Lunch Specials Ottawa | Vietnamese Lunch Under $15 — Vietnam Palace

Looking for a lunch in Ottawa that’s fast, filling, and actually good? Not the sad desk salad or the overpriced sandwich from a chain — a real, flavour-packed meal that won’t blow your budget? Vietnam Palace has been feeding Ottawa’s lunch crowd since 1989, and our lunch specials are the reason people keep coming back day after day.

Located in the heart of Chinatown on Somerset Street West, we’re within easy reach of Centretown offices, government buildings, University of Ottawa campus, and the downtown core. With 100+ dishes, 664+ Google reviews, and prices that make your wallet happy, Vietnam Palace is where Ottawa comes for the best lunch under $15.

Our Lunch Menu — Big Flavour, Small Price Tag

Our lunch menu is designed for people who want real food on a real schedule. Everything moves fast — most orders are ready in 10-15 minutes — without sacrificing an ounce of quality. Here’s what’s on the lunch menu:

Pho — The Perfect Lunch Bowl

There’s a reason pho is the ultimate lunch food. It’s warm, filling, hydrating, and light enough that you won’t need a post-lunch nap. Our signature pho features broth that’s been simmering for over 12 hours, loaded with your choice of meats and fresh herbs. A regular bowl of pho is one of the best lunch values in Ottawa — filling, flavourful, and affordable.

For the full experience, go with the Pho Dac Biet (Special Combination) — rare beef, brisket, beef balls, and tendon in that legendary broth. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, and it won’t even touch $15.

Vermicelli Lunch Bowls

Not in the mood for soup? Our vermicelli bowls (bun) are the lunch hero you didn’t know you needed. Cool rice noodles topped with grilled meats, fresh vegetables, crushed peanuts, and house-made fish sauce. The grilled pork vermicelli is our #1 lunch seller — it’s light, satisfying, and full of contrasting textures and flavours.

Rice Plates That Mean Business

Our broken rice plates (com tam) are no-nonsense lunch meals. A generous portion of jasmine or broken rice topped with your choice of protein — lemongrass chicken, grilled pork chop, shaking beef, or curry. These are the plates that fuel Ottawa through the afternoon. They’re hearty, satisfying, and competitively priced against anything else you’ll find downtown.

Soup & Noodle Specials

Beyond pho, our lunch menu features a rotating selection of Vietnamese soups and noodle dishes:

• Bun Bo Hue — Spicy, lemongrass-infused beef noodle soup from central Vietnam. More kick than pho, equally addictive.
• Hu Tieu — Clear pork and shrimp broth with rice noodles. Light, delicate, and deeply satisfying.
• Wonton Noodle Soup — Handmade wontons in a savoury broth with egg noodles. Classic comfort food.

Quick Bites for a Short Lunch Break

Only got 30 minutes? We’ve got you covered:

• Banh Mi — Our Vietnamese sandwich is fast, portable, and packed with flavour. Eat it on the walk back to the office.
• Spring Rolls + Vietnamese Iced Coffee — A light lunch combo that satisfies without weighing you down.
• Appetizer Combo — Mix of fresh and fried spring rolls with dipping sauces. Perfect for a lighter lunch day.

Why Pho Is the Perfect Lunch

Let’s talk about why pho has become Ottawa’s favourite lunch. It’s not just because it tastes incredible (it does). There are real, practical reasons why pho outperforms every other lunch option:

It’s Light But Filling

Unlike heavy pasta or fried foods that leave you sluggish, pho gives you sustained energy without the crash. The broth is protein-rich, the noodles provide carbs, and the fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a complete, balanced meal that keeps you alert through the afternoon.

It’s Fast

A bowl of pho goes from kitchen to table faster than most lunch options. At Vietnam Palace, your pho is ready in under 10 minutes when you dine in. For takeout, call ahead and it’s waiting when you arrive. That’s faster than most fast-food drive-throughs — and infinitely better.

It’s Customizable

Pho is a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Pick your protein, adjust the spice level, add hoisin or sriracha, load up on bean sprouts and basil, or squeeze in extra lime. Every bowl is yours to customize, which means you never get bored even if you eat it three times a week (some of our regulars do).

It’s Budget-Friendly

A satisfying bowl of pho at Vietnam Palace costs less than a sad combo meal at a fast-food chain. When you factor in the quality — 12+ hours of broth preparation, fresh ingredients, made-to-order — it’s one of the best value meals in Ottawa. Your wallet and your taste buds both win.

Lunch Specials for Nearby Office Workers

If you work in Centretown, downtown Ottawa, or near the government buildings, Vietnam Palace is your ideal lunch spot. Here’s why Ottawa’s office crowd has made us their regular:

The Commute Is Easy

From most Centretown offices, we’re a 5-10 minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. The walk along Somerset takes you through one of Ottawa’s most interesting neighbourhoods, making it a great excuse to stretch your legs midday. If you’re on the O-Train, get off at Bayview and you’re practically here.

In-and-Out Efficiency

We know your lunch hour is sacred (and sometimes only 30 minutes). Our service is fast, our takeout is faster, and if you call ahead, your food is literally waiting for you. Many of our regulars order by phone at 11:45, walk over at noon, and are back at their desk with a steaming bowl by 12:15.

Group Lunch Orders Made Easy

Organizing lunch for the team? Call us at (613) 238-6758 and we can handle group orders for any size. We’ll have everything packaged and ready for pickup at your specified time. Vietnamese food is naturally sharable, so it’s perfect for team lunches, working lunches, or office celebrations.

Student Lunch Deals — Fuel Your Studies for Less

University of Ottawa and Carleton students — we see you, and we’ve got your back. We know the student budget is real, and we know that living on instant ramen gets old fast. Vietnam Palace offers some of the best lunch values near campus:

• Regular pho bowls at prices that won’t make you check your bank balance twice
• Vermicelli bowls — filling enough to get you through a 3-hour lecture
• Banh mi — portable, affordable, and more satisfying than any campus cafeteria option
• Combo deals — soup + spring roll combos that maximize your dollar

We’re a short bus ride from both campuses, and many students make the trip a weekly ritual. Once you’ve had real pho, the dining hall just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Lunch Hours at Vietnam Palace

We open at 11:00 AM daily, 7 days a week. Lunch service runs through the afternoon, so whether you’re an early luncher or a late-lunch person, we’ve got you covered.

Peak lunch rush: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. This is when the office crowd hits. If you want a table immediately, arrive before 11:30 or after 1:30.

Off-peak sweet spot: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. This is the best-kept secret for a relaxed lunch at Vietnam Palace. The restaurant is quieter, service is lightning-fast, and you get the same great food without any wait.

Weekend lunch: Saturdays and Sundays are popular for brunch-style Vietnamese meals. Families, couples, and groups flock in for midday pho and coffee. Come early for the best selection and shortest wait.

Cheap Lunch in Chinatown Ottawa — Why We’re the Best Value

Chinatown Ottawa is full of great food options, and we know that. But here’s why Vietnam Palace consistently wins the best lunch in Chinatown Ottawa debate:

• Portion sizes that make sense — we don’t do tiny plates at premium prices. You’ll leave full.
• Quality ingredients — fresh herbs, house-made broth, quality meats. No shortcuts.
• 35 years of trust — we’ve been here since 1989. That longevity speaks to consistent quality.
• Friendly service — our staff knows the regulars by name. It’s a neighbourhood restaurant with neighbourhood warmth.

Compare us to anything else within a 10-block radius, and we’re confident you’ll agree: Vietnam Palace offers the best lunch value in Ottawa’s Chinatown.

What Our Lunch Regulars Say

With 664+ Google reviews, the feedback speaks for itself. Here’s what keeps people coming back:

• “Best lunch deal in Ottawa. I come here at least once a week for the pho.”
• “Quick, affordable, and consistently delicious. My go-to lunch spot.”
• “The vermicelli bowls are massive. I can never finish but I always try.”
• “35 years for a reason. Nothing else in Ottawa compares.”

Explore More of What We Offer

Lunch is just the beginning. Dive deeper into what makes Vietnam Palace Ottawa’s favourite Vietnamese restaurant:

• Full Menu — All 100+ dishes at your fingertips
• Best Pho in Ottawa — Why our pho is legendary
• Pho Delivery Ottawa — Can’t make it in? We’ll come to you
• Vietnamese Food Ottawa — The full range of our cuisine
• Pho Ottawa Delivery Guide — All your delivery questions answered
• Near Centretown? — We’re right around the corner
• Coming from the Glebe? — A quick drive for an incredible lunch
• Sandy Hill Students — Your lunch upgrade is here

Frequently Asked Questions About Lunch at Vietnam Palace

What time does lunch service start at Vietnam Palace?

We open at 11:00 AM every day, 7 days a week. Lunch service runs continuously through the afternoon, so there’s no “lunch cutoff” — you can get lunch-priced meals throughout our opening hours.

How much does a typical lunch cost at Vietnam Palace?

Most lunch dishes fall under $15. A bowl of pho, a vermicelli bowl, or a rice plate — all are priced to be affordable everyday meals. Add a Vietnamese iced coffee or spring rolls and you’re still well within a reasonable lunch budget.

Do I need a reservation for lunch?

No reservation needed for lunch. We have plenty of seating, and our table turnover during lunch is quick since most people are on their break. During peak hours (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM), there might be a brief wait, but it’s rarely more than 5-10 minutes.

Can I get lunch takeout quickly?

Absolutely. Call ahead at (613) 238-6758 and your order will be ready in 10-15 minutes. Many of our lunch regulars call on their way and pick up without waiting. It’s the fastest way to get a quality lunch in the Chinatown area.

Is Vietnam Palace good for group lunches or work meetings?

Yes! We handle group lunch orders regularly. Call us at (613) 238-6758 to arrange group orders for pickup, or bring your team in — we can seat groups of various sizes. Vietnamese food’s shareable nature makes it perfect for team lunches.

What’s the healthiest lunch option on the menu?

Our pho is one of the healthiest lunch options you’ll find anywhere — it’s broth-based, high in protein, and loaded with fresh herbs. For an even lighter option, try our fresh spring rolls or a vegetable vermicelli bowl. Vietnamese cuisine naturally emphasizes fresh ingredients and balanced flavours.

Are there vegetarian lunch options?

Yes! We offer vegetable pho, tofu dishes, vegetable vermicelli bowls, vegetable spring rolls, and several other meat-free options. Our kitchen can also accommodate modifications — just let us know your dietary needs and we’ll work with you.

Do you have lunch specials that change daily?

Our core lunch menu is available every day with consistent pricing. While we occasionally feature seasonal specials, you can always count on our full menu being available at lunch. Call (613) 238-6758 to ask about any current specials when you order.