Chả Cá Thăng Long(baked fish filets with herbs) used to be really good, maybe because of a new chef that gets only 3 stars from me?
Jacki Cardoso
Song Long Restaurant in Westminster is a casual culinary haven that artfully combines Traditional Vietnamese dishes with a touch of French influence. The marriage of these two culinary traditions creates a dining experience that is not only delicious but also reflects the historical intertwining of Vietnamese and French cultures.The roots of French influence in Vietnamese cuisine can be traced back to the colonial period when Vietnam was part of French Indochina from the mid-19th century to mid-20th century. During this time, the French left an indelible mark on Vietnamese culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of food.French culinary techniques, ingredients, and flavors were introduced to Vietnam, blending seamlessly with the country's rich culinary heritage. The fusion of these two traditions resulted in a unique and flavorful tapestry that characterizes Vietnamese cuisine today. Baguettes, pate, and a variety of pastries are just a few examples of French elements that found their way into Vietnamese kitchens.The star of the show at Song Long is undeniably the Sizzling Fish with Dill (Cha Ca Thanh Long) . This Northern Vietnamese dish is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect blend of spices and textures. The fish, marinated with turmeric and a healthy heap of dill arrives sizzling at your table, creating a sensory spectacle. The crispy exterior gives way to succulent, flaky fish that absorbs the aromatic turmeric and dill infusion. It's a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.Upon entering Song Long, guests are greeted not only with the inviting aromas of the kitchen but also with a thoughtful offering of bread and butter for the table. Normally you are not greeted with bread and butter at your table at many Vietnamese restaurants so this gives a hint to its French influence. This small gesture sets the tone for the warm and attentive service that defines the dining experience at Song Long. The bread, soft and freshly baked, paired with creamy butter, provides a delightful prelude to the culinary journey that awaits. The restaurant itself is unassuming and very casual but has been an institution in the Little Saigon scene for a long time. As we look around, we see that most of the patrons there are older and you can tell they have been coming to this restaurant for a long time.The casual setting of Song Long adds to the charm, making it an inviting space where diners can enjoy a laid-back dining experience. The staff and owner, knowledgeable about the history behind the menu, adds a personal touch to the journey through the flavors of Vietnam and France and take pride in getting to know their patrons.As you peruse the menu, the array of Traditional Vietnamese dishes and French-inspired creations beckons, promising a culinary adventure. The diverse offerings showcase the restaurant's commitment to preserving Northern Vietnamese flavors while infusing a touch of innovation. Whether you choose to explore other regional specialties or indulge in the Sizzling Fish, every option on the menu reflects the culinary prowess of Song Long.In conclusion, Song Long Restaurant stands out not only for its renowned Sizzling Fish but also for the thoughtful hospitality that accompanies every visit. From the warm welcome with bread and butter to the symphony of flavors on the plate, Song Long captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine with a touch of flair. It's more than a meal; it's a celebration of flavors, culture, and genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Dining at Song Long is not just about satisfying your appetite; it's about savoring moments of culinary delight and creating memories that linger.They are opened daily, but only until 3pm, so come early to enjoy their food. We can't wait to come back for more.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Turmeric Fish, Sizzling Fish Chả CÁ Thăng Long, Bun Cha, Bûn Thit Nurông, Cha CA Thanh Long
E B
Very good food with friendly service. The sushi rolls were really tasty, steamed shrimp dumplings and potstickers were some of the best I've ever had and seasoned perfectly. Saki was hot and delicious! Overall great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brandon Gomes
Family owned spot serving up authentic eats. We dined in and enjoyed it. Their pho bowl was great, and the vermicelli bowls were very tasty. Their grilled pork and their lemon grass beef were tasty, but two of the best things we had were the spring rolls, super thin wrappers for great crunch, and their thai tea, just very refreshing and didn't taste like the packet mixes. Overall, great food, inexpensive, good service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bun Cha, Ch
Quynh Dang
Not the same Song Long that I remember. Staff is slow and the restaurant can use more staff to clean up tables in a timely manner. Out of the dish that I came there for, so we settled for an alternative that is definitely subpar. Make me sad to say that it will be awhile before I want to come
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Teresa
Delicious. I ordered the cha ca thang long for pick up, and it was ready when I got there! The owners are pleasant and incredibly kind. It was full inside- testimony of their greatness
Mike “Mike” Winn
Great Vietnamese foods here. Their Cha ca thang long is the house dish here. The portion is enough for 2 people.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Doug Sewell
Food and service is good but this place is a run down city. Our family had order bún chả hà nội & mì vịt tìm.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Vy L.
Run down. Used to be good but it's gone down hill. My parents used to love this place
Mai Nguyen
5-stars or more is well warranted. This restaurant has been around for several decades. Food preparation, taste, and service are the same or even better. Why change the recipes when it tastes so GOOD. I've to go now, but do go to this restaurant because the food is great and their prices are even better. ? promised
My girlfriend and I literally drive a whole hour from West LA just to eat here on the weekends. We always get the banh mi Bo kho and I am never ever disappointed. I've been ever since I was a kid and even when I'm 24 now, I will still always go here. Love it and the staff is always so nice.
Anh D.
Average tasting foods , tucked deep inside a strip mall and kinda hard to find. their cha ca Thang Long is very good though, I really like it. Thỉ Vietnamese iced coffee is slightly above average.í
t tiff
Few places serve Cha Ca La Vong and this place does it very well. Lots of dill and other flavourful herbs to accompany the vermicelli dish. I give this dish a five. Restaurant was a bit worn down, obviously from long years of operation but I give credit to clean restroom. If the restaurant could be modernised, I would surely give five stars!
John K.
I'm writing this review because of the suspicious reviews written by this place. A few review talks about the food their mom purchase. Another review in Vietnamese complains that the food is one day old, and the owner basically forced this person to tip. These reviews are also written by folks who have less than a few reviews written. If you grew up on Orange County you would know Song Long has been an institution in the community. The restaurant has been around as long as I've been alive. This place specializes in breakfast food and French-Vietnamese cuisine. My family and I still go here a couple of times a year. The owner is still the same. It's used to be a husband and wife team but now it's just her. She treats everyone kindly and has always been courteous even to older folks who may struggle to even order because they now have some type of mental disability. She is extremely patient with them. There are def some items that are pretty solid and has been that way for some time. Some of them are cha ca Thanh long, bo kho, and some of the French entrees. You will find that most of the patrons here are a bit older and some knows the owners personally. Some of the more recent reviews are suspicious. Seems like some type of smear campaign. It is the exact opposite of my experience, especially having been eating here about 30 years. If you want to support a local business run by an owner with integrity and treats all that with courtesy and kindness, you should give this restaurant a try.
Khoa V.
This place was one of my to go place on the weekend but thanks to the owner, now my family and I decide to save money for elsewhere. The snails are the worst, the taste is awful and the quality of the snails is bad. We are questioning the owner about snails and she said that what it must be like and it not her fault if the quality of snails are bad.
Chả Cá Thăng Long(baked fish filets with herbs) used to be really good, maybe because of a new chef that gets only 3 stars from me?
Song Long Restaurant in Westminster is a casual culinary haven that artfully combines Traditional Vietnamese dishes with a touch of French influence. The marriage of these two culinary traditions creates a dining experience that is not only delicious but also reflects the historical intertwining of Vietnamese and French cultures.The roots of French influence in Vietnamese cuisine can be traced back to the colonial period when Vietnam was part of French Indochina from the mid-19th century to mid-20th century. During this time, the French left an indelible mark on Vietnamese culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of food.French culinary techniques, ingredients, and flavors were introduced to Vietnam, blending seamlessly with the country's rich culinary heritage. The fusion of these two traditions resulted in a unique and flavorful tapestry that characterizes Vietnamese cuisine today. Baguettes, pate, and a variety of pastries are just a few examples of French elements that found their way into Vietnamese kitchens.The star of the show at Song Long is undeniably the Sizzling Fish with Dill (Cha Ca Thanh Long) . This Northern Vietnamese dish is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect blend of spices and textures. The fish, marinated with turmeric and a healthy heap of dill arrives sizzling at your table, creating a sensory spectacle. The crispy exterior gives way to succulent, flaky fish that absorbs the aromatic turmeric and dill infusion. It's a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.Upon entering Song Long, guests are greeted not only with the inviting aromas of the kitchen but also with a thoughtful offering of bread and butter for the table. Normally you are not greeted with bread and butter at your table at many Vietnamese restaurants so this gives a hint to its French influence. This small gesture sets the tone for the warm and attentive service that defines the dining experience at Song Long. The bread, soft and freshly baked, paired with creamy butter, provides a delightful prelude to the culinary journey that awaits. The restaurant itself is unassuming and very casual but has been an institution in the Little Saigon scene for a long time. As we look around, we see that most of the patrons there are older and you can tell they have been coming to this restaurant for a long time.The casual setting of Song Long adds to the charm, making it an inviting space where diners can enjoy a laid-back dining experience. The staff and owner, knowledgeable about the history behind the menu, adds a personal touch to the journey through the flavors of Vietnam and France and take pride in getting to know their patrons.As you peruse the menu, the array of Traditional Vietnamese dishes and French-inspired creations beckons, promising a culinary adventure. The diverse offerings showcase the restaurant's commitment to preserving Northern Vietnamese flavors while infusing a touch of innovation. Whether you choose to explore other regional specialties or indulge in the Sizzling Fish, every option on the menu reflects the culinary prowess of Song Long.In conclusion, Song Long Restaurant stands out not only for its renowned Sizzling Fish but also for the thoughtful hospitality that accompanies every visit. From the warm welcome with bread and butter to the symphony of flavors on the plate, Song Long captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine with a touch of flair. It's more than a meal; it's a celebration of flavors, culture, and genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Dining at Song Long is not just about satisfying your appetite; it's about savoring moments of culinary delight and creating memories that linger.They are opened daily, but only until 3pm, so come early to enjoy their food. We can't wait to come back for more.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Turmeric Fish, Sizzling Fish Chả CÁ Thăng Long, Bun Cha, Bûn Thit Nurông, Cha CA Thanh Long
Very good food with friendly service. The sushi rolls were really tasty, steamed shrimp dumplings and potstickers were some of the best I've ever had and seasoned perfectly. Saki was hot and delicious! Overall great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Family owned spot serving up authentic eats. We dined in and enjoyed it. Their pho bowl was great, and the vermicelli bowls were very tasty. Their grilled pork and their lemon grass beef were tasty, but two of the best things we had were the spring rolls, super thin wrappers for great crunch, and their thai tea, just very refreshing and didn't taste like the packet mixes. Overall, great food, inexpensive, good service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bun Cha, Ch
Not the same Song Long that I remember. Staff is slow and the restaurant can use more staff to clean up tables in a timely manner. Out of the dish that I came there for, so we settled for an alternative that is definitely subpar. Make me sad to say that it will be awhile before I want to come
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Delicious. I ordered the cha ca thang long for pick up, and it was ready when I got there! The owners are pleasant and incredibly kind. It was full inside- testimony of their greatness
Great Vietnamese foods here. Their Cha ca thang long is the house dish here. The portion is enough for 2 people.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Food and service is good but this place is a run down city. Our family had order bún chả hà nội & mì vịt tìm.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Run down. Used to be good but it's gone down hill. My parents used to love this place
5-stars or more is well warranted. This restaurant has been around for several decades. Food preparation, taste, and service are the same or even better. Why change the recipes when it tastes so GOOD. I've to go now, but do go to this restaurant because the food is great and their prices are even better. ? promised
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
My girlfriend and I literally drive a whole hour from West LA just to eat here on the weekends. We always get the banh mi Bo kho and I am never ever disappointed. I've been ever since I was a kid and even when I'm 24 now, I will still always go here. Love it and the staff is always so nice.
Average tasting foods , tucked deep inside a strip mall and kinda hard to find. their cha ca Thang Long is very good though, I really like it. Thỉ Vietnamese iced coffee is slightly above average.í
Few places serve Cha Ca La Vong and this place does it very well. Lots of dill and other flavourful herbs to accompany the vermicelli dish. I give this dish a five. Restaurant was a bit worn down, obviously from long years of operation but I give credit to clean restroom. If the restaurant could be modernised, I would surely give five stars!
I'm writing this review because of the suspicious reviews written by this place. A few review talks about the food their mom purchase. Another review in Vietnamese complains that the food is one day old, and the owner basically forced this person to tip. These reviews are also written by folks who have less than a few reviews written. If you grew up on Orange County you would know Song Long has been an institution in the community. The restaurant has been around as long as I've been alive. This place specializes in breakfast food and French-Vietnamese cuisine. My family and I still go here a couple of times a year. The owner is still the same. It's used to be a husband and wife team but now it's just her. She treats everyone kindly and has always been courteous even to older folks who may struggle to even order because they now have some type of mental disability. She is extremely patient with them. There are def some items that are pretty solid and has been that way for some time. Some of them are cha ca Thanh long, bo kho, and some of the French entrees. You will find that most of the patrons here are a bit older and some knows the owners personally. Some of the more recent reviews are suspicious. Seems like some type of smear campaign. It is the exact opposite of my experience, especially having been eating here about 30 years. If you want to support a local business run by an owner with integrity and treats all that with courtesy and kindness, you should give this restaurant a try.
This place was one of my to go place on the weekend but thanks to the owner, now my family and I decide to save money for elsewhere. The snails are the worst, the taste is awful and the quality of the snails is bad. We are questioning the owner about snails and she said that what it must be like and it not her fault if the quality of snails are bad.