Dong Tam, the affordable family Vietnamese restaurant Paris 13th arrondissement

Just a stone's throw from Maison Blanche station, on a discreet street in the Asian district of Paris's 13th arrondissement, which already boasts such nuggets as Ngoc Xuyen Saigon and Bep Viet, Dong Tam may not look like much, but it's definitely worth the detour. This small, family-run restaurant has been delighting loyal customers for years with authentic Vietnamese dishes, prepared without fuss but with a lot of heart.

What we come here for are plates that are well served and full of flavor. Among our favorites is the Loc Lac Beef Rice, a classic of Vietnamese cuisine that's just delicious here: crispy, tender pieces of caramelized beef, sautéed rice with tomato, crispy fried egg and a little lemon sauce. Simple, effective, delicious.

And if you haven't tried the Three Treasures Rice yet, now's the time to try it: grilled pork, steamed omelette, minced pork rind... a truly complete dish that ticks all the comfort food boxes.

The rest of the menu follows the same line: piping-hot phở with a dense, long-simmered broth, bánh cuốn (steamed ravioli), or bún chả to vary the pleasures. The products are fresh, the recipes respected, and the dishes arrive quickly at the table.

The atmosphere at Dong Tam is simple and relaxed. We're in a small, unpretentious room, but the welcome is always pleasant and you feel that the place has a history. Service is straightforward, efficient and discreet, leaving you free to enjoy your meal in peace. A small terrace is open to us on sunny days, and this is where we chose to dine to take advantage of the mild summer weather.

All around us are regulars who come back often, a sign of a good restaurant in the area. As for the prices, there's nothing to complain about: dishes cost around ten euros, making it a very affordable place to eat, especially in a district where there are plenty of good Vietnamese restaurants but not all of them are equal. Here, it's the good value for money that makes the difference. It's not uncommon to find the same dish for €4 more just two streets away, so we applaud the quality combined with affordability. 

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We also enjoyed a delicious shrimp dumpling soup with a flavorful broth. As we were nearing the end of the meal, the owner kindly offered us a bowl of pho broth filled with melt-in-your-mouth beef, which we thoroughly enjoyed. One thing is certain: we'll be back to try her pho. 

We finish with an excellent three-color dessert, ideal for hot weather and with everything you need. Something for the hungry and the curious alike.

If you like no-frills Vietnamese cuisine, if you're looking for a friendly spot where you can eat well without asking any questions, Dong Tam is clearly a great discovery to make in the 13th arrondissement. A small restaurant that does things right without breaking the bank, to keep carefully on your list of good addresses.