Legit deserves a Michelin star. I am shocked how this place flies under the radar. The pork belly bao and the banh mi are amazing and I don't know anywhere else in Indy you find this kind of flavor at this price. The vietnamese coffee is unbelievably good. The music is always good, the staff is friendly, the eating and drinking are excellent. Wish I could give 6 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Bao, Banh MI
Christian Penrod
We love fusion street foods and most of our family loves pho. Chao did not disappoint. But more than that, they wowed. This is a place we will go out very far out of our way to eat at. This may even be a place that becomes destination dining for our family who live over an hour away.Relaxed and easy going dining area with wonderful service. The waiter was very nice and helpful. He went out of his way to provide great service.It took us longer to decide than for the food to come out. The Chao fries and tacos were amazing. We wouldn't have ordered either of them if it wasn't for other reviews. The dishes are fantastic and the fries were properly cooked and my teenage son described the tacos as perfect.The surprise to me was the pho. I don't love pho in general. Though I've never had a bad bowl anywhere, I would never order it for myself. Until now. The flavor was amazing. So much so that I would go back to get their pho.Another standout was the coconut bubble waffle. I enjoyed it plain but it was divine with fruit and ice cream and whipped cream. Not cheap, but it is large and delicious. Definitely worth it to split on special occasions or as your meal.We tried more items than this as we didn't know if we'd ever make it back to the area. It was all very good.
Fast and warming comfort food. The best Bahn Mi I have ever had. The noodle dishes made me feel as though I was on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Leila N.
Chao Vietnamese is definitely a place I'd visit again! First, the atmosphere was very comfortable: it was a mix between a classic Vietnamese restaurant and a cozy cafe, and each table had plenty of homemade sauces and silverware to choose from. Second, the food was very good! The pork chop and rice dish was very tender and full of flavor, and the Viet coffee was very flavorful too. Third, the staff was very friendly. Our hostess was very knowledgeable about Viet food, informed us of the portion sizes of items, and politely told us how to box everything to go. All in all, Chao Vietnamese was very much worth the price and I'll be returning in the near future.
Tesla Anderson
I personally did not think the food was good. For $60 I'd rather go to a more authentic restaurant like pho21Vegetarian options: TofuDietary restrictions: Can be made vegan if you ask
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fries, Banh MI
Wayez Mall
Chao Vietnamese restaurant the Epitome of Excellence!Flavorful food and the authenticity is what sets them apart. And the Bubble Waffle is Out of this World!Great place for a quick bite or quick stop to explore Cultural Foods. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul Neubauer
Not at all pretentious. Just pretty good food.Vegetarian options: Good for vegetarians and omnivores.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Rebecca B.
This place never fails to impress me. The special was MOUTHWATERING, Sloooooow cooked, Sparerib Pho. This was a HUGE hit with my daughter. The chef came out and said hi and told us how he made this DELICIOUS pho. He cooked it for over 2 days or more in a sou vide and then slow cooked it for another 24 hours (all at a safe temperature). It was SO tender and full of flavor! I must say that it was as one of the best pho's I have ever eaten. It was not even what I ordered which was fantastic as usual. We also had the Taro crème brûlée which is to die for. Ok now the service is always good and friendly but this night was exceptional. We came during that awful slushy snowstorm on a dead Friday night in the middle of February, an hour before closing and we were just desperate for food. My daughter had a difficult and long day and we were desperately hungry for Pho. The last place we tried turned us away since they closed the kitchen early on account of the weather. I was a waitress many years ago and I do not fault them for that whatsoever. In any case, our server took pity on us and let us order and take our time with our food. He kept us laughing and feeling welcome. I regret not getting his name to put it in this review. If I find out, I'll put it in later. Thank you so much for going over and above that snowy night after a hard long day. You all created a new lovely memory for us both.
Brittany Davault
Amazing place to feel satisfied without feeling like utter garbage after. The options for healthy meals are abound and DELICIOUS. Staff has always been super friendly and quick!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pat O
Our server was awful. Despite repeating our orders, she didn’t get it right at all. Order 1 bao bun and got 2. Ordered pho and she forgot it! My husband already finished his food before I even got mine. Avocado shake was amazing though.
I had read great reviews of this place, so the hubs and I tried it for takeout. I had the Pho Tai and he had the pork belly bao. The pho broth was flavorful and hot (temp) and the toppings (basil, onions, bean sprouts, etc) were fresh. Steak strips were medium-medium well and not overdone at all. Pork belly bao was excellent, the sauce was a bit spicy for me but my husband loved it. He also loved the pho. Will definitely be back to try more things.
Jordan B.
Although it isnt a "hidden" gem, its surely an underutilized one. With food that is always fresh and local. the whole menu is downright impressive!
Debbie B.
This is a small establishment in a strip shopping center - clean, but nothing fancy. You order at the counter, then the food is brought to the table. My Beef Pho was the perfect temperature and accompanied by crisp bean sprouts and basil. I doctored up my dish with the sriracha and hoisin sauces on the table and enjoyed every yummy bit!
larry laraway
Came in at 11.30 out of a few things not busy so how can they b out flat nasty soda food ok for 18 dollar
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Ben Breman
Absolutely amazing bahn mi and fresh rolls. I was blown away with the seasoning and the friendliness of the staff. I found a new favorite Vietnamese restaurant in town and look forward to going back.If you're on the fence, please try this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spring Rolls - Shrimp, Banh MI, Sandwich
Legit deserves a Michelin star. I am shocked how this place flies under the radar. The pork belly bao and the banh mi are amazing and I don't know anywhere else in Indy you find this kind of flavor at this price. The vietnamese coffee is unbelievably good. The music is always good, the staff is friendly, the eating and drinking are excellent. Wish I could give 6 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Bao, Banh MI
We love fusion street foods and most of our family loves pho. Chao did not disappoint. But more than that, they wowed. This is a place we will go out very far out of our way to eat at. This may even be a place that becomes destination dining for our family who live over an hour away.Relaxed and easy going dining area with wonderful service. The waiter was very nice and helpful. He went out of his way to provide great service.It took us longer to decide than for the food to come out. The Chao fries and tacos were amazing. We wouldn't have ordered either of them if it wasn't for other reviews. The dishes are fantastic and the fries were properly cooked and my teenage son described the tacos as perfect.The surprise to me was the pho. I don't love pho in general. Though I've never had a bad bowl anywhere, I would never order it for myself. Until now. The flavor was amazing. So much so that I would go back to get their pho.Another standout was the coconut bubble waffle. I enjoyed it plain but it was divine with fruit and ice cream and whipped cream. Not cheap, but it is large and delicious. Definitely worth it to split on special occasions or as your meal.We tried more items than this as we didn't know if we'd ever make it back to the area. It was all very good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chao Fries, Small Pho, Lunch Special, Vietnamese Tacos, Vietnamese Sandwiches, Bubble Waffle Dessert
Fast and warming comfort food. The best Bahn Mi I have ever had. The noodle dishes made me feel as though I was on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Chao Vietnamese is definitely a place I'd visit again! First, the atmosphere was very comfortable: it was a mix between a classic Vietnamese restaurant and a cozy cafe, and each table had plenty of homemade sauces and silverware to choose from. Second, the food was very good! The pork chop and rice dish was very tender and full of flavor, and the Viet coffee was very flavorful too. Third, the staff was very friendly. Our hostess was very knowledgeable about Viet food, informed us of the portion sizes of items, and politely told us how to box everything to go. All in all, Chao Vietnamese was very much worth the price and I'll be returning in the near future.
I personally did not think the food was good. For $60 I'd rather go to a more authentic restaurant like pho21Vegetarian options: TofuDietary restrictions: Can be made vegan if you ask
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fries, Banh MI
Chao Vietnamese restaurant the Epitome of Excellence!Flavorful food and the authenticity is what sets them apart. And the Bubble Waffle is Out of this World!Great place for a quick bite or quick stop to explore Cultural Foods. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not at all pretentious. Just pretty good food.Vegetarian options: Good for vegetarians and omnivores.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
This place never fails to impress me. The special was MOUTHWATERING, Sloooooow cooked, Sparerib Pho. This was a HUGE hit with my daughter. The chef came out and said hi and told us how he made this DELICIOUS pho. He cooked it for over 2 days or more in a sou vide and then slow cooked it for another 24 hours (all at a safe temperature). It was SO tender and full of flavor! I must say that it was as one of the best pho's I have ever eaten. It was not even what I ordered which was fantastic as usual. We also had the Taro crème brûlée which is to die for. Ok now the service is always good and friendly but this night was exceptional. We came during that awful slushy snowstorm on a dead Friday night in the middle of February, an hour before closing and we were just desperate for food. My daughter had a difficult and long day and we were desperately hungry for Pho. The last place we tried turned us away since they closed the kitchen early on account of the weather. I was a waitress many years ago and I do not fault them for that whatsoever. In any case, our server took pity on us and let us order and take our time with our food. He kept us laughing and feeling welcome. I regret not getting his name to put it in this review. If I find out, I'll put it in later. Thank you so much for going over and above that snowy night after a hard long day. You all created a new lovely memory for us both.
Amazing place to feel satisfied without feeling like utter garbage after. The options for healthy meals are abound and DELICIOUS. Staff has always been super friendly and quick!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server was awful. Despite repeating our orders, she didn’t get it right at all. Order 1 bao bun and got 2. Ordered pho and she forgot it! My husband already finished his food before I even got mine. Avocado shake was amazing though.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
I had read great reviews of this place, so the hubs and I tried it for takeout. I had the Pho Tai and he had the pork belly bao. The pho broth was flavorful and hot (temp) and the toppings (basil, onions, bean sprouts, etc) were fresh. Steak strips were medium-medium well and not overdone at all. Pork belly bao was excellent, the sauce was a bit spicy for me but my husband loved it. He also loved the pho. Will definitely be back to try more things.
Although it isnt a "hidden" gem, its surely an underutilized one. With food that is always fresh and local. the whole menu is downright impressive!
This is a small establishment in a strip shopping center - clean, but nothing fancy. You order at the counter, then the food is brought to the table. My Beef Pho was the perfect temperature and accompanied by crisp bean sprouts and basil. I doctored up my dish with the sriracha and hoisin sauces on the table and enjoyed every yummy bit!
Came in at 11.30 out of a few things not busy so how can they b out flat nasty soda food ok for 18 dollar
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Absolutely amazing bahn mi and fresh rolls. I was blown away with the seasoning and the friendliness of the staff. I found a new favorite Vietnamese restaurant in town and look forward to going back.If you're on the fence, please try this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spring Rolls - Shrimp, Banh MI, Sandwich