Vui’s Kitchen
2832 Bransford Avenue Nashville, TN 37204
P: 615.241.8847
W: www.vuiskitchen.com
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11A – 9P
I’ve wanted to go to Vui’s Kitchen since I knew of its existence. I’ve heard so many good things about it which, by the way, turned out to be true. I tried to go a couple of months ago, but I couldn’t get a parking place, and I didn’t have much time that day. So when a co-worker recently asked me to join him for lunch at Vui’s, I jumped at the chance.
Vui’s Kitchen offers fresh Vietnamese from two Nashville locations, our lunch spot that day in Berry Hill, and a recently-opened spot in Germantown. They use only whole food ingredients and NO MSG. As they are fond of saying, they are “Simply Real and Really Simple”.
Vui’s Kitchen’s founder, appropriately named Vui, grew up in a large family in Vietnam, and she wanted her restaurant to be an extension of her home. It’s safe to say she hit the mark.
The Berry Hill location is located in a converted house, and it has exactly the vibe you would expect from a hip, urban, foodie spot. You order at the counter, much like a pub, and then your server brings the food to you. You grab your own drinks. The staff was friendly and helpful, especially to a newbie like me. I felt right at home, even though the lunch crowd was large and the atmosphere was somewhat frantic which, come to think of it, is probably why I felt right at home.
I was new to Vietnamese cuisine, so many of the choices were unfamiliar to me, but I do know what a Rice Bowl is, so I ran with that. In all seriousness, though, I got way more than I expected.
I chose Lemongrass Chicken as my protein, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The chicken was pan-seared and very flavorful, and it paired well with the brown rice, arugula, carrots, carrots, and fresh herbs (including mint) also contained in the bowl. The fish sauce dressing was spot on, as well.
You can also choose from other traditional Vietnamese options such as Pho (broth, think miso soup) or Banh Mi (sandwich). For a peek at their full menu, click here.
I’m looking forward to going back soon so that I can try some other things. I know my lovely wife will love it, as well, so I definitely see a lunch date in my future.
Haute Flavor 