Cu Tu - Hackney
Cu Tu
Description
In the heart of Kingsland Road lies an array of Vietnamese eateries that promise to excite taste buds. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Cu Tu emerges as a cozy haven, offering traditional dishes alongside intriguing surprises, like goat meat. Diners rave about the comforting bowls of noodle soup, perfect for warming up during cold seasons, while the efficient service ensures quick meals are served without hesitation. Although some may find certain dishes less impressive compared to other local favorites, the inviting ambiance and affordability make Cu Tu a compelling choice for both newcomers and seasoned Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts.
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Cu Tu is a newer restaurant located on Kingsland Road with a beautiful atmosphere and excellent hospitality. I stumbled upon it while looking for a well-known spot, but decided to give it a try. The manager, Tom, was a delight and the food was delicious. Plus, the prices were very reasonable, with an additional 10% discount. I will definitely be returning. I highly recommend trying the dry chili squid - it's a must!
The new Cu Tu restaurant now stands where the old Hung Viet restaurant used to be. I had never dined at Hung Viet, so I cannot say if Cu Tu is a new version trying to escape past issues or if it is an entirely new establishment, but it certainly has a cozy feel to it. After indulging too much during the holidays, what better way to start the New Year than with a nourishing bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup? It's comforting, soul-warming, and a true blessing after the hustle and bustle of Christmas. The menu at Cu Tu is quite intriguing - it offers all the traditional favorites, but also some unexpected surprises. I've never seen goat meat on a Vietnamese menu before, or maybe I just haven't been looking hard enough.
We all know how it is with popular restaurants - people tend to flock to them and ignore everything else. Why bother going elsewhere when you can go to the best? Otherwise, it would just be another unnecessary addition of calories. Think about your favorite restaurant - do they remember what your usual order is without you having to remind them? No cheating, give it a try. Whenever I crave a piping hot bowl of pho (which has been happening more often with the extended winter), I always head to Song Que on Kingsland Road. It's nearly impossible to snag a table after 6:30 on weekends, so I always make sure to come earlier. Now that the days are getting longer with summer approaching...
Decent Vietnamese although not my favourite on the Kingsland Road strip. Being further north, it is less crowded than several of the other options. There are a couple of reasons to seek out Cu Tu especially, though. The banana blossom salad is unusual and not on every menu. Also the deep fried whole fish dishes (try the sea bream with mango) are filleted before frying and then served in a nest constructed from the sculpted fried skeleton. Beats having to fillet the fish yourself at the table, which is the case in most of the restaurants on the Pho Mile where this type of dish is concerned. This restaurant is a BYO.
I asked my friend from Hoxton to recommend me the best Vietnamese on the Kingsland road and after a few drinks on a Thursday night we did one better and went together. This was her choice, but sadly I wasn't as impressed. Sure, it was good and portions sizeable and BYO, but the food wasn't up to my expectations of the best. I had a Vietnamese golden pancake that was basically a pancake wrapped around a stir fry and not much more. The beef and galanga curry I then followed it with was OK but a bit too viscous for my liking. I was looking for something a bit measured and more unique but Cu Tu was quite as good as say Banh Mi Bay in Clerkenwell. However it was still OK and without the...read more
