Hoang Yen is a quaint little Vietnamese café located on Victoria Drive in Vancouver. You would probably miss it if you’re walking by but a friend took me there specifically, and I’m very glad she did! I went there on a Sunday at 10:30 AM and it was open and already swinging. I’d been up for hours so I was ready for a very early lunch. Service was quick, the staff was nice and were quick to answer any questions.

I love it when a restaurant has good food and very affordable prices! My friend recommended the seafood soup. #17 on the menu: Seafood with Egg noodle and Rice Noodle, there’s is a deal that includes their specialty drink for an extra $2: Che 3 Mau, a concoction of coconut milk/cream with 3 types of bean served over shaved ice. I’m up for anything so I tried it.

I ordered the small size and, let me tell you, this was the largest small soup I’ve ever had! At first sight it looks almost like Pho but it has fresh tomato and green onion and dill. They do serve a plate with bean sprouts, fresh basil, lime and chilies so you can “season to taste” yourself. The soup was hot (temperature hot, not spicy hot) and delicious.

When you sit down they immediately served a pot of tea so you don’t have to order a drink if you don’t want to but their coconut milk drink was different in a good way. It was sweetened and the 3 types of bean is not something you expect to find in a drink but if you’ve ever had bubble tea I think you will like it. You get a spoon with your drink, served in a tall milkshake glass, so you can get to the ice or beans. I’d never had it before but I would sure have it again!

My opinion, I really liked it and would go there again if I’m ever in the area. I loved it and left with a full and happy belly!