Best Vietnamese/Cambodian/Laotian Restaurants in San Mateo Area 2025 Winners

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Top Vietnamese, Cambodian & Laotian Restaurants in the San Mateo Area

The Best of San Mateo contest proudly honors the Southeast Asian restaurants that locals love most—voted by the community for their rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and cultural authenticity. From steaming bowls of pho to savory Cambodian amok and Laotian sticky rice platters, these top-rated spots offer unforgettable dishes rooted in tradition. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or bold new flavors, these are San Mateo’s best Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian restaurants.

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  • 2025 Winner:
    Best Food and Drink Businesses

    Gao Viet Kitchen

    Gao Viet Kitchen in San Mateo offers a hip, energetic twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Signature pho bowls, shaken beef, and creative cocktails make it a hot spot for modern dining. Guests enjoy the playful decor, generous portions, and bold, authentic flavors with a twist.

    313 S San Mateo Dr
    San Mateo, California 94401
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Food and Drink Businesses

    M sandwiches Cafe San Mateo

    M Sandwiches Cafe in San Mateo is a casual spot offering Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwiches, rice plates, and refreshing drinks. With affordable prices and quick service, it's a lunchtime staple. Customers appreciate the fresh baguettes, flavorful pork and chicken options, and house-made sauces.

    205 E 4th Ave
    San Mateo, California 94401
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Food and Drink Businesses

    Pho Element

    Pho Element in San Mateo offers a cozy and casual setting for authentic Vietnamese pho and noodle dishes. Known for its rich broth, fresh herbs, and generous portions, it's a favorite for comforting meals. Customers appreciate the friendly service, clean environment, and satisfying bowls of beef and chicken pho.

    2216 S El Camino Real
    San Mateo, California 94403
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Food and Drink Businesses

    Pho Little Siagon

    Pho Little Saigon in San Mateo delivers flavorful Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on traditional pho, rice plates, and vermicelli dishes. The restaurant is praised for its quick service, consistent quality, and savory broth. Locals recommend the combination pho and egg rolls for a reliable, satisfying experience.

    2978 S Norfolk St
    San Mateo, California 94403
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Food and Drink Businesses

    Saigon City Restaurant

    Saigon City Restaurant in San Mateo serves classic Vietnamese dishes in a no-frills setting. Known for large portions and affordable prices, it's popular for its pho, bun bo hue, and fresh spring rolls. Customers enjoy the family-owned feel, fast service, and dependable food quality.

    418 E 3rd Ave
    San Mateo, California 94401

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Southeast Asian Cuisine with Heart & Heritage in San Mateo

San Mateo’s food scene shines with the influence of Southeast Asia—particularly the deeply satisfying and diverse dishes of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. These Best of San Mateo winners are loved not just for their taste, but for their connection to culture, family, and tradition. Whether you’re slurping noodles or savoring curry, you’ll find hospitality and heritage in every bite.

 

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Vietnamese Cuisine: Fresh, Flavorful & Comforting

 

San Mateo’s top Vietnamese restaurants are known for:

 

  • Pho with rich broth, rice noodles, and rare beef, brisket, or tofu

  • Banh mi sandwiches with crisp baguettes and savory fillings

  • Vermicelli bowls (bun) with grilled meats and fresh herbs

  • Goi cuon (spring rolls) and cha gio (fried rolls) with dipping sauces

  • House-made fish sauce blends, pickled veggies, and Vietnamese iced coffee

 

 

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Cambodian Cuisine: Bold & Balanced

 

Though less common, the Bay Area’s Cambodian eateries deliver bold, complex dishes such as:

 

  • Fish amok (steamed curry in banana leaf)

  • Beef lok lak with lime-pepper dipping sauce

  • Samlor korko (vegetable stew) and tangy noodle soups

  • Unique combinations of lemongrass, tamarind, and prahok (fermented fish paste)

 

 

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Laotian Cuisine: Earthy, Spicy & Soulful

 

Laotian food blends spice and texture with signature staples like:

 

  • Larb (laap): minced meat salad with lime, herbs, and roasted rice powder

  • Sticky rice (khao niew) served with jeow (dipping sauces) and grilled meats

  • Sai oua (Laotian sausage) and or lam (herbal stew)

  • Fermented, herbal, and citrus-forward flavor profiles unique to Laos

 

 

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Why Locals Love These Restaurants

 

Voted best for good reason, these restaurants are known for:

 

  • Generous portions, affordable prices, and quick service

  • Cozy, family-owned atmospheres and consistent quality

  • Vegan and vegetarian options for traditional dishes

  • Takeout-friendly menus and great weekday lunch specials

 

 

 

Explore the Best Vietnamese, Cambodian & Laotian Restaurants in the San Mateo Area, as chosen by local diners in the Best of San Mateo contest—and enjoy the depth, balance, and boldness of Southeast Asian cuisine at its finest.