Vietnamese spot offers just the right amount of authenticity
Submitted by Tom Mentzer on Thu, 2007-03-22 03:56.
Asian | Virginia Reviews
Restaurant review: Huong Que (Four Sisters)
6769 Wilson Blvd.
Falls Church, Va.
703-538-6717
Huong Que, or Four Sisters, is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant tucked in the northwest corner of Eden Center near Seven Corners in Falls Church.
An ethnic eatery like this one, even with its somewhat Americanized flavors, can be a difficult nut to crack. The menu, with more than 200 items, can be a touch overwhelming.
But the service is excellent, and the variety just means that even the most finicky diner will find something delicious. Even better, reasonable prices mean an unloved dish won’t break the bank, so feel free to experiment.
The crispy spring rolls might be the best I’ve ever tasted. Each order is fried to perfection, served with lettuce leaves, basil and mint, and a mild dipping sauce. They have never let me down, and even hold up well as carry-out.
Traditional Vietnamese dishes are well-represented. The pho is excellent, and the rice vermicelli dishes beyond compare. Both the grilled pork and lemongrass beef on vermicelli are exquisite. The clay pot dishes are also delicious, especially the caramel pork.
Even the side dishes are consistently amazing. Asparagus sautéed with garlic has never been overcooked; the Chinese broccoli is another go-to choice.
And for something a little special, try the seven-course beef menu. A traditional Vietnamese celebratory meal, it’s actually a lot lighter than it sounds. Including a salad, a fondue, several grilled versions, a giant meatball and a beef/rice soup, this is a great special-occasion meal to order for two.
For a treat, and to keep that tabs in the family, visit Song Que Deli next door. Besides some tasty banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and prepared dishes, Song Que has a wide selection of tapioca bubble drinks, which make a perfect finish to a delicious dinner.
Be warned: parking on the weekends can be a nightmare. Eden Center is Ground Zero for a large Vietnamese population, and it can take a long time (and several near-accidents) to find a parking spot. Weeknights are a far better time to brave the madness.
Bottom line: Great for a date, a family meal or just a quick bite, Huong Que is a perfect spot for a low-stress Vietnamese meal.
Enjoy
Submitted by Tom Mentzer on Fri, 2007-03-23 18:34.
I can't say enough about the spring rolls. And considering every Asian restaurant offers them, that's a pretty big field to be on top of.
Enjoy the meal. I do think it's worth a drive, especially since a post-dinner stroll around Eden Center is like a quick trip to Vietnam. (Take a walk through some of the stores, maybe the market a few doors down from Four Sisters. They're fun and you might find something new.)
Great review! Eden center is
Great review! Eden center is a little far from where I live in Bethesda, but I think,after reading your review, that a trip there would definitely be worth it. I can't wait to try the spring rolls and vermicelli dishes you raved about! (I'm not a big fan of pho.)