By Britney Tran & Hien Bui
Sometimes the best restaurants are where you least expect—even at your local plaza. Right on the edge of Plavan Plaza Shopping Center lies Cafe N Te, a Vietnamese fusion restaurant that doubles as a bakery and tea lounge.
Wedged between a gym and other business commerce, the unassuming storefront gives way to a modern, spacious interior and outdoor patio area that whisks customers to a Parisian cafe secluded from the hustle and bustle of life. On the menu, you can find a variety of Vietnamese classics and cafe selections that are both quality and affordable.
Charcuterie Plate
Charcuterie plates have blown up on social media through their simple elevation of flavors. The cheese and meat selections in Cafe N Te’s spin on the new picnic classic pair amazingly and are presented well. Featuring salami, camembert cheese, pate, dill pickles, grapes, delicate cold cuts and a complimentary baguette loaf with butter, the dish seamlessly melds different flavors and textures together. If you can’t decide between sweet, sour, salty and decadent, the charcuterie plate is the perfect balance of tastes.
Lemongrass Stir Fry
This dish came with a bed of rice-vermicelli noodles topped with perfectly crisped tofu, grilled onions and a smattering of greens. The sauce is given on the side and really compliments the dish when added. The highlight of the dish is the generous portion of tofu that adds savory flavor to the noodle and sauce’s tartness.
Bo Luc Lac
Shaken beef (or bo luc lac) is a Vietnamese classic that can be hard to get right despite the dish’s simplicity. Cafe N Te’s spin on it is made up of salad, cubes of beef and an optional side of rice. A good bo luc lac dish really comes down to the marinade and Cafe N Te has nailed it in their variation. While the cubes are evenly portioned for easy eating, the meat was cooked close to well done and was chewier than expected. The beef was flavorful and well-balanced with the rice and salad.
Lavender & Rose Signature Lattes
This unique pairing of flavors is one of the newest to the coffee scene. Topped with edible petals of the flower of your choosing, these signature lattes give subtle hints of lavender and rose flavor amongst a sweet and milky concoction. The sharp and pungent flavors of this latte also work in harmony with the aromatic scents of the flower to really help you unwind.
Cafe N Te is a great place to unwind, study and enjoy quality food. The presentation and flavors go unmatched, creating an enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant is a hidden gem of the Fountain Valley community.
Cafe N Te is located at 9430 Warner Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week.
