Tam Vi

As a northern Vietnamese child, I genuinely expected more from Tầm Vị. Maybe that’s the Michelin effect. But my expectations were set high. The overall experience was pleasant and nostalgic enough. The service process is well designed, the decor leans heavily into a traditional theme, and everything feels intentionally curated. But the food, (its my 1st Michelin-starred exp so perhaps the expectations were unreal idk), left me a little underwhelmed. We ordered 3 dishes for around 600k VND/2 pax people. The caramelized pork was the highlight. A well-balanced ratio between lean meat and fat, tender texture, and flavors that paired beautifully with rice. A very comforting & polished taste. The tomatoes-sauced tofu & the sour soup however taste very standard. It felt like sth I could easily find at a random rice stall outside. Another downside is that we were seated quite close to the back of the house, near the kitchen. The constant noise from staff and utensils kept interrupting our convo. At this price range, I wish the noise should feel more controlled and intentional :) These details really pulled the experience down a notch. I guess I will have to re-benchmark what a Michelin star should be.

For a restaurant with a Michelin star, the food was surprisingly underwhelming. While the flavors would be perfectly acceptable for a nice, upscale Vietnamese spot, they didn't reach the heights one would expect from a starred kitchen. The service was competent but unremarkable, and the atmosphere—while cozy and quiet—felt more like a family dining room than a fine-dining destination. Ultimately, a pleasant meal, but one that falls short of its prestigious billing.

We had a delightful lunch at this local restaurant. It truly deserves a Michelin star. The food was exquisite and authentically prepared to our taste. The caramelized pork with egg was a family favorite, and I personally found the morning glory to be incredibly delicious, as I appreciate vegetables. The tofu was also perfectly cooked and presented in a refreshing manner. The ambiance evoked a wonderful Vietnamese feel, and the service was both efficient and prompt, especially considering the number of patrons.

As a young Canadian chef, this review reflects my personal opinion and professional point of view. First of all, the restaurant itself is undeniably beautiful. As mentioned in the Michelin Guide, the venue is stunning and sets high expectations from the moment you arrive. That said, the level of service did not meet those expectations. Service felt quite passive: it was often difficult to get attention, and I found myself having to signal the server, which I personally dislike. There was little to no guidance throughout the meal. As a non-Vietnamese guest, I would have really appreciated explanations, recommendations, or direction to better understand the menu and make more informed choices. I truly believe stronger guidance could have elevated the overall experience. Regarding the food, I can’t say I ate poorly..everything was ok but nothing truly stood out as exceptional or memorable. Many of the dishes felt familiar, and I had tasted similar flavors elsewhere during my travels, sometimes even in very casual street settings. This may partly bias my opinion, but again, without guidance, I also felt I may not have discovered the most interesting options on the menu. Overall, it was a great experience, with reasonable pricing for what was offered, but not a standout one. While I don’t regret the visit, it’s not a restaurant I would personally go out of my way to recommend.