If you thought Chinatown was just for Chinese food, you are dreadfully mistaken, friend. Vietnamese restaurants have always had a strong presence here as well. You’re probably familiar with Vietnam, the longstanding, well-loved and well-reviewed restaurant on 11th Street between Race and Vine. (And if you haven’t, for the love of all that is right and nem nuong, get there and work them into your monthly rotation. We simply cannot say enough good things about this place.) They have a sweet little bar called Bar Saigon, and a newly opened outpost in West Philly called Vietnam Café. Vietnam is not to be confused with Vietnam Palace across the street, which is, well, less well-loved and well-reviewed, but totally respectable. Maybe. And appropriate for city that adores the flesh of the cow, the Palace offers, no joke, the Seven Courses of Beef appetizer for $29.

Of course, pho is ubiquitous, and Pho Cali offers up solid bowls at 10th and Arch. They’re not transcendent, but asking that from what’s essentially Vietnamese street food is a bit much, don’t you think? They have $3 bánh mì also, but – and here’s a bold claim but we’re making it – for the best in the city (yes, even better than the South Philly joints), head a block east on Arch over to Cafe 900. They only have a couple seats at the counter, so get your BBQ bánh mì to go, and be sure to order it spicy. $2.95 for some tender spicy pork joy. You can thank us by bringing a dozen of those guys over here.

Phillychinatown.com also has a list of other places you can check out, both Vietnamese and otherwise, but with these four, not much can go wrong, and much can go oh-so-right.