Chandler may be thousands of miles from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City or the picturesque beaches of Da Nang, but the city’s Vietnamese restaurants bring a true taste of this special place right to your plate. Whether it’s a delicious bowl of pho, banh mi filled with flavor, or light and refreshing spring rolls, you’ll enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine at these Chandler restaurants.

Pho Chandler Bowl of food

Pho Chandler

One of the most popular Vietnamese restaurants in the East Valley, Pho Chandler serves 13 different types of pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a rich broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat. For the ultimate pho experience, try the House Pho-nomenal, a combination of sliced eye of round, brisket, flank, tendon, tripe and beef meatball. Other authentic dishes include the spring rolls, crispy rice crepe and papaya salad for starters, as well as noodle, rice and stir-fry dishes.

Map: 4055 S. Arizona Ave. #8, Chandler 85248 or (480) 895-9090

Saigon Pho & Seafood

While this popular Chandler restaurant may have a hefty menu filled with a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, it’s the seafood that makes it so special. Offering live lobster and live crab, you can choose such dishes as the Saigon special (available with either lobster or crab), the lobster with ginger and onion, the lobster or crab with salt and pepper, or the sweet and sour crab. More authentic dishes include the whole fish (steamed or pan fried), clam with basil leaf, sautéed shrimp with black pepper, and the salt and pepper squid.

Map: 1381 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 85224 or (480) 786-8828

Cyclo Vietnamese Bowl

Cyclo Vietnamese Cuisine

Named for the three-wheeled, hooded passenger vehicle pedaled by drivers in Asia, Cyclo takes a fresh, modern approach to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Chef/owner Justina Duong has a keen eye for design, which she infuses in the menu. The result is an eye-catching assortment of dishes that are filled with the tastes and aromas of Vietnam. Begin with the ginger green mussels with basil, follow with the Hanoi rice vermicelli (grilled pork, sausage, herbs, sweet and sour fish sauce), and end with the heart-shaped sticky rice dessert with mango and coconut milk.

Map: 1919 W. Chandler Blvd. #2, Chandler 85224 or (480) 963-4490

AZ Pho & Grill Pho Bowl

AZ Pho & Grill

Serving more than just pho, vermicelli and rice dishes, AZ Pho & Grill offers so much more, including a menu of stir-fried specials and soups made with egg and rice noodles that are thicker than what you’d find in traditional pho. Feast on the stir-fry with lemongrass-turmeric sauce, made with chicken, shrimp or fried tofu. Or if you’re feeling especially adventurous, try the crab paste noodle soup filled with minced shrimp, tofu, crab paste and tomato. With two locations in Chandler, you’re never too far away from some of the most unique and authentic Vietnamese dishes in the Valley.

Map of Location 1: 3140 S. Gilbert Road #1, Chandler 85286 or (480) 802-5356

Map of Location 2: 885 N. 54th St. #5, Chandler 85226 or (480) 825-7767

Lee’s Sandwiches

Considered the go-to spot for banh mi in Chandler—or shall we venture to say Arizona—Lee’s has been serving Vietnamese sandwiches for 40 years. Founder Chieu Le opened his first shop in San Jose, California, in 1980 and, since then, has brought his unique concept to Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and, of course, Arizona. When it comes to fillings, pork is king, from pork meatball, shredded pork and pork roll, to cured pork and barbecue pork. Other options include grilled chicken, sardine and vegetarian.

Map: 1901 W. Warner Road Suite 8, Chandler 85224 or (480) 855-1778

Urbanh Café

Also serving up hearty banh mi sandwiches is Urbanh Café, named for the iconic Vietnamese delicacy. Served on a crispy baguette, choices include such favorites as chicken, grilled pork and pork sausage. For something out of the ordinary, try the Sunny Side Up, made with three fried eggs, pickled carrot and daikon, veggies and their house special sauce. The pork belly is also a must-try, thanks to its filling of Chinese barbecue char siu-style pork belly. Whatever you choose, wash it down with a refreshing tea, from milk and flavored to fresh fruit and sea salt.

Map: 2015 N. Dobson Road #9, Chandler 85224 or (480) 248-6859

Fu Belly is a delightful Vietnamese restaurant located in West Chandler. Fill your belly with classic Asian bites like spring…

Fu Belly

Family owned and operated, Fu Belly is a welcome addition to Chandler’s Asian dining scene thanks to its playful menu offerings. Here you’ll find shareable appetizers like spring rolls, dumplings and papaya salad, as well as pho and noodle soups, and rice bowls. Standouts include the garlic parmesan noodles made with egg noodle stir-fried with garlic, butter and parmesan cheese and served with house jalapeno sauce; and the Vietnamese curry, featuring yellow curry served with potato, onion, bell pepper and carrot. End your meal with Vietnamese donuts or ice cream. Better yet, a donut-and-ice-cream combo!

Map: 5055 W. Ray Road #8, Chandler 85226 or (480) 306-6692

KimThao’s Bakery and Food To Go

Part bakery, part market, part take-out eatery, KimThao’s is owned by Kim Tran and Thao Nguyen, friends who decided to open a unique concept serving ready-made Vietnamese soups, sandwiches, tofu dishes and desserts. Genuinely authentic, popular items include Banh Cuon Cha Lau (pork mince rice rolls) and the Dau Hu Chien Sa Ot (lemongrass chile tofu). But what you’re really here for are the desserts. While availability may change, offerings have included steamed banana cake, tofu pudding and mung bean dessert.

Map: 2050 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 85224 or (480) 687-9132