“We are proud to be the first Vietnamese restaurant in Kingston,” shared Nguyen Thi Diem, known at the establishment as Chef Maria. “I’ve lived here (Jamaica) for almost a decade and am happy with the support we have been receiving since our opening.” Thursday Food is heartened, too. A mere month old, traffic has been constant and already Chef Maria is tracking repeat clientele whose favourite menu options are the Banh Mi Sandwich (Vietnamese sandwich of French baguette with chicken, beef or pork filling with a bowl of soup, the gluten-free Vietnamese salad and the shrimp and pork spring rolls.

“Patrons are appreciative of the no oil, fresh vegetables plus tasty food,” she added.

The owners, Anthony Thuan Duong and Vi Nguyen, who enjoy a nearly three-decade friendship, describe the establishment as a manifestation of their love for Jamaica coupled with the “ambition to bring the taste of our culture to the world, and the desire to live a giving life”.

Indeed, the directors give 10 % of their profit to help build better communities. Based on their track record Thuan Duong built Liberty Park in Jack’s Hill and Southside football turf fields; it’s not just a tag line.

It’s a rainy Friday afternoon but the cosy, minimalistic interior is an inviting one. Choose indoor or al fresco or low/high seating. Close your eyes and be transported to Hanoi as you occupy centre stage around a low dining table complete with throw cushions atop an artificial grass carpet and a backdrop that adds to the ambience.

Stunning framed black and white images add to the intimacy that takes on added dimension at night as you sip Vietnamese coffee, made to order by mixologist Tevin Fisher, and contemplate dinner.

There’s no doubt that, like us, you’ll find something 4U at Vietnam Restaurant.

4U Vietnam Restaurant

Khemlani Plaza

Manor Centre

Kingston 8

Tel # (876) 305 0943

Opening Hours

Monday-Thursday 11:00 am- 8:00 pm

Friday- Saturday 11:00 am -9:00 pm

Sunday – 2:00 pm- 9:00 pm