Dong Nai

This restaurant is called Dong Nai and was the first Vietnamese restaurant I found since relocating to Austin. The first time I reviewed this restaurant I put 4 stars for good food. I am now revising my review. I went on a Friday and was one of the first patrons in the restaurant. The first time I went there was only the owner there of greet and serve. This time her daughter was there to help. She greeted me and took my order and after that many others were seated. Rightfully so because, the food is pretty good for a cheap price. This time, same as the first, I ordered the noodle soup. It comes out in a large plastic bowl with blue flowers. When you order noodle soup it comes with a plate full of veggies that you can put in your soup to enhance the flavor the way you would like. Bean sprouts, jalapenos, lime and basil. Some places you get cilantro but, it seem there was a bit already sprinkled in the soup. Getting cilantro as part of the tasty veggies on the plate is standard in some places. Obviously, not this place. So, I asked for some extra. The young lady glanced at my plate of veggies and said ""sure"". I got a funny feeling but, brushed it off because she brought it. As I was eating, I noticed others were getting the noodle soup. Some, got it in plastic bowls and some got it in ceramic bowls. The people that got it in ceramic bowls had heaps of cilantro already on their plate of veggies. This, I also, brushed off. But, what brought all of the funny feelings together was when I was finished with my meal and had some left over and the young lady asked me if I wanted a box. I said yes and that I would like two as I had some (dry) deep fried crab rangoon and some was (wet) chicken w/sno peas. She came back with only one and proceeded to point to all my left overs and (telling me, not suggesting to me) said that I can put it all in one box. That, to me, wasn't the point. I left feeling slighted and discriminated. Pros: The food, choices and price. Cons: Looks old, discriminatory and cheap. Wonder what else they cut back on? more

Located in the shopping center of Target, it has a very bad location and is not easily viewable. It however has very good food, for cheap. I recommend the vermicelli or any of the beef soups. The chinese portion of the menu is a bit more pricy, around 7-9 dollars. The remodeling of the inside gives it a more Vietnamese feel. They have a large screen tv, but is inaudible. The only noise you'll hear is the ladies gossiping about each other. more

This place is now called Dong Nai which is much more reflective of its menu (Vietnamese) Coming from the northeast where ethnic food is abundant, I had very high standards, but this little place really surprised me. The decor and ambience isn't the best of places- but they have made small improvements which make all the difference. Most importantly- the food is great and so cheap! The Pho and Vermicelli is the best I've had in Austin so far. Pros: Really good food, Cheap, Fast Cons: Ambience more

Small and surprising. This place is in a shopping center by Target, and you wouldn't expect such great food by looking at the outside. The potstickers are glorious, obviously homemade. Try the vermicelli. You'll be glad you did. Best eggroll and rice in town! more