It is where American comfort is mixed with Vietnamese traditions: DaLat. Opened in April 2012, DaLat serves “Vietnamese comfort food” daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Each dish tells a story from the signature DaLat rolls and chili to the star of the show, Pho soup. Owned and operated by first-time restaurateur Khanh Nguyen, a native of Da Lat in Vietnam, the restaurant is a warm, witty and casual place to enjoy good food and innovative cocktails amongst friends and family, and the late-night dining option has made DaLat a favorite among the “Who’s Who” of the hospitality industry.
History
Before introducing the dishes, the story of restaurateur Khanh Nguyen should be told. DaLat symbolizes his memories of a young boy’s childhood growing up in the Vietnamese mountainside village of Da Lat in the 1970’s; the emergence of American culture after seeking political asylum; and the pursuit of the American dream.
Nguyen’s father was the Governor of Da Lat in 1975, and due to political unrest, needed to evacuate his wife and nine children immediately. Airplane reservations had been mishandled leaving three children without seats, and a fast alternative plan of action was required. The father decided to take the family to Saigon to speak with officials but first wanted to sit down for a last meal of Pho with his extended family of 30 to say good-bye. One of the uncles accidentally spilled the bowl of soup on the father, and he went home to change. Two hours later, he returned only to learn that the road to Saigon had been closed off by militia, and he and his family would have been killed. Nguyen and his family were saved by a bowl of Pho!
Concept
Escaping to America at the age of eight had a huge effect on Nguyen. While his parents preserved the Vietnamese culture, he was heavily influenced by American food, music, and lifestyle. DaLat restaurant is a combination of the best of both worlds. Although the dishes are not authentic Vietnamese cuisine, many are showcased the way Nguyen and his family prepared them at home when he was a child.
Dishes
The star of the show is Pho (chicken, beef, or spicy beef), a complex anise-based rice noodle soup for $8. DaLat provides a condiment station with limes, cilantro, pickled onions, bean sprouts, basil, jalapenos and chili paste to adorn the broth to one’s liking. In addition, DaLat offers Deconstructed Pho for a different experience and flavor palate, as well as DIRRRTY Pho, the unhealthy version (and not the restaurant’s recommendation as noted on the menu) using extra MSG and fat. Additional noodle soups are also available.
KHANHwiches, Nguyen’s amusing take on the traditional Banh Mi sandwich, are grand in size but not in price for only $6.50. Guests may choose from Italian, tuna, beef, chicken or even spam. Each sandwich comes with cucumbers, cilantro, pickled carrots, jalapenos, hot sauce, soy sauce and mayo
A varied selection of eight unique entrees from Fried Rice and VietMEX Tacos to Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe with shrimp) and the popular DaLat Chili with pork meatballs – an award-winner in a chili cookoff – are offered for under $9. Vegetarians will be delighted at the many dish options including several soups, Tofu Vermicelli, Tofu Vietnamese Sandwich, among others.
Not to be missed are the appetizers, such as the best-selling Xoi Lap Xuong ($5.50) of sticky rice and Chinese sausage and the DaLat Shooters ($4.50), a liquid concoction of red bell pepper, sake, and cream. Nguyen fondly calls his DaLat Rolls ($5), an egg roll inside a spring roll, “the Vietnamese version of a turducken.” [Da Lat Menu (pdf)]
Cocktails
DaLat’s innovative cocktails list includes one-of-a-kind mixes like the TangMosa (Tang and Caosaldo Prosecco sparkling wine), LonganTini (lychee and Longan Martini), and Soda Chanh Xi Muoi (Vietnamese Limeade with Xi Muoi infusion). Cocktails and wine are $7 each. The beer selection includes American best sellers and several Asian beers, and signature shots such as the DaLat Dragon tequila shot using preserved plum candy are also featured.
Atmosphere
Located in a 2,750 square foot space with seating for close to 70, DaLat is simple in design, bringing a casual and understatedly hip atmosphere. A large, blue dragon mural by artist Steve Hunter dominates the back wall. The lounge, divided by a half wall from the dining area, provides pops of red fabrics , funky chandeliers, custom-designed furniture. Patio dining is also offered for the many months of warm Dallas weather.
DaLat, serving Vietnamese comfort food, is located at 2537 N. Fitzhugh, Dallas, Texas 75204. It is about half a mile east of Central Expressway. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Patio dining and takeout are available. For more information, call 214.827.3200 or visit www.dalatdallas.com and Facebook.
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