Ben Thanh - London

Our second visit did not disappoint. Service was prompt and friendly. Rob explained the menu much better as our first visit we basically fumbled through it. The deep fried wontons stuffed with cream cheese and veggies were excellent and for me the highlight. Shanghai Chow Mein was good with just a hint of spice, Beef & Carrots in 5 Spice Broth with rice was tender but a little fatty just as Rob had described, so not a surprise. All in all, a very good meal.

We love the food and atmosphere here; very consistent and sedpendable. The staff is cheery and knowledgeable. Tip: try one of thei "build your own" platters - soooo good!

This review is for the Ben Thanh at Wonderland/Fanshawe. Unfortunately most of the reviews do not indicate which of 3 Ben Thanh's is being reviewed. This one is newer, larger, more expensive than most Viet/Thai restaurants in the London area. The funds seem to be invested in decor rather than in the cooking. The original Ben Thanh on York street was for many years a go-to place for generous, well-prepared Thai influenced dishes at a reasonable price. This is not like that original restaurant. At least our server was quick, responsive, good-natured,and cheerful. Dishes and service were quick, despite it being a Friday evening and somewhat busy. We were speedily seated and given the obligatory pot of tea which suspiciously contained no tea leaves. It was tepid, not hot,and tasted like weak, soapy dishwater--not a good omen. I've probably had a thousand pots of tea in asian style restaurants, but nothing like this. When questioned, the server indicated that it was made in a big container all at once for the whole restaurant well before we arrived; certainly not fresh. Most places pour boiling water over some jasmine tea leaves and set it down within 5 minutes. Some Asian restaurants add more boiling water to the tea leaves later but at least it is fresh, hot and drinkable, unlike this, a poor managerial "efficiency" decision and a harbinger of the mediocrity to follow. We switched to beers. Whenever we try a Thai/Viet restaurant new to us, one of us tries the Pad Thai as a minimal barometer of the kitchen's ability to execute basics. This pad was a weird orange colour like canned spaghetti; the noodles gummy and clumped in an unappetizing lump. There were exactly 2 tiny pieces of squid, 4 shrimp, and 3 tiny pieces of chicken, with not a single bean sprout nor a crumb of peanuts, nor any taste of tamarind. I've had pad thai on 3 continents but never before without those basic ingredients. Draped over it was a sad, long, straggly stem of cilantro which looked like it had been run over before being used as a garnish. On the plus side it was a generous serving with just the right amount of heat (we requested 7/10). We also tried the spicy Thai eggplant curry with shrimp. This "entree" was well-flavoured, with both the eggplant and the shrimp being tender and tasty but as an entree it was inadequately small, more accurately described as a side dish, and too heavily salted. Steamed rice, which should have been served under or with that curry, is on the menu for $3.00 extra. It's like charging for the noodles in a noodle dish. By the time you add rice, tax, and tip, our "side dish" alone was nudging $20. None of Ben Thanh's curries include rice, which is just being cheap. We, like most couples are spending between $50 and $100. for a meal for 2 with drinks. There is better, less expensive Thai food in a dozen other places. If you want to pay these prices, go to a couple of London restaurants that serve delicious, perfectly prepared, premium Thai cuisine.

Every several months we have come to BenThanh as it is different that your Cantonese type Chinese. I have NEVER in my life been ignored and waited 55 minutes from arrival till food on table. No tea, ... appitizer came AFTER the main dishes. There is no complaints on the food.Either management need to put more staff on, or staff in training should not be pput in a situation that they are flying the plane.I am very forgiving but when 7 tables who came in after we did, leave before we receive our food, this is the last time.

Let's start by addressing one major issue here. Whoever made the decision that the person at the front counter that should be greeting your customers and welcoming them to your establishment should not be on the phone taking orders. That already sets a bad experience. Second please take a moment to clean your floors. If your front entrance and the floors are al dirty what is the standards for your food and prep area? I was very disappointed because I usually get the phad Thai, the flavour was good as always but what I found that the deluxe which you would think would give you more of the options shrimp, squid, chicken would be somewhat more than three pieces of shrimp and two pieces of squid? Very disappointing. The service was great waitress was friendly and attentive to each table. Food was hot and fresh. Just needs to work on the front of the house and fix those issues waited in line without knowing a time frame to be seated and watch the front counter person take orders. And of course kept looking at the dirty floors and wondering what else would I find that has been overlooked?