The Blurb
There are three outposts of this popular restaurant in West London. The original, Med Sallah Kopitiam offering ‘Malaysian Multicultural Street Food’ on Inverness Terrace, Med Salleh Viet (this one) Hogarth Road and Med Salleh on Chepstow Road. Med Salleh, Chepstow Road is more informal with neon lights and modern diner-style seating – Deliveroo drivers jostle for orders in the lobby and even though it’s raining, there’s a queue outside. I know this because I go there first in error on the night of this review. Luckily, the correct destination is only a 15-minute drive away and though we arrive damp, flustered and a bit confused – we’re warmly greeted by the staff despite being half an hour late.
The Style
Situated in the basement of an Earl’s Court Hotel, down an unassuming staircase. The design team have worked hard to make this place feel cosy. It helps that it’s packed – the vibe is informal and homely with nods to their Vietnamese heritage. There’s a mural of a street market and dark wood is accented with pops of deep turquoise and sunshine yellow. Wooden light fittings make a feature of the low ceilings and the already colourful food is served on grandma’s vibrantly-hued traditional crockery.
The Food
First, the prawn summer rolls are fresh, herby and served with a pair of contrasting but complimentary sauces. There’s a zingy chilli dressing and a creamy satay – choose whichever best fits your mood, or double dunk for maximum impact. The fried chicken is unbattered and searingly hot – it’s served with a spicy sauce and is perhaps my least favourite dish of the evening, but my husband gleefully devours it.
The roast spiced lamb arrives still sizzling and is deftly cut up for us by our server with a pair of scissors. This process takes slightly longer than anticipated and the lamb is so seductively fragrant that it’s all I can do not to drool on the poor lady’s arm as she chops.
My husband orders the signature Wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle Pho. The beef is served raw so being pregnant, I’m not supposed to try it, but sneak a couple of mouthfuls once it’s cooked through – it’s unctuous and delicious. My chicken Pho arrives in a vessel so vast that I’m tempted to climb in and wallow a while ‘midst the creamy broth and tangled noodles. I don’t because of social decency and also because I am exaggerating about the size… but only slightly.
The ‘Husband’ rice is not made of husbands (disappointingly) but for them. Still, I sneak some whilst nobody is looking. It’s beautifully seasoned and the grilled chicken that accompanies it is extra tender.
For dessert, the deep-fried banana fritters served with strawberries and ice cream are a decadent end to an already triumphant meal. My advice? Order one portion and share it.
The Drink
It’s the usual fizzy water for me but my husband has a Saigon beer and we finish the meal with some deliciously scented pomegranate tea served on a traditional tea set.
In a Nutshell
Really great reasonably priced Vietnamese food in a homely environment where you will be welcomed like family.
The Details
Dreamtel Kensington London, 32-36 Hogarth Road, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW5 0PU, United Kingdom
