Monsieur Vuong - Berlin

When one thinks of Berlin, Vietnamese food is probably one of the last things that comes to mind.

Although Monsieur Vuong gives the impression from their website that they serve traditional Vietnamese food, this is far from the truth.  They do a modern version of dishes, which is probably more palatable to the non-Vietnamese palate.

There are no bold splashes of Nuoc Cham (fish sauce), or the heat from jalapenos and other chilis.

The restaurant is awash in bright colors, with pictures of Vietnam dotted throughout the restaurant.  There is loud music playing, often techno.  It is more like a night club and lounge that serves food rather than a restaurant.  Given that the owner’s picture is hung on the walls and adorns the cover of the menu, you sort of know what to expect.

Cafe Su Da

The Café Su Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) is rather tame.  That bold, strong punch with the mega caffeine hit is missing.

Spring Rolls

The Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon) were definitely not what I was expecting.  These were small deep fried with the usual ingredients of lettuce and carrots being used as a garnish.  It seemed to be a take on a crunchy shrimp roll that can be found at your local sushi restaurant.

Won Ton Salad

The Won Ton Salad is like a deconstructed spring roll.  There is lettuce, shredded red cabbage, mint, carrots and green onions.  Hidden under the pile of veggies are large wonton that are mostly wrapper with little filling.

Beef Dish

The best dish of the night was one of their specials, however I cannot recall the name.  It was a type of warm beef salad with carrots, celery, lettuce and loads of sesame seeds laid on a bed of vermicelli noodles.  The dish was well seasoned but not bursting with the bold Vietnamese flavors that one can find in the Little Saigon area in Orange County.

If you’re looking for a change of pace from the heavy German meals, this place might hit the spot, but I would not make a special trip here for the food.  I doubt that I would return if in Berlin again.