of the plaza; paid lots in Chinatown run $5-$15
Weekend wait: No dinner service — closes at 5:30 PM (5 PM Sunday). Weekend lunch fills up fast; arrive early or expect 20-30 min waits
Weekday lunch: Shorter waits than weekends; closed Mondays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 4 dedicated items: Pho Chay (vegetarian noodle soup), Bun Cha Gio Chay (vegetarian eggroll salad), Pho Xao Chay (vegetarian noodle stir fry with tofu), Com Xao Dau Hu (stir fry vegetable and tofu over rice) — all under $7
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — this is a small, casual Vietnamese spot with simple decor and a homey, no-frills vibe. Soft music and a peaceful atmosphere make conversation easy, but the setting is more "hidden gem lunch spot" than romantic dinner. Closes at 5:30pm, so evening dates aren't possible. Better suited for a casual daytime date where the focus is on sharing great pho and banh mi together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm here. It's a small, affordable Chinatown spot, not a high-demand reservation restaurant. They do accept reservations if you want to guarantee a spot, which is worth considering on weekends since the interior is compact. Weekday lunches you should have no trouble walking in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, low-key atmosphere and affordable prices make it family-appropriate. Pho and spring rolls are easy kid-friendly options. The small space means strollers could be tight, and the $15 credit card minimum is worth noting for smaller orders. Best for kids who are comfortable in a simple sit-down restaurant. No dedicated kids menu confirmed — call ahead to ask about high chairs.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for large groups — the interior is small with limited seating. Parties of 4-5 are likely the practical max without feeling cramped. There are no private dining rooms. For groups of 6+, you'd need to call ahead to see if they can arrange seating. Not the best choice for large gatherings, but works fine for small groups of 2-4.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there is outdoor seating available on Broadway. The restaurant is located in a plaza in Chinatown. Details on whether the outdoor area is covered or heated are not confirmed — expect basic sidewalk-style seating. Note that parking in the plaza area can be challenging.
Best For
Better for: A fast, dirt-cheap bowl of clean-tasting pho from one of Chinatown's old-guard spots — most items $5.50-$6.75, daytime only, no fuss
Skip if: You need dinner (closes 5:30 PM), plan to visit Monday (closed), have a large group (very small space), or only carry cards for small orders ($15 credit card minimum — bring cash)