In 1989, a small Vietnamese family opened the doors of a modest restaurant on Somerset Street West in Ottawa’s Chinatown. They had a dream β to share the authentic flavors of their homeland with a city that was just beginning to discover the richness of Vietnamese cuisine.
That restaurant was Vietnam Palace, and over three decades later, it remains one of Ottawa’s most beloved dining destinations.
Humble Beginnings, Bold Flavors
The early days were anything but easy. With limited English, a tiny kitchen, and a neighborhood still finding its identity, the founders relied on what they knew best β cooking from the heart. Every bowl of phα» was simmered for hours, every spring roll wrapped by hand, every sauce made from scratch using family recipes passed down through generations.
Word spread quickly. Regulars became friends. Friends brought their families. And before long, Vietnam Palace wasn’t just a restaurant β it was a gathering place, a piece of Vietnam right here in Ottawa.
A Legacy of Authenticity
What sets Vietnam Palace apart isn’t just the food β it’s the commitment to doing things the right way. No shortcuts, no compromises. The broth still simmers overnight. The herbs are still fresh. The recipes haven’t changed because they didn’t need to.
Today, with over 100 dishes on the menu, Vietnam Palace continues to honor its roots while welcoming a new generation of diners who appreciate the difference that authenticity makes.
More Than a Meal
When you walk through our doors at 819 Somerset St W, you’re not just sitting down for dinner. You’re stepping into a story that began thousands of miles away, carried across oceans by a family who believed that great food could build bridges between cultures.
Thank you, Ottawa, for 35 years of memories. We’re just getting started.
Visit us today and taste the tradition that’s been warming hearts since 1989.