Asian Restaurant Ottawa Chinatown | Vietnamese Cuisine — Vietnam Palace

Ottawa’s Chinatown is one of the city’s greatest dining destinations — a stretch of Somerset St W packed with restaurants, bakeries, grocers, and bubble tea shops representing cuisines from across Asia. And right in the heart of it, at 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4, sits Vietnam Palace — one of the most beloved Asian restaurants in Ottawa’s Chinatown and a cornerstone of the neighbourhood since 1989.

Whether you’re a Chinatown regular looking for your next favourite spot or a first-time visitor exploring Ottawa’s Asian food scene, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about dining at Vietnam Palace — and why it’s been the go-to Chinatown restaurant in Ottawa for over 35 years.

Ottawa’s Chinatown: A Brief History

Ottawa’s Chinatown has been a landmark since the 1960s and 70s, when Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants began establishing businesses along Somerset Street West between Bronson Avenue and Preston Street. What started as a small cluster of Chinese grocery stores and restaurants evolved into one of Ottawa’s most culturally significant neighbourhoods.

The iconic Chinatown Gateway Arch at Somerset and Booth Street marks the entrance to the district — a gift from Beijing that’s become one of Ottawa’s most photographed landmarks. Walking beneath it, you enter a world of flavours that stretches from China and Vietnam to Korea, Thailand, Japan, and beyond.

The neighbourhood’s story is deeply intertwined with immigration. In the late 1970s and 1980s, a wave of Vietnamese refugees settled in Ottawa, many of them in and around Chinatown. They brought their culinary traditions with them, and restaurants like Vietnam Palace were born from that wave. When we opened our doors in 1989, we weren’t just starting a business — we were bringing a piece of Vietnam to Ottawa.

Today, Chinatown is a vibrant, evolving neighbourhood. New businesses open alongside decades-old institutions. The food scene is more diverse than ever. But the soul of the neighbourhood — its immigrant roots, its community spirit, its incredible food — remains the same.

Vietnamese Cuisine in Ottawa’s Asian Food Landscape

Ottawa’s Chinatown features restaurants representing a wide range of Asian cuisines. You’ll find Chinese dim sum, Japanese ramen, Korean BBQ, Thai curries, and much more. So what makes Vietnamese cuisine stand out in this crowded landscape?

Freshness First

Vietnamese cooking is built on fresh herbs, vegetables, and light preparations. Where some Asian cuisines lean heavily on deep-frying or heavy sauces, Vietnamese food balances rich flavours with fresh elements. Every bowl of pho comes with a plate of bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, and chili. Every vermicelli bowl is topped with crisp lettuce, pickled carrots, and fresh mint. It’s a cuisine that makes you feel good after eating — not weighed down.

The Broth Tradition

Vietnam has one of the world’s great soup cultures. Pho, bún bò Huế, hủ tiếu — these aren’t simple soups. They’re complex, hours-in-the-making broths that represent some of the most sophisticated cooking techniques in Asian cuisine. At Vietnam Palace, our pho broth is simmered for hours with roasted bones and charred aromatics. It’s a level of dedication to broth that’s hard to find outside of Vietnam itself.

Balance of Flavours

Vietnamese cuisine operates on a principle of balance: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and umami in every dish. Fish sauce provides depth. Lime adds brightness. Sugar rounds out the edges. Chili brings heat. The result is food that’s simultaneously complex and approachable — something that appeals to adventurous eaters and newcomers alike.

Affordability

Vietnamese food has always been accessible. At Vietnam Palace, a full meal — a generous bowl of noodle soup, an appetizer, and a drink — won’t break the bank. In a city where restaurant prices keep climbing, Vietnamese cuisine remains one of the best values in Ottawa dining.

What Makes Vietnam Palace a Chinatown Landmark

Chinatown has no shortage of Asian restaurants. So why has Vietnam Palace endured for over 35 years? What keeps people coming back when there are dozens of options within a five-minute walk?

Consistency Over Three Decades

Trends come and go in the restaurant world. Fusion concepts open and close. Trendy spots burn bright and fade. Vietnam Palace has been serving the same high-quality Vietnamese food since 1989 — not because we’re stuck in the past, but because our recipes are timeless. The pho recipe that delighted customers in 1989 still delights them today, because great food doesn’t need reinvention.

A Menu That Goes Deep

With over 100 dishes on our menu, we don’t just scratch the surface of Vietnamese cuisine. We go deep. From pho and bún bò Huế to banh mi, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, curry, lemongrass dishes, clay pot specialties, and more — our menu represents the full breadth of Vietnamese cooking. Many customers have been coming for years and still discover new favourites.

Family-Run, Family-Focused

Vietnam Palace is and has always been a family-run restaurant. That matters. It means the people who greet you, cook for you, and serve you actually care about the experience. It means recipes are passed down, standards are maintained, and there’s a personal pride in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

Community Roots

We’re not a chain parachuted into Chinatown. We grew up here. Our story is part of Chinatown’s story — part of the Vietnamese community’s story in Ottawa. When you eat at Vietnam Palace, you’re supporting a local, immigrant-founded business that has contributed to the neighbourhood for over three decades.

664+ Google Reviews

Numbers don’t lie. With over 664 Google reviews, Vietnam Palace is one of the highest-reviewed restaurants in Ottawa’s Chinatown. Diners consistently praise the food quality, portion sizes, value, and welcoming atmosphere. That kind of sustained positive feedback doesn’t happen by accident.

The Somerset St W Food Crawl: Your Chinatown Dining Guide

Chinatown is best experienced as an exploration. Whether you’re spending an afternoon or planning an evening out, here’s how to make the most of Ottawa’s Chinatown dining scene — with Vietnam Palace as your anchor.

Start with a Walk

Enter through the Chinatown Gateway Arch at Somerset and Booth. Take a stroll down Somerset Street West, soaking in the atmosphere. Browse the Asian grocery stores — T&T, Kowloon Market — for ingredients you won’t find at mainstream supermarkets. Check out the bakeries for Vietnamese coffee and fresh pastries.

Your Main Event: Lunch or Dinner at Vietnam Palace

Whether you’re coming for a quick lunch bowl of pho or a full dinner spread, Vietnam Palace delivers. Here’s what we’d suggest based on your vibe:

Quick lunch (30-45 min): A bowl of pho or a vermicelli bowl. Fast, satisfying, affordable.

Leisurely dinner for two: Start with fresh spring rolls and fried spring rolls. Share a bowl of pho and a plate of lemongrass chicken or shaking beef. Add Vietnamese iced coffee.

Group dinner (4+): Go family-style. Order a variety of appetizers, a couple of different soups, stir-fried dishes, curry, and rice. Pass everything around the table. This is how Vietnamese food is meant to be eaten.

After Dinner

Chinatown’s evening scene is vibrant. Grab bubble tea at one of the many shops along Somerset. Pick up Asian snacks and desserts from a nearby bakery. Or simply walk the neighbourhood and enjoy the atmosphere — Chinatown takes on a different energy after dark, with neon signs and bustling sidewalks.

Exploring Asian Cuisines in Ottawa: How Vietnamese Food Fits In

Ottawa’s Asian food scene is remarkably diverse for a mid-sized city. Here’s how Vietnamese cuisine — and Vietnam Palace specifically — fits into the broader landscape:

Vietnamese vs. Chinese

Chinese cuisine in Ottawa ranges from Cantonese dim sum to Sichuan heat to Northern Chinese dumplings. Vietnamese food shares some ingredients (rice, noodles, soy sauce) but differs dramatically in technique and flavour profile. Vietnamese cooking uses more fresh herbs, lighter preparations, and French-influenced elements (hello, banh mi and Vietnamese coffee). If you love Chinese food and haven’t explored Vietnamese, you’re in for a treat — the flavours are complementary but distinct.

Vietnamese vs. Thai

Both cuisines love fresh herbs, rice noodles, and bold flavours. Thai food tends to be sweeter and more coconut-forward, while Vietnamese food is more broth-focused and herbal. If you love pad thai, try our vermicelli bowls. If you love tom yum, try our bún bò Huế. The crossover appeal is strong.

Vietnamese vs. Japanese

Japanese cuisine in Ottawa centres on sushi, ramen, and izakaya-style dining. Vietnamese food operates in a different flavour universe — more herbs, more acidic brightness, more variety of noodle soups. But fans of ramen often fall hard for pho. The deep, slow-simmered broth tradition is a shared passion.

Vietnamese vs. Korean

Korean cuisine is all about fermentation, BBQ, and bold spice. Vietnamese food is lighter and more herb-driven. But both cultures share a love of communal, family-style eating — and both cuisines shine in Ottawa’s Chinatown.

What to Know Before Your Visit

Location & Getting Here

Vietnam Palace is at 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4, right in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown. We’re easy to find:

• By car: Street parking available on Somerset and side streets. Pay-and-display meters on Somerset; free on some side streets.
• By bus: OC Transpo routes along Somerset St W stop right near our door.
• By bike: Bike racks available nearby. Chinatown is well-connected to Ottawa’s cycling network.
• On foot: A pleasant walk from Centretown, Little Italy, or the LeBreton Flats area.

Hours

We’re open 7 days a week, lunch through dinner. Perfect for whenever the craving strikes.

Reservations & Wait Times

Walk-ins are welcome. We can accommodate large groups, but calling ahead is recommended for parties of 6 or more, especially on weekends. Call (613) 238-6758 to reserve.

Dietary Accommodations

We cater to various dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are extensive. Gluten-free options include pho (rice noodles) and rice plates. Please inform your server of any allergies.

Nearby Attractions in Ottawa’s Chinatown

Make your Vietnam Palace visit part of a bigger Chinatown experience:

• Chinatown Gateway Arch — The iconic red and gold arch at Somerset and Booth. Great photo opportunity.
• Plant Recreation Centre — Community hub with events and activities.
• Asian grocery stores — Stock up on ingredients, snacks, and specialty items.
• Bubble tea shops — Multiple options along Somerset for your post-meal drink.
• Ottawa Art Gallery — A short walk east on Somerset leads you to the Daly Avenue gallery district.

The Future of Chinatown Dining

Ottawa’s Chinatown is evolving. New condos are going up. New businesses are opening. The neighbourhood is getting more foot traffic and more attention than ever. But the foundation — the restaurants, the grocery stores, the cultural institutions — remains strong.

Vietnam Palace has been part of Chinatown through its entire modern history. We’ve seen the neighbourhood change and grow, and we’ve grown with it. As new diners discover Chinatown and new residents move in, we’re here to welcome them the same way we’ve welcomed Ottawa for 35+ years: with a warm bowl of soup, a full table of dishes, and the genuine hospitality that comes from a family business that loves what it does.

The Asian restaurant scene in Ottawa has never been stronger. And Vietnam Palace is proud to be a part of it — today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food does Vietnam Palace serve?

Vietnam Palace is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant serving a full range of Vietnamese cuisine including pho, bún bò Huế, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, banh mi, spring rolls, curry, lemongrass dishes, and more. We offer over 100 dishes on our menu.

Where is Vietnam Palace located in Ottawa’s Chinatown?

We’re at 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4, right in the heart of Chinatown near the Gateway Arch. We’re easily accessible by car, bus, bike, or on foot from Centretown and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Is Vietnam Palace the best Asian restaurant in Ottawa Chinatown?

With 664+ Google reviews, 35+ years of history, and a menu of over 100 dishes, Vietnam Palace is consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in Ottawa’s Chinatown. Our longevity and reviews speak to the quality and consistency our customers expect.

What makes Vietnamese food different from other Asian cuisines?

Vietnamese cuisine is distinguished by its emphasis on fresh herbs, balanced flavours (sweet, salty, sour, spicy, umami), light preparations, and complex broths. It’s generally lighter than Chinese food, more herb-forward than Korean, and more broth-focused than Thai cuisine.

Does Vietnam Palace offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Absolutely. We have an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes including vegetable pho, tofu stir-fries, vegetable spring rolls, and more. Vietnamese cuisine naturally incorporates many plant-based ingredients.

Can I walk around Chinatown before or after eating?

Definitely — that’s the best way to experience the neighbourhood. Browse Asian grocery stores, grab bubble tea, check out the Gateway Arch, and explore the diverse shops and restaurants along Somerset St W.

Is Vietnam Palace good for large groups?

Yes! Vietnamese food is naturally suited for group dining — order multiple dishes and share family-style. For groups of 6 or more, we recommend calling ahead at(613) 238-6758 to ensure we can seat your party comfortably.

How long has Vietnam Palace been in Ottawa’s Chinatown?

We’ve been serving the Ottawa community since 1989 — over 35 years. We’re one of the longest-running Vietnamese restaurants in Ottawa and a Chinatown institution.