T-wa Inn - Denver

Initially, I thought we were heading to a “Thai” restaurant for some spicy dishes, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was Vietnamese instead. Chinese... read more Initially, I thought we were heading to a “Thai” restaurant for some spicy dishes, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was Vietnamese instead. Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other regional cuisines share many similarities, with only a few subtle differences, one of which is the noticeable American influence. As we entered T-Wa, I was struck by how charming and comfortable the restaurant was. It was neat and spacious, with well-thought-out décor that enhanced the overall dining experience. To get into the spirit of the evening, I started off with a “Lychee” Martini, which was a special item on the menu. Lychee is a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia that is particularly popular in China and Vietnam. Having never tasted it before, I found it quite enjoyable mixed into the martini as I perused the menu. While expecting Thai food, I was thrilled to encounter a wonderfully diverse selection of Vietnamese dishes, including some Pad Thai, Thai Pot (or "Bun"), and Asian Rice Platters that showcased Chinese and Japanese influences. There’s truly something for everyone, and the selection of vegetarian options, known as “Do Chay,” was particularly impressive. The menu featured at least ten vegetarian choices, along with numerous vegetable and tofu selections scattered throughout. For meat lovers, the menu included the usual beef, chicken, pork, and seafood, but also offered unique items like Dungeness crab, soft shell crab, escargot, catfish, and mussels. If you’re in search of Southeast Asian flavors, you can definitely find them here. Although I struggled with the pronunciation of the dish names, I got to see several delicious options, including the “Cua Lot” (Soft Shell Crab), “Ga Xao Thap Cam” (Chicken and Vegetables), “Do Chay Kho To” (Vegetables in Traditional Sauce served in a pot), “Tofu Ca Tim” (Tofu with Eggplant), and my choice, “Tofu Tuong Hot” (Tofu with Bean Sauce). My dish was supposed to be “hot and spicy,” but as usual, it didn’t quite meet my heat expectations. Thankfully, the waiter kindly brought out jalapeños to add some spice. I noted that the Tofu with Eggplant came garnished with hot peppers, but those weren’t meant to enhance the dish’s spiciness. There was also a generous supply of Sriracha hot sauce on the table, which satisfied my heat craving. My tofu was cut into strips instead of triangles, but it was cooked to the perfect al dente texture and had absorbed the delicious flavors from the sauce. The sauce itself was perfectly textured and seasoned, making the dish delightful overall. I would gladly return just for that meal. My only minor disappointment was that they serve only white rice; when I asked about brown rice, I learned that they don’t offer it because not enough customers order it, leading to waste. I urge everyone to try brown rice when possible; its flavor and texture elevate any dish. Personally, I feel somewhat shortchanged when I have to settle for white rice, but I understand the practicality behind the decision. Overall, I’d rate T-Wa Inn an “A+” based on this visit. I didn’t hear a single complaint, and everyone appeared to be quite happy with their meals. Aside from the absence of brown rice, my tofu was exactly how I like it, and I was able to spice it to my liking. With most dishes priced between $9.00 and $14.00, the prices and portion sizes were just right. The restaurant was clean (though the restrooms could use some attention), the service was friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere was perfect for an enjoyable dining experience. Though I have only dined there once, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this restaurant to everyone, regardless of their preferred cuisine. Most patrons who enter hungry are sure to leave content.

I had never explored the Vietnamese restaurant scene on Federal Blvd before, despite hearing a lot about it and its numerous eateries. So, I decided to check ou... read more I had never explored the Vietnamese restaurant scene on Federal Blvd before, despite hearing a lot about it and its numerous eateries. So, I decided to check out T-Wa Inn for my first experience in the area, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The food was fantastic, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Don’t let the neighborhood or surroundings mislead you; they truly serve some amazing dishes! I ordered the barbecue beef rib platter, paired with a side of Vietnamese egg rolls. The beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, while the egg rolls were cooked to a perfect golden brown and came with a delicious tangy fish sauce. Although it’s a bit of a trek for me, I will definitely return to sample more of their offerings. If you find yourself in the area and craving delicious Vietnamese cuisine, I highly recommend T-Wa Inn!