Bacogai always hits the spot when I’m looking for a cozy meal that I can enjoy while catching up with friends or family. They serve traditional Viet food but they’re known for their Viet Hotpot!
I’ve been able to try all of their broths except the vegan broth. My go to is their Lau Oxtail because you get little bits of bone marrow in each oxtail piece! Each hotpot comes with a pre-set veggie & add-ins plate but the staff are always so nice and have let me substitute the ramen noodles for udon noodles before. I always appreciate how plentiful the mushrooms are and that they will replace the Sterno (heating mechanism) if it runs out. You can also get a broth refill! Usually the first one is complimentary but I’m not super clear on that policy.
Make sure you use the sauces they provide for each table! It’s a fun way to mix up the flavor profile of your hotpot. I always mean to ask what each one is… but I forget every time. Maybe it’s better that way—keeps a little mystery and makes me appreciate them all the more.
If you’re looking for something other than hotpot, you should try their variety of Banh Hoi (woven noodles served with mushrooms or meat and lettuce wraps) and Duck Goi-Slaw Salad! The salad is very refreshing and has that classic Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce) flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. When I first tried it, I was worried that the roasted duck would be too greasy for the delicate profile of the dish, but the fat was cooked out just enough to where the meat was still juicy and the skin was still light + crispy.
On my most recent visit, we placed a takeout order too—we got the beef luc lac garlic noodles and summer rolls. They were out of pork for the rolls, so they doubled up the shrimp. I do hope to try it the original way next time. The peanut sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, but a little sriracha toned it down. The beef luc lac noodles were fantastic: super tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and an even coating of garlicky sauce.
I also have to say, the staff always make the experience memorable. They’re incredibly attentive and make sure everyone feels taken care of. The layout helps with that too—low barriers between tables mean they can see the whole dining area from the main counter. The space feels open but still cozy, kind of like being at a big family gathering.
Looks like they recently added clay pot dishes to the menu—I’ll definitely be back to try one soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
David Borel
Tasty and very unique.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Tina M Schaffer
An absolute must-visit! From the presentation to the service and the serene atmosphere; everything about this place is exceptional. It’s not posh or pretentious, but quaint, calming, and full of charm. The food is outstanding, and the service is warm and genuine. I’m visiting from the East Coast and already wishing I could find a spot like Bacogai in Florida. This was hands down the best meal I’ve had in California. If I lived here, this would be my go-to place. Huge kudos to the owners, another very happy (and slightly envious) customer!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Beef Luc Lac
Marshall Minobe
Relaxed with good service and the oxtail was very good.
Ray Z
Very professional hostess. Great hotpot and shaken beef.
katharine earhart
Dined at Bacogai during Alameda Restaurant week and LOVE this place! I will absolutely go back and bring friends. You wouldn't think you would find an amazing Vietnamese restaurant in this humble shopping mall, but it has the most amazing hot pot and shaking beef. It reminds me of the early days of Slanted Door in SF. They are unassuming and accessible. It's a smaller restaurant so make reservations, especially for a weekend night. We had the fried banana for dessert with Tucker's ice cream - amazing too.
Michelle P
Love their beef la lot & hot pot!
Mark Wei
Really pretty personal hot pots. However, didn't really hit the spot. Service was nice, but they felt understaffed. Food and drinks took a while to come out.
Scott P. Hu
I’ve had this place on my list and finally had a chance to give it a try…
I went there for lunch with a couple colleagues and we all ordered the Chicken Noodle Soup with the fresh rice noodles. The presentation was beautiful, even though it’s not the typical portion you would get at other Vietnamese restaurants. Taste wise, it was delicious! The broth was fantastic and it was served with the wide rice noodles which was also excellent.
Service was friendly and very efficient!
David Bell
Amazing Vietnamese hot pot. Everything good about the culinary world lives here. Must do. Frequently. Get the Oxtail!
My friend loves this restaurant and said their hot pot was really good so I came here with her. Service was pretty good and the restaurant looks nice. I like the decor.
For food, we ordered lau ox tail (beef hot pot) and lau canh chua (sweet and sour hot pot). My friend said the beef hot pot was good, personally, I thought it was okay because I usually don't eat this hot pot flavor so don't quote me on this. As for sweet and sour hot pot, it has good flavor but not exactly excellent so I'm not sure if I'd order it again. We also ordered fried banana and a Vietnamese coffee. Fried banana batter has good flavor but it was quite hard. The good thing about it is it's not too greasy. Vietnamese coffee is just okay.
Overall, it's not bad but I think it's too expensive for an okay experience.
Jocelyn Lee
What a hidden gem of a Vietnamese restaurant! We had the duck salad (refreshing, flavorful and substantial), the crab rolls (crispy and packed with meat) and the seafood hotpot (clear, flavorful, broth- very unique. Tons of ingredients). And for dessert, we had both the coconut pandan waffles ala mode (delicious but wished the pandan flavor was stronger) and the fried bananas (omg best fried bananas ever). Reasonable prices, great service and tons of free parking. Will definitely come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Goi - Slaw Salad, Hot Pot, Mama Rose's Dungeness Crab Cha Gio
Andrew Lee
everything was good - but the fried banana is out of this world. so delicious
Matee Mana
Excellent and unique eatery offering Vietnamese personal hot pot, banh hoi, and all the add ons you could want for your hot pot ?
All their dishes is a ‘hit’ for my tastes. The personal hot pot is their signature offerings, but their appetizers and pandan waffles dessert are not to be missed. The staff are always attentive and friendly, even on the busiest of evenings. Alameda is lucky to have Bacogai!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Goi - Slaw Salad, Hot Pot, Mama Rose's Dungeness Crab Cha Gio, Spring Rolls
Alfred JQS
Vietnam style individual hotpot.
The environment is relax and chill.
The food is unique, just slight westernize but still keep the basics Vietnamese essence.
Bacogai always hits the spot when I’m looking for a cozy meal that I can enjoy while catching up with friends or family. They serve traditional Viet food but they’re known for their Viet Hotpot!
I’ve been able to try all of their broths except the vegan broth. My go to is their Lau Oxtail because you get little bits of bone marrow in each oxtail piece! Each hotpot comes with a pre-set veggie & add-ins plate but the staff are always so nice and have let me substitute the ramen noodles for udon noodles before. I always appreciate how plentiful the mushrooms are and that they will replace the Sterno (heating mechanism) if it runs out. You can also get a broth refill! Usually the first one is complimentary but I’m not super clear on that policy.
Make sure you use the sauces they provide for each table! It’s a fun way to mix up the flavor profile of your hotpot. I always mean to ask what each one is… but I forget every time. Maybe it’s better that way—keeps a little mystery and makes me appreciate them all the more.
If you’re looking for something other than hotpot, you should try their variety of Banh Hoi (woven noodles served with mushrooms or meat and lettuce wraps) and Duck Goi-Slaw Salad! The salad is very refreshing and has that classic Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce) flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. When I first tried it, I was worried that the roasted duck would be too greasy for the delicate profile of the dish, but the fat was cooked out just enough to where the meat was still juicy and the skin was still light + crispy.
On my most recent visit, we placed a takeout order too—we got the beef luc lac garlic noodles and summer rolls. They were out of pork for the rolls, so they doubled up the shrimp. I do hope to try it the original way next time. The peanut sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, but a little sriracha toned it down. The beef luc lac noodles were fantastic: super tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and an even coating of garlicky sauce.
I also have to say, the staff always make the experience memorable. They’re incredibly attentive and make sure everyone feels taken care of. The layout helps with that too—low barriers between tables mean they can see the whole dining area from the main counter. The space feels open but still cozy, kind of like being at a big family gathering.
Looks like they recently added clay pot dishes to the menu—I’ll definitely be back to try one soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Tasty and very unique.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
An absolute must-visit! From the presentation to the service and the serene atmosphere; everything about this place is exceptional. It’s not posh or pretentious, but quaint, calming, and full of charm. The food is outstanding, and the service is warm and genuine. I’m visiting from the East Coast and already wishing I could find a spot like Bacogai in Florida. This was hands down the best meal I’ve had in California. If I lived here, this would be my go-to place. Huge kudos to the owners, another very happy (and slightly envious) customer!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Beef Luc Lac
Relaxed with good service and the oxtail was very good.
Very professional hostess.
Great hotpot and shaken beef.
Dined at Bacogai during Alameda Restaurant week and LOVE this place! I will absolutely go back and bring friends. You wouldn't think you would find an amazing Vietnamese restaurant in this humble shopping mall, but it has the most amazing hot pot and shaking beef. It reminds me of the early days of Slanted Door in SF. They are unassuming and accessible. It's a smaller restaurant so make reservations, especially for a weekend night. We had the fried banana for dessert with Tucker's ice cream - amazing too.
Love their beef la lot & hot pot!
Really pretty personal hot pots. However, didn't really hit the spot. Service was nice, but they felt understaffed. Food and drinks took a while to come out.
I’ve had this place on my list and finally had a chance to give it a try…
I went there for lunch with a couple colleagues and we all ordered the Chicken Noodle Soup with the fresh rice noodles. The presentation was beautiful, even though it’s not the typical portion you would get at other Vietnamese restaurants. Taste wise, it was delicious! The broth was fantastic and it was served with the wide rice noodles which was also excellent.
Service was friendly and very efficient!
Amazing Vietnamese hot pot. Everything good about the culinary world lives here. Must do. Frequently. Get the Oxtail!
Restaurantji Recommends
My friend loves this restaurant and said their hot pot was really good so I came here with her.
Service was pretty good and the restaurant looks nice. I like the decor.
For food, we ordered lau ox tail (beef hot pot) and lau canh chua (sweet and sour hot pot). My friend said the beef hot pot was good, personally, I thought it was okay because I usually don't eat this hot pot flavor so don't quote me on this. As for sweet and sour hot pot, it has good flavor but not exactly excellent so I'm not sure if I'd order it again. We also ordered fried banana and a Vietnamese coffee. Fried banana batter has good flavor but it was quite hard. The good thing about it is it's not too greasy. Vietnamese coffee is just okay.
Overall, it's not bad but I think it's too expensive for an okay experience.
What a hidden gem of a Vietnamese restaurant! We had the duck salad (refreshing, flavorful and substantial), the crab rolls (crispy and packed with meat) and the seafood hotpot (clear, flavorful, broth- very unique. Tons of ingredients). And for dessert, we had both the coconut pandan waffles ala mode (delicious but wished the pandan flavor was stronger) and the fried bananas (omg best fried bananas ever). Reasonable prices, great service and tons of free parking. Will definitely come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Goi - Slaw Salad, Hot Pot, Mama Rose's Dungeness Crab Cha Gio
everything was good - but the fried banana is out of this world. so delicious
Excellent and unique eatery offering Vietnamese personal hot pot, banh hoi, and all the add ons you could want for your hot pot ?
All their dishes is a ‘hit’ for my tastes. The personal hot pot is their signature offerings, but their appetizers and pandan waffles dessert are not to be missed. The staff are always attentive and friendly, even on the busiest of evenings. Alameda is lucky to have Bacogai!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Goi - Slaw Salad, Hot Pot, Mama Rose's Dungeness Crab Cha Gio, Spring Rolls
Vietnam style individual hotpot.
The environment is relax and chill.
The food is unique, just slight westernize but still keep the basics Vietnamese essence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
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