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| - I definitely categorize Lac Vien as a hidden gem in the Dufferin/401 area.
Nestled deep in a hidden area that's surrounded by industrial complexes, you would never know this place existed to the average folk. Unless, you work in the area or you find yourself lost driving around the side streets to avoid the heavy traffic on Dufferin/401.
I discovered this place through a friend who loves Vietnamese food. He frequents Yorkdale mall with his wife and somehow found this place one day. He strongly recommended it as they excel at their vermicelli dishes.
And he is right! Absolutely the best grilled pork vermicelli in the city if not this side of Toronto. Very flavorful, deeply marinated pork grilled to perfection. This is my favourite item to get. I also customize it by getting it with the deep fried spring rolls, grilled pork balls and grilled shrimp paste on sugar cane.
They also do a decent bowl of pho, that famous Vietnamese beef noodle soup. Fair caution though, that they use the slightly thicker noodle and not the thin noodle that I like and I am used to. Being Vietnamese myself, I can sense this place is more of a North Vietnam influenced as they also have "bun cha" on the menu, a dish rarely if ever found at other Vietnamese restaurants that are owned by Southern Vietnamese folks.
Service is good, the staff speaks fluent Vietnamese accented English. In the evenings the area is dark, shady even as there are barely any streetlights. But don't be discouraged, Lac Vien is definitely worth trying at least once or twice, especially if you want to get away from the crowded food court at Yorkdale Mall nearby.
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