Urban Orient in Croydon

We had a lovely lunch here. When we arrived, the restaurant was quiet, but as time went on, more and more diners filled the space. Despite the growing crowd, the atmosphere remained vibrant yet relaxed. Every dish we tried was exceptional and worth recommending. The spring rolls were perfectly crispy and full of flavor, while the prawn dumplings, accompanied by a delicious sauce, made for a great starter. My partner enjoyed the crispy duck, and I had the prawn pho soup—both of which left us more than satisfied. The portions were generous, and we left with full stomachs and big smiles. I had to get the prawn summer rolls for take away as they looked incredibly delicious when others ordered it - it lived up to my expectations.The waitress was incredibly friendly and offered helpful recommendations. We'll definitely be returning to explore more of the menu! Although some reviews mentioned the restaurant is cash-only, we had no issues paying by card (just note that they don’t accept AMEX).

Great food and friendly service

The food was great! The restaurant staff was friendly especially the manager who was super helpful in providing us recommendations

Food ok with arrogant and rude waitress. If you don't want to work, stay at home.

The food at urban orient can’t be beat!! delicious and fresh, it’s busy though and can get crowded so the servers can sometimes be slightly swamped. The wonderful food and ambiance is definitely worth the possible wait for a table!!

Very disappointed. The table was sticky and hadn’t been wiped properly, the prawn crackers neither my sister or myself could eat as the cooking oil tasted old or they had been reheated- these were free but still not a good start. The mint tea, the leaves were black and old and had to send back. The whole main course of pho lacked any flavour, I could only identify it as being boiling water base. We all left hungry and disappointed. The only redeeming feature was the lime and ginger tea but this wasn’t enough to make me want to return for more.

The food we had was absolutely delicious bursting with flavour, the summer rolls where so fresh and bursting with flavour and the pork and prawn siumai dumpling where equally as delicious! We both had the siu mai for mains and again the flavours where spot on! Loved the unlimited sparkling water as well as main restaurants over charge for water! Service was great as extremely well priced, every dish that came past us also looked and smelled great!

A really cosy and vibrant corner of Crystal Palace, we were greeted by a lovely waitress (forgot to get her name) she guided us to the window seats, unfortunately the table was sticky so maybe a further wipe down needed but overall well setup, chopsticks over a tissue in front of us. Me and my mate sat next to a couple, as it was my first time, I asked the pair next to us what was good, he said to get the chicken phô, so I obliged and got it. Luckily he was not in earshot, whilst I described it. We put our orders in: prawn wontons, kimchi wontons, satay chicken skewers, garlic beef phô and chicken phô. The starters arrived swiftly, thankfully interrupting our baseless chatter. The wontons were crispy and succulent especially the prawn (recommended), kimichi and satay skewers not so much as the kimchi wonton had a small amount of filling and the chicken skewers felt rubbery (peanut sauce was good though). The cups given for water, did not look as clean as they could have but I was thirstyy. We then received our phô's, I had the chicken which was hot and filling. The soup was delicious, warm and tingly but alas nothing compared to the richness of the garlic beef phô which was mouthwatering, the beef was soft and melting apart in our mouths. I did not however like the flat noodles (not my jam) but it was still delicious. Phô can feel like a very basic dish but there is enjoyment in simplicity once in a while. We finished up, it was genuinely a hefty portion so you do get your money's worth, speaking of, it is cash only so if you want to go, remember to visit the bank under the mattress. (IFYKYK) All in all: C'est fantastique.

Brilliant food, consistently great, been coming here for years and it’s a 40 min drive from me but well worth it every time

This is the best restaurant around. Always fresh and good portion size. Staff are professional and polite. You have to try this!

Great food, super quick and friendly service, the team will go out of their way to help out and advise and assist with requests

Welcoming staff. Food was reasonable. Found it strange for a Vietnamese restaurant to charge extra to have the side garnish that usually accompanies the pho dishes - it’s equivalent to the salads that goes with the bun dishes.

Food was fresh and tasty. Very enjoyable and I would recommend

A beautiful meal! I highly recommend it, the food was so lovely and the service was impeccable. I will be coming back for more ❤️

Amazing food at a good price. Highly recommended!

It was quite expensive to compare with the other on the triangle. The seating area is too small. Be aware of service charge.

So so good! Went with friends early evening and the food was sublime! We ordered so much but it was so delicious we scoffed the lot... including the garnishes!!! Great selection of veggie and pesceterian food as well as vegan options. 100/10

Pho and Hué good but now you have to pay extra for the bean sprouts and coriander which are really part of the dish. The spring rolls are average and have shrunk in size - 3 small ones for nearly £8. Salt and chilli squid well-seasoned and good size. Unfortunate victim of shrinkflation! Prob look elsewhere now... Drop from 4/5 to 3/5.

Wow wow wow, I am still dreaming about this food days later. I need to go back asap! Everything came so fresh and delicious, incredible flavours, and fast service. Genuinely my new obsession in Crystal Palace, and just as excellent as the food I had in Vietnam. The only thing I will say is: you have to phone up to book a table, and it would be great if whoever was on the phone had better English and/or could answer the phone in a quieter environment. The best would be if they had an online table booking system. I am sure I spoke slowly and clearly, but they booked me a table for 2 (not 4) on the wrong day. Then when I called up again to ask to move the booking earlier, they did not understand. We arrived for our table, they found space for us, then I got a call from them to say I was late for my table while I was sat in the restaurant? Lost in translation! ANYWAY it didn’t matter at all because the food was SO DIVINE. It’s just one thing I wanted to make people aware of, it can be difficult on the phone to get across the right info. Please UO add a booking system to Google/a website? It was also BYOB which was great

Great food and friendly atmosphere. Very enjoyable. Thank you.

We had a fabulous meal out at the Urban Orient last night. Having recently returned from a holiday in Vietnam, we have been visiting different Vietnamese restaurants to try to find an authentic one. The Urban Orient definitely reached out expectations. We started with a range of starters to share - salt and pepper squid, dumplings, skewers, spring rolls - all absolutely delicious. The main courses were fabulous. I had the crispy tofu with noodles and salad, my husband had the pork, my daughter fish and her partner had duck. All served with delicious sauces. All delicious, fresh and large portions! I thoroughly recommend.

Ths place used to be really special but it has deteriorated badly over the last couple of years. We arrrived at 3pm with plenty of time to eat. The staff reminded us on 8 occasions (yes we counted) that they close at 4pm. Really makes you feel welcome! Then they got a simple order for two wrong. The food itself was mediocre. We won't be going back.

It's my favourite local restaurant. I have some of my favourite dishes I order all the time. They have fabulous Pho beef soup and Hanoi fish. Portion of each is rather big so I usually order one or another. Often eat Hanoi fish in restaurant and soup for takeaway. Great service and reasonable prices.

Delicious food and frindly service. Recommend the crispy vegetable dumplings. Loved the 80s music too!

Took our son to Urban Orient today and had a brilliant meal. We all had a noodle dish which came out in no more than 10 mins! It tasted fresh and authentic. Highly recommended

I'm an infrequent visitor, but it's always good. Crispy squid starter substantial enough for two, egg noodle char Sui pork really good - noodles not clumped, tender meat, amazing broth. Service only 4 star, because it can be hard to get waiters attention sometimes.

A lovely small restaurant but the food was disappointing and the steamed vegetables (just one kind) tasteless.

We came here accidentally after struggling to find a decent place to eat on the triangle, but we were pleasantly surprised. The food was filling and tasty; the homemade drinks were really refreshing as well. Our waitress was kind and helped us choose and we have not eaten Vietnamese food previously. I will definitely come back!

Love the food here, consistently gorgeous take out or dine in. So tasty - prawn pho is my favourite. Have yo restrain myself from going there so often

The food was very well presented and a good portion for prices. Having lived in crystal palace for a few years I was surprised by this as most other places are not as good value. My other half is Vietnamese and enjoyed the pho. I opted for the beef, rice and salad which was good. The egg fried rice dish was a reasonable portion for a 5 year old. The vietnamese coffee was super good.

This busy spot almost constantly has Take Out going out the door. I recommend the shrimp pho. it’s a casual place and really good for tables of two and four, if you have larger groups, you will definitely need to book ahead as there are limited spaces. we were all really impressed with the service, and the fact that the waitresses have to bring large bowls of soup up a flight of stairs.

Nice place to take break, well mannered workers, I love it

Loved the food that we had here, been meaning to try for a while but it didn’t disappoint. Really well priced too and good size portions!

Great restaurant, friendly service and good value. We had one pho and one rice dish, the portions were big, fresh and tasty!

Food is delicious, I love the summer rolls and prawn dumplings for lunch. Will highly recommend eating at urban orient. Staff are very helpful and welcoming.

Great food and BYOB, be aware sometimes it’s cash only

I attempted to dine at Urban Orient at lunchtime today (Monday). I asked if I could sit at a padded bench, but was promptly sourly told it was for four people...the place was half empty. I politely explained that I had a back issue and needed the padding. The waitress then said yes but her delivery was obnoxious, so I tole her so and left! I don't know why some table staff have such skinking attitudes. Obviously an unhappy person, but leave the attitude at home, and step into your professional, courteous and warm persona! This is not the type of establishment that accommodates people with disabilities.

Visited on Monday ordered the beef pho I don’t remember having a pho that has no bean sprouts the chilli 🌶️ and the other items to dip into the soup What’s happened

Great value Vietnamese food, delicious every time.

I normally order home from here, tried eating in and the fried squid was excellent. Much crispier and good portion size. Soup was hot and spicy (I asked for spicier broth). - good food and variety - reasonably priced

The food was excellent. Very tasty and plenty of it too. I would recommend a visit. The staff were very helpful and friendly.

Great food, love their Summer Rolls.

Really great food and service. Highly recommended

There was an issue with my deliveroo order (salad) I called the restaurant and they sorted it out straight away sending a replacement. Delt with very well!

The worst takeaway we’ve had in 10 years ordered via Deliveroo. The beef rice and egg rice were tasteless. The Bao buns were microwaved and had paper still stuck to them. We binned the food and had to eat cereal instead 🙁 Not great after spending £60 on a takeaway. Given the 5 star reviews I can only think there was a different chef on tonight.

Great food, the meat was especially tender. Very friendly service. One of the best Vietnamese restaurants I’ve tried in London. Very agreeable prices

This place is always top on my takeaway lists as well as eating in. It’s food is always tasty and fresh as well as being reasonably priced.

Incredible meal. The Mock duck rice is beautiful- so light yet comforting at the same time. Best meat substitute I've ever had. Thank you so much!

Tasty food for great prices! Went here for a lunch and each had a drink, started and main and only spent about £23 each. The restaurant is quite small and cosy so if it's a busy dinner night you might need to book in advance.

Delicious. Always get the bun bo hue and spring rolls. 5 stars. Highly recommended. My go to Vietnamese in the area.

Food was very tasty and fresh!!! loved it!

Such a delicious café! My favourite place to eat out in Crystal Palace - the staff are friendly, the service is speedy and the food is sublime! My personal favourites are the summer rolls so they are definitely worth a try. Can’t wait to go back soo.

Love this little place. Good always great!

Always great food and good service.

Tasty, fresh and good vibes in the restaurant.

BYOB, great food and geat service strongly recommend

Hidden gem, Beef vermicelli is amazing!

Top quality food, fantastic flavours and really nice staff in a very clean attractive restaurant.

Good service and atmosphere but the food is nothing special.

Great food, warm atmosphere, swift service

Cozy atmosphere, nice services with smiles

Amazing and tasty food. Lovely place.

Lovely food and friendly staff. Bring your own wine or order by the glass.

Great food, fresh ingredients, good value for money, friendly service, would definitely return. Recommended.

Local favourite, we visit 2-3 times per month.

I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants in London over the years and this is by far the best, which is some feat because there are a lot of good ones out there! I had the beef Pho and it was absolutely gorgeous, deep flavoured broth hitting all the right savoury, sharp and spicy notes with strips of beef perfectly just-done-but-a-little-pink and melt in the mouth; it looked great, the portion size was spot on and it was relatively budget friendly. What. A. Find.

Really good food, really friendly service. Will be back.

Amazing restaurant - delicious food, generous portion sizes, wonderful and attentive staff, excellent service! I've been to several Vietnamese places up in Shoreditch but this beats them all. It's small and cosy inside but they were very accommodating with our buggy, moved some chairs around for us so we could park it safely. Good vegan/vegetarian options too (the Mock Duck is lovely).

I'd forgotten how good this place is.

Amazing restaurant. Delicious food, quick service. Fab ambiance and child friendly. Could not have asked for a better experience.

Love this place - food never disappoints. Chicken satay (starter), salted & pepper squid (starter) & Prawn salad (main) are my go to.

A cosy Vietnamese restaurant with various veg/non-veg options. Ordered Veg spring rolls and prawn dumplings for starters which was appetising. The main course comes with big portions which is very tasty and they are reasonably priced. Jen served us and she’s the most courteous, polite and sweet staff. Thank you for the good food and service.

Ordered from here a couple of times. First time dining in and was not disappointed. Food and service was great and was not busy as it was lunchtime. Would recommend booking if dining in the evening or weekend.

Favourite restaurant in Crystal Palace!! Food is delicious, staff are super friendly and it’s BYOB which is a bonus! Have taken friends and family here multiple times and it’s great for all occasions.

Still great value for money and generally good food 👌

Have ordered twice (gave it a second chance) from Urban Orient (more suburban Orient) and the prawn crackers were a bit stale, the beef is tough thick cubes, the tofu is tough, the summer rolls miss fragrant herbs. Very lack lustre and toned down for the suburban English pallet.

Great Vietnamese restaurant. Its small and cosy inside, good service and great food. We shared a selection of small starters, all were fab with particular mention for the buns and summer rolls. For main I had a curry that had very tender chicken and great tasting source. While they do have beer and wine you can also bring your own. Highly recommend and they also do takeaway.

Food was good, but very disappointed at being charged 80 pence for chilli oil, which is just a condiment. Like being charged extra for ketchup in a burger restaurant. Totally unacceptable, especially since I was not told it was chargeable, and only saw it on the bill at the end. When I queried the charge the waitress was not at all interested in my dissatisfaction. Never again, "goodbye forever"!!! (Meal was lunchtime on 4 September 2022, 3 people. I know costs for restaurants have increased recently, but it is really unacceptable to try to collect more money from your customers in this underhanded way. I paid the 10% service charge, but really I wish I hadn't now, as a matter of principle).

My favourite Crystal Palace restaurant - if that means anything to you?

I was a little skeptical at first due but I am so happy that I gave it a try. It's now my favourite restaurant in crystal palace. Food is super delicious and authentic. The workers there are so lovely too!

Most delicious tofu salad and spring rolls. Staff were ok, their menu states they add an optional service charge but we were chased once we had left for apparently not paying correct amount.

Not the best experience, we've had far better Vietnamese food than this, the pho was very disappointing.

Im in love with urban orient ❤️❤️❤️amazing, amazing people💋

Excellent food and service with a smile. Generous portions! We over-ordered I think so great value for money too.

Ordered a takeaway tonight since I really missed vietnamese food especially the pho. The summer rolls were okay, however the chicken pho is way too salty. All I can taste from the soup is salt, drank a litre of water afterwards. Its so disappointing. I took all the noodles and chicken out of the soup, will make my own soup tomorrow and eat them separately.

Really nice place to eat. Lovely fresh food and very friendly service.

Delicious! Great Vietnamese food at a good price point, and friendly service. I usually go for the outstanding pho but this time I had char siu with rice and a peanut sauce, and it did not disappoint!

Excellent prawns summer rolls but the beef in the beef salad wasn’t very tender

I've been to the place a few times and the service is amazing. I love the food especially the lemongrass grilled pork vermicelli noodles. Definitely gonna come back.

Excellent Vietnamese food! Very authentic taste, big portion and reasonable price. The staff is very friendly and attentive too.

Amazing portion sizes, tasty food and great customer service. Will be coming back soon!

Delicious food as always and even friendlier service now with the new absolutely stunning waitress.

So yummy dishes and friendly staffs. The staff gave me the best recommendation to choose "spicy Hue soup" for today which is so tasty and eyes catching. You'd better to book a table in advance bcause they always full when I walk in.

Staff rude and food not great- will not go back

I have been coming to this place for a few years and this restaurant serves very tasty food, good portion size, quick service with consistently good quality!!

Beatyfull food and real asia taste. Nice friendly staff an a lot values for money, absolute Topper

Nice location, good service, but the food is average at best. Was expecting more.

The Urban orient team are friendly and attentive, i received my food within 10 minutes of ordering it. The food was flavoursome, succulent and hot in temperature, It is great value for money and i highly recommend it. 👌🏾 Thank you 😊

Food is lovely, prices are good too :)

I love this absolute gem and have been coming here for years! The food is fresh and delicious, the staff are so friendly, the service is good and the atmosphere is really chill and welcoming! Book ahead as it’s so popular you have to be proactive. I live for all their starters and Hanoi Special Fish dish!