Stepping into Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery is like embarking on a flavorful journey through the heart of Vietnam, right in the middle of your city. This vibrant spot is celebrated for its authentic Vietnamese dishes paired with expertly crafted coffee, creating a harmonious blend of taste and culture.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a curious newcomer, Basu offers a thoughtfully curated menu that balances traditional recipes with modern twists, inviting diners to savor every bite and sip.
The ambiance complements the menu perfectly, providing a cozy and welcoming environment that encourages lingering conversations and shared meals.
At Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery, every dish tells a story, and every cup of coffee is a testament to the rich heritage of Vietnamese brewing techniques. The menu embraces fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and subtle nuances, making it a destination not only for delicious meals but also for an immersive cultural experience.
From morning lattes infused with unique spices to hearty bowls of pho that warm the soul, this eatery crafts each offering with care and passion. The menu’s diversity ensures there is something for every palate, whether you prefer light, refreshing dishes or rich, savory meals.
Signature Coffee Selections
The coffee menu at Basu Coffee Bar is a celebration of Vietnam’s renowned coffee culture, featuring both classic preparations and innovative blends. Each cup is brewed using high-quality beans sourced from Vietnam’s renowned coffee-growing regions, ensuring a bold and distinctive flavor profile.
The baristas pay meticulous attention to the brewing process, delivering a perfect balance of strength, aroma, and smoothness.
Vietnamese coffee is known for its robust flavor and often features sweetened condensed milk, creating a unique sweetness and creaminess. Basu’s coffee offerings range from traditional drip coffee to iced variations that are especially popular during warmer months.
The menu also includes specialty espresso drinks infused with local flavors like pandan and cinnamon, adding an unexpected yet delightful twist.
Classic Vietnamese Coffee
- Cà Phê Đen Đá: Iced black coffee brewed strong and served over ice for a refreshing yet intense experience.
- Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk, offering a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
- Cà Phê Trứng: Egg coffee with a rich, creamy foam topping, a Hanoi specialty that has won hearts worldwide.
“The art of Vietnamese coffee lies not just in its robust taste but in the balance of bitterness and sweetness that awakens the senses.” – Basu Head Barista
Traditional Soups and Noodle Bowls
At the heart of Vietnamese cuisine is the comforting tradition of soups and noodle bowls, and Basu’s menu showcases these dishes with exceptional authenticity. These offerings combine aromatic broths, fresh herbs, and tender proteins, creating meals that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Each bowl is prepared with care, simmered over hours to develop deep, nuanced flavors.
Popular choices include the iconic pho, bursting with fragrant spices and served with a plate of fresh basil, lime, and chilies. Other noodle soups highlight regional variations, showcasing the diversity within Vietnamese culinary traditions.
The ingredients emphasize freshness and balance, combining savory, sweet, sour, and spicy elements harmoniously.
Popular Soup Menu Items
- Pho Bo: Classic beef pho with slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef, garnished with herbs.
- Bun Rieu: Crab and tomato noodle soup with a tangy, rich broth and fresh greens.
- Hu Tieu: Southern-style noodle soup featuring clear broth, pork, shrimp, and chewy noodles.
Dish | Main Protein | Broth Flavor | Typical Garnishes |
Pho Bo | Beef | Spiced, fragrant beef broth | Basil, lime, bean sprouts, chili |
Bun Rieu | Crab | Tangy tomato-based broth | Perilla, shredded banana flower |
Hu Tieu | Pork and Shrimp | Clear and savory pork broth | Scallions, fried garlic, lime |
Fresh Spring Rolls and Appetizers
Appetizers at Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery highlight the freshness and vibrant flavors that Vietnamese cuisine is known for. These dishes are perfect starters or light meals, offering a balance of textures from crunchy vegetables to tender proteins wrapped in delicate rice paper.
Each appetizer is crafted to awaken appetites and complement the main courses.
The spring rolls, in particular, are a standout—hand-rolled with precision and filled with a colorful mix of herbs, vermicelli noodles, and choice proteins such as shrimp or tofu. Accompanying dipping sauces, made from scratch, elevate these bites with depth and zest.
Beyond spring rolls, the appetizer menu features several other small plates that showcase traditional flavors with a contemporary touch.
Appetizer Highlights
- Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): Rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles, served with peanut dipping sauce.
- Chả Giò (Fried Egg Rolls): Crispy rolls stuffed with seasoned pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles, perfect for those craving a crunch.
- Bánh Xèo: Savory Vietnamese crepes filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs, folded and served with fresh greens.
“Freshness is the soul of Vietnamese appetizers, and at Basu, every bite carries the essence of the garden and the sea.” – Executive Chef Nguyen
Hearty Rice and Vermicelli Plates
Moving beyond soups and rolls, Basu’s menu offers a variety of rice and vermicelli plates that provide a satisfying and well-rounded meal. These dishes showcase the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine, combining crispy textures, savory sauces, and an abundance of fresh vegetables.
They are ideal for diners seeking a fulfilling yet balanced lunch or dinner option.
Each plate is thoughtfully composed to highlight complementary flavors and textures. The vermicelli bowls feature grilled meats or tofu atop a bed of vermicelli noodles, garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs.
Rice plates often include fragrant jasmine rice served alongside stir-fried vegetables, pickles, and tender proteins cooked to perfection.
Popular Entrée Plates
- Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli: A fragrant bowl with marinated chicken, vermicelli noodles, and pickled vegetables.
- Caramelized Pork Rice Plate: Slow-cooked pork belly glazed with sweet and savory caramel sauce, served with steamed jasmine rice.
- Vegetarian Tofu Vermicelli: Grilled tofu paired with fresh herbs, peanuts, and nuoc cham dipping sauce.
Dish | Main Ingredient | Key Flavors | Accompaniments |
Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli | Chicken | Citrusy, savory | Pickled veggies, crushed peanuts |
Caramelized Pork Rice Plate | Pork belly | Sweet and savory caramel | Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens |
Vegetarian Tofu Vermicelli | Tofu | Umami, fresh herbs | Nuoc cham, peanuts |
Traditional Bánh Mì Sandwiches
The bánh mì sandwich is a beloved Vietnamese street food classic, and Basu pays homage to it with a menu full of creative and authentic options. This sandwich combines a crisp, airy baguette with layers of savory fillings, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Basu’s bánh mì offerings range from classic pork and pate combinations to inventive vegetarian versions that use flavorful mushrooms and tofu. Each sandwich is assembled with care, ensuring the bread stays crunchy while the fillings remain juicy and vibrant.
The use of house-made pickles and spicy chili sauces adds a dynamic kick that complements the rich proteins.
Bánh Mì Varieties
- Classic Pork Bánh Mì: Roasted pork, pate, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and jalapeño on a fresh baguette.
- Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Tender grilled chicken marinated in lemongrass and garlic, layered with crisp vegetables.
- Vegetarian Mushroom Bánh Mì: Sautéed shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and pickled veggies, perfect for plant-based diners.
“A perfect bánh mì is all about harmony: crunchy bread, savory meat, zesty pickles, and fresh herbs working together.” – Basu Sandwich Artisan
Decadent Desserts and Sweet Treats
To round out the meal, Basu Coffee Bar offers a selection of traditional Vietnamese desserts that provide a sweet, refreshing finish. These treats often incorporate tropical fruits, coconut milk, and unique ingredients like mung beans and sticky rice.
The desserts balance sweetness with subtle textures and flavors, making them a delightful conclusion to your dining experience.
Popular choices include chè, a sweet soup or pudding served cold or warm, filled with beans, jellies, and fruit. Another favorite is bánh flan, a creamy caramel custard with a silky texture.
These desserts showcase the subtle artistry of Vietnamese sweets, avoiding overwhelming sugariness in favor of nuanced taste profiles.
Sweet Menu Highlights
- Chè Ba Màu: Three-color dessert with layers of mung bean, red beans, and pandan jelly topped with coconut milk.
- Bánh Flan: Vietnamese caramel custard, creamy and smooth with a rich caramel sauce.
- Sticky Rice with Mango: Sweet sticky rice served alongside fresh mango slices and a drizzle of coconut cream.
Dessert | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Serving Style |
Chè Ba Màu | Mung beans, red beans, pandan jelly | Sweet, creamy, refreshing | Cold with coconut milk |
Bánh Flan | Eggs, caramel, milk | Sweet, creamy, caramelized | Chilled custard |
Sticky Rice with Mango | Sticky rice, mango, coconut cream | Sweet, fruity, rich | Plated dessert |
Refreshing Beverages Beyond Coffee
While coffee is the centerpiece, Basu also offers an array of other beverages that complement the menu’s flavors beautifully. These drinks blend traditional Vietnamese ingredients with contemporary tastes, offering options that refresh and cleanse the palate.
From herbal teas to fruity sodas, the beverage menu caters to a wide range of preferences.
One highlight is the house-made iced jasmine tea, which balances floral notes with a hint of sweetness. Another popular choice is the classic sugarcane juice, freshly pressed and served over ice for a naturally sweet and invigorating experience.
There are also creative mocktails and sparkling drinks that showcase tropical fruits and Vietnamese herbs.
Beverage Options
- Iced Jasmine Tea: Fragrant and light, perfect to accompany savory dishes.
- Sugarcane Juice: Freshly pressed with a naturally sweet flavor and refreshing chill.
- Passion Fruit Soda: Sparkling soda mixed with tangy passion fruit syrup, garnished with mint.
“Every sip at Basu is designed to enhance your meal, whether through the boldness of coffee or the delicate balance of herbal infusions.” – Beverage Director Linh Tran
Conclusion
Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery presents a menu that is both a tribute to traditional Vietnamese culinary arts and an invitation to explore new flavor combinations. The thoughtful design of each dish and drink reflects a deep respect for authenticity, quality ingredients, and balanced flavors.
From the first sip of their signature coffee to the last bite of a sweet dessert, the menu offers an engaging and satisfying experience that appeals to all senses.
The menu’s diversity ensures that diners can enjoy a full spectrum of Vietnamese cuisine, from light and fresh appetizers to hearty, comforting soups and rich rice plates. The inclusion of vegetarian and vegan options also highlights Basu’s commitment to inclusivity and culinary creativity.
Each visit promises not just a meal, but a cultural immersion that educates and delights in equal measure.
Whether you are seeking a quick coffee break, a leisurely lunch, or a memorable dinner, Basu Coffee Bar & Vietnamese Eatery delivers with warmth, authenticity, and exceptional taste. The menu is a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Vietnam, thoughtfully tailored to satisfy modern palates without losing the soul of the cuisine.
Dining here is not just about eating; it’s about embracing a rich heritage and savoring every moment.