BÊP – Restaurant Review

Hong Kong, being an international city, is home to restaurants of cuisines from all over the world, including Italian, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Vietnamese, specifically Phở, has always been a favourite of mine, considering its similarity to the traditional noodle Ho Fun from Hong Kong. BÊP, located in K11 Musea in Tsim Tsa Tsui, not only serves traditional Hanoi Vietnamese food but also Western cuisine inspired dishes. What makes BÊP so special is that they add an interesting twist to traditional Vietnamese food, bringing something unique and fresh to the table. 

From spices and vegetables to seafood and meat, BÊP stays true to the traditions of the Vietnamese cuisine by using fresh and hand-picked ingredients only. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional Phở noodles and rice paper wraps to avocado and lotus root salads. Other than the basics of traditional Vietnamese food, the menu also includes dishes for people who are looking for a creative mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. The menu is categorised by appetisers, salads, rice vermicelli, noodles, and street foods. Naturally, I flipped to the noodles section and looked at the many options of Phở noodles. The restaurant offered toppings of shredded chicken, beef brisket, Angus beef, and more. After careful consideration, I settled for a traditional dish that is simple but hearty – Shredded Chicken Phở ($88).

First off, the Shredded Chicken Phở was heavenly. The rice noodles bathed in a hot, fragrant beef broth, topped with fresh herbs and vegetables. The portion was rather generous, and the dish was accompanied by a plate of lime, bean sprouts, and basil (for diners to season the broth to their liking). When it arrived, I expected the restaurant to add a fusion twist to this dish, but it was just like traditional Phở. However, the taste compensated for the small disappointment from my first impression. The rice noodle was delicate but not soggy, it absorbed the rich flavours of the beef broth, making it juicy and soft. The main topping – shredded chicken – was tender, adding a nice, additional layer of texture to the dish. Lastly, the final touch of the dish – fresh herbs – brings in a burst of bright flavours that refine and balance the savoury broth. Together, the aromatic broth, smooth rice noodles, and flavour enhancing toppings harmoniously make up a hearty and wholesome meal.

The restaurant is the perfect place for a small gathering with friends and family as the booth seats allow for more comfort and privacy. The booth seats provide enough space for six people, three on each side. The only inconvenience is that the table is a little too low for the seats. The waiters are polite and experienced as they provided us with whatever we needed throughout the night. 

Overall, my dining experience at BÊP was incredible. From the relaxing environment to the heart-warming food, BÊP offered a wonderful and engaging experience of Hanoi cuisine. I would recommend this restaurant to people who are looking for Vietnamese food that is traditional or creatively infused with western elements. Although the price value is towards the expensive end, the dining experience makes it the perfect place for a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable night out.

Writing Process

Reflection:

This assignment was very interesting and different from the essays that we usually write. It involved a different writing style that I have not practiced before. I spent some time reading more restaurant reviews to see how I should describe the food that I ate. This essay was quite challenging because it required me to use terms and vocabulary that are suitable for restaurant reviews. Instead of just telling the reader what the food was and what the restaurant was like, I tried to appeal to the senses by describing the taste and texture of the noodles in detail, as well as describing the atmosphere of the restaurant. Overall, this essay was really fun to write and I got to eat out as well!