I finally got to
Cay Tre last week for lunch and came out of there a very happy man. I also stank of garlic for the next 3 days, but it was worth it I tell you (the other half may not agree...) Although I have not been to the original restaurant in Kingsland Road, I had read glowing reports from
Greedy Diva so I knew I was in a for a treat. I can't remember what was on this site before but the fit out is lovely and my colleagues and I were greeted with lots of smiles when we came in. We shared starters and they were an indication of the deliciousness to come. Fresh, herby, wonderful summer rolls were stuffed with juicy prawns and were a delight. The Cha La Lot was probably my favourite dish of the day - spicy ground pork wrapped in wild betel leaves with roasted peanuts and nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce). These little parcels of joy were so moreish, I could have finished off the whole plate myself (and definitely took more than my share). Choosing a main was tricky but I think I hit on a winner - I went the Bun Sa vermicelli bowl - wonderful noodles with herbs and Vietnamese salad, flavoured with nuoc cham and chock full of juicy wild red sea prawns. This was a bowl of pure happiness and I slurped, munched and generally chowed my way through it in record time. I can't wait to go back to
Cay Tre and work my way through the menu - I just wish they did a bahn-mi take away service, then my happiness would know no bounds!
