Café Diem

$ • Vietnamese, Vegetarian

About Café Diem

Café Diem is a small, cash-only Vietnamese restaurant that serves excellent soups, including the popular pho and bun bo hue. The food is prepared quickly, and the service is friendly. The menu offers a variety of options, such as banh uot cha lua, steamed rice rolls with ham. The seating area is compact, with just a few small tables close together, which can feel a bit tight. Despite its size, the restaurant has a high turnover, making it a good choice for a quick meal. Customers have praised the restaurant for its authentic and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, especially the bun bo hue, which is often described as delicious, with a perfect mix of spicy and savory broth. The noodles are cooked well, and the meat is tender and generous in portion. While one customer noted that the pig’s feet can sometimes be tough, the overall quality of the broth and other ingredients more than makes up for it. The prices are average for good Vietnamese food, with a large bowl costing around $16 and a small about $13. Located in South Philly, parking can be difficult. The service is fast, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, creating a family-like feeling. Overall, Café Diem is considered a hidden gem for authentic Vietnamese food in the area.