Berlin has one of Europe’s largest Vietnamese communities, concentrated largely around Dong Xuan Center in Lichtenberg. This history shows in the quality: Berlin’s Vietnamese food punches well above the city’s overall restaurant average.
Dong Xuan Center Area (Lichtenberg)
The Dong Xuan Center is a Vietnamese wholesale market that hosts a cluster of canteen-style Vietnamese restaurants loved by the community itself. The pho here is made from bones simmered for hours — rich, fatty broth, plenty of fresh herbs, and brisket or tendon on top. Prices are remarkably low (pho for €7–9). It’s not pretty, but it’s honest and often excellent. Go on weekends when the market is busiest.
Neighbourhood Finds
Neukölln and Wedding each have a handful of Vietnamese joints doing solid bún bò Huế, bún riêu, and bánh mì. The bánh mì baguette sandwich scene has expanded significantly — a new generation of Vietnamese-German shops are doing creative fillings at €5–7 per sandwich.
Upscale Vietnamese
A small number of sit-down Vietnamese restaurants in Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg serve modernised Vietnamese with natural wine lists. These cost more but offer a different experience — reservations recommended on weekends.
What to Order
Start with pho bo (beef pho) at the community spots, then explore bún bò Huế (spicier Hue-style beef noodles) for something different. The cha gio (spring rolls) at Dong Xuan Center canteens are worth ordering as a starter.
