Tram’s Kitchen in Pittsburgh is a culinary gem that offers an exquisite blend of authentic Vietnamese flavors and contemporary dining experiences. Known for its innovative menu and dedication to fresh, quality ingredients, Tram’s Kitchen has quickly become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking a unique gastronomic adventure.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to balance traditional dishes with modern twists, providing something delightful for every palate.
Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of pho, vibrant rice paper rolls, or a flavorful banh mi sandwich, Tram’s Kitchen presents these classics with an artful touch. The restaurant’s ambiance complements the menu perfectly, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes each meal memorable.
From appetizers to desserts, every dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam, enhanced by Pittsburgh’s local influences.
The dedication to authenticity and creativity shines through in every item, allowing diners to explore the depth of Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the casual, friendly vibe of Tram’s Kitchen. This menu overview explores the diverse sections, highlights standout dishes, and offers insights into what makes Tram’s Kitchen a must-visit dining destination in Pittsburgh.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Tram’s Kitchen is designed to awaken the palate with fresh, bold flavors. These small plates are perfect for sharing and provide a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine’s vibrant ingredients and textures.
Each dish is crafted to balance spice, sweetness, and umami, setting the tone for a satisfying meal ahead.
One of the standout appetizers is the fresh spring rolls, which feature translucent rice paper wrapped around shrimp, herbs, vermicelli noodles, and crisp vegetables. These rolls come with a house-made peanut dipping sauce that adds a savory richness to every bite.
Another popular choice is the crispy fried wontons, filled with seasoned pork and served with a tangy chili sauce.
For those looking for a lighter start, the grilled lemongrass chicken skewers are an excellent option. Marinated with a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, these skewers are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile.
The appetizers section also includes vegetarian options like the tofu lettuce wraps, which are packed with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing.
Popular Appetizer Highlights
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Shrimp, herbs, vermicelli noodles, peanut sauce
- Fried Wontons: Pork filling, chili dipping sauce
- Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: Grilled, marinated in lemongrass and garlic
- Tofu Lettuce Wraps: Vegetarian, fresh herbs, zesty dressing
“Our appetizers are crafted to introduce diners to the heart of Vietnamese flavors, combining freshness with boldness in every bite.” – Executive Chef, Tram’s Kitchen
Main Courses
The main course offerings at Tram’s Kitchen are a celebration of tradition and creativity. The menu features a variety of noodle soups, rice dishes, and stir-fries that showcase the complexity and depth of Vietnamese cooking.
Each dish is prepared with an emphasis on fresh herbs, balanced seasoning, and authentic sauces.
The pho, a signature Vietnamese noodle soup, stands out for its rich, slow-simmered broth that is both aromatic and comforting. Customers can choose between different proteins such as beef brisket, chicken, or tofu to customize their bowl.
The pho is served with an array of fresh garnishes including bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges, and jalapeños, allowing diners to tailor each spoonful.
Another mainstay is the banh mi sandwich, a perfect blend of crispy baguette, savory meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro. Tram’s Kitchen offers several variations, including grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, and a vegetarian option with marinated tofu.
Served alongside a small salad or sweet potato fries, the banh mi presents a satisfying, hand-held meal.
Main Course Signature Dishes
| Dish | Protein Options | Key Ingredients | Spice Level |
| Pho | Beef brisket, Chicken, Tofu | Rice noodles, Beef broth, Herbs, Bean sprouts | Mild to Medium |
| Banh Mi | Grilled pork, Lemongrass chicken, Tofu | Baguette, Pickled carrots, Daikon, Cilantro | Mild |
| Stir-fried Noodles | Beef, Shrimp, Tofu | Egg noodles, Vegetables, Soy sauce, Garlic | Medium |
The main courses are thoughtfully portioned to satisfy without overwhelming, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying solo. Whether you prefer a hearty soup or a crispy sandwich, Tram’s Kitchen delivers depth and freshness in every dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Tram’s Kitchen takes pride in catering to vegetarian and vegan diners without compromising on flavor or authenticity. The menu offers a variety of plant-based dishes that highlight the vibrant herbs, spices, and textures characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine, ensuring a fulfilling experience.
The vegan pho is a standout, featuring a vegetable broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, paired with rice noodles and an assortment of fresh veggies. This dish is garnished with lime and fresh herbs, creating a fragrant and comforting bowl perfect for any season.
Another popular choice is the vegetarian banh mi, which replaces traditional meats with marinated tofu and a medley of crunchy pickled vegetables. The kitchen also prepares tofu stir-fry options with seasonal vegetables, seasoned with garlic and soy sauce, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
Key Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes
- Vegan Pho: Vegetable broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs
- Vegetarian Banh Mi: Marinated tofu, pickled vegetables, baguette
- Tofu Stir-fry: Seasonal vegetables, garlic, soy sauce
- Fresh Spring Rolls (Vegan): Tofu, herbs, vermicelli noodles
“Providing delicious, authentic vegetarian and vegan dishes is a core part of our mission to welcome all guests to the flavors of Vietnam.” – Tram’s Kitchen Management
Soups and Noodle Bowls
Soups and noodle bowls are at the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, and Tram’s Kitchen offers a refined selection that caters to both traditionalists and those seeking new flavor combinations. These dishes are designed to be both nourishing and flavorful, perfect for any time of day.
Beyond the classic pho, the menu features bun bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup known for its bold lemongrass broth and tender beef slices. This dish is richer and spicier than pho, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of heat and complexity.
For a lighter option, the cold vermicelli noodle bowl is an excellent choice. Served with grilled meats or tofu, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts, this dish offers a refreshing balance of textures and tastes.
The accompanying nuoc cham dipping sauce ties all elements together beautifully.
Noodle Soup Varieties and Characteristics
| Dish | Broth Base | Protein | Spice Level |
| Pho | Beef or chicken bone broth | Beef brisket, Chicken, Tofu | Mild |
| Bun Bo Hue | Spicy lemongrass broth | Beef, Pork | Medium to High |
| Cold Vermicelli Bowl | Light fish sauce dressing | Grilled chicken, Pork, Tofu | Low |
Each soup and noodle bowl is garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and chili to allow diners customize heat and flavor. These dishes reflect the balance and harmony central to Vietnamese cooking, making them a highlight of Tram’s Kitchen’s menu.
Salads and Sides
The salads and sides at Tram’s Kitchen complement the main dishes with fresh, crisp ingredients and bold flavors. These offerings provide a welcome contrast to the richer soups and entrees, adding brightness and texture to the meal.
The papaya salad is a popular choice, featuring shredded green papaya, carrots, and peanuts tossed in a tangy lime dressing. This salad offers a perfect combination of sweet, sour, and crunchy elements, ideal for cleansing the palate.
Another favorite is the pickled vegetable platter, which includes daikon, carrots, and cucumber pickled in a mildly sweet and sour brine. These pickles add a refreshing acidic bite that pairs well with the rich flavors of grilled meats and noodle dishes.
Salad and Side Highlights
- Papaya Salad: Green papaya, peanuts, lime dressing
- Pickled Vegetables: Daikon, carrots, cucumber
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, lightly salted
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and fluffy
“Our sides and salads are crafted to balance the meal, providing fresh and zesty elements that enhance the overall dining experience.” – Head Chef, Tram’s Kitchen
Desserts
Tram’s Kitchen offers a thoughtfully curated dessert menu that showcases Vietnamese sweets with a modern twist. These treats provide a delightful conclusion to the meal, balancing sweetness with subtle textures and flavors.
The classic che ba mau, or three-color dessert, is a customer favorite. This colorful sweet features layers of mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly topped with crushed ice and coconut milk.
It’s refreshing and light, perfect after a hearty meal.
For something richer, the coconut sticky rice with mango is a luscious option. The sticky rice is infused with coconut milk and served alongside ripe mango slices, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and fruity flavors.
Additionally, the pandan chiffon cake offers a light, airy texture with a fragrant hint of pandan leaf.
Dessert Favorites
- Che Ba Mau: Mung beans, red beans, pandan jelly, coconut milk
- Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango: Sweet coconut-infused rice, fresh mango
- Pandan Chiffon Cake: Light cake flavored with pandan leaf
| Dessert | Texture | Flavor Profile |
| Che Ba Mau | Layered, icy, jelly-like | Sweet, creamy, slightly nutty |
| Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango | Sticky, smooth, juicy | Creamy, fruity, mildly sweet |
| Pandan Chiffon Cake | Light, fluffy | Fragrant, sweet |
Beverages
The beverage menu at Tram’s Kitchen complements the food with a selection of traditional and creative drinks. From refreshing iced teas to robust Vietnamese coffee, the choices enhance the overall dining experience by balancing or accentuating the flavors of the dishes.
Vietnamese iced coffee, known as ca phe sua da, is a must-try. This strong coffee is brewed with a drip filter and mixed with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice for a bold and creamy drink.
For those seeking something lighter, the jasmine iced tea offers a fragrant and cooling alternative.
Tram’s Kitchen also offers fresh fruit juices and sodas, often featuring tropical flavors like lychee, passion fruit, and calamansi. These drinks are perfect for cleansing the palate or adding a burst of freshness to the meal.
Beverage Options
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da): Strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk
- Jasmine Iced Tea: Fragrant, refreshing
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Lychee, passion fruit, calamansi
- Traditional Vietnamese Sodas: Sweet, fizzy flavors
“Our beverage selection is carefully chosen to complement the bold and delicate flavors of Vietnamese dishes, offering something for every taste.” – Beverage Manager, Tram’s Kitchen
Conclusion
Tram’s Kitchen in Pittsburgh stands out as a culinary destination that masterfully captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine while embracing modern culinary trends. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful presentations, ensuring every dish tells a story of tradition and innovation.
From the enticing appetizers and robust main courses to the refreshing salads, comforting noodle soups, and delightful desserts, every offering reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
The variety of vegetarian and vegan options also demonstrates Tram’s Kitchen’s inclusive approach to dining, welcoming all guests to experience the richness of Vietnamese flavors.
The beverage menu further enhances the experience, pairing perfectly with the dishes and providing refreshing or bold complements to the meal. Whether you are a longtime fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, Tram’s Kitchen offers a menu that promises satisfaction, discovery, and delight in every bite.
For those seeking a memorable dining experience in Pittsburgh, Tram’s Kitchen provides a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of expertly crafted dishes that celebrate the culinary heritage of Vietnam with a contemporary flair.
It is a place where each meal becomes a journey through taste, culture, and hospitality.
