A Buzz-Worthy Vietnamese Restaurant in LA

By Annie Suh

Assorted Imperial Rolls

Talk about distinctive. Basil-Lime Elixir, Lychee Mimosa and the Gingergrass Gingerale are refreshing drinks that tickle your fancy and leave you quite intrigued. But not everyone will like the Gingergrass Gingerale unless cinnamon and ginger is your thing or you like to be adventurous.

A magnet to the hipster crowd in Silver Lake, the eco-friendly Gingergrass serves well-groomed Vietnamese dishes with a Californian twist in a cute space that is minimalist and contemporary in design. The “Gingergrass” Tofu Bowl is something to get your hands on. This kind of crispy take on organic tofu will awaken anyone’s taste buds. They also serve wok tossed marinated filet mignon if you’re feeling more American.

Dishes are flavored to perfection—not too oily, salty, sweet or bland. To start, I would recommend any of the imperial rolls, particularly the crab & shrimp, which all comes with the flavor-oozing but light Vietnamese dipping sauce (nuoc cham).

Everything on the menu is under $20 ($9 to $16) and they conveniently have a private parking lot in the back. This place is for you if you want tasty, healthy, inexpensive food with a modish atmosphere. Stars also casually frequent this eatery without the Hollywood buzz or star-struck patrons. Gingergrass takes no reservations so be willing to wait in line with the others during weekends.

And if this is your first time, mark the spot since you’ll be returning more than once. Gingergrass Kitchens also provide catering for your next business or special event. One more thing…Gingergrass is slated to open a new location in the San Fernando Valley’s Burbank area some time in 2010 on Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way near the Warner Brothers studios. So be on the lookout valley denizens.

Open Everyday (no reservations)
Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11:30am – 3pm / Sat-Sun, 11:30am – 5pm
Dinner: Sun-Wed, 5pm – 10pm, Th-Sat 5pm – 11pm

2396 Glendale Blvd
Silver Lake, CA 90039
(323) 644-1600