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Address and Contact Information
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: (515) 252-8713
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Vietnam Cafe (located in Merle Hay Mall Food Court) | Des Moines IA
3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite 984, Des Moines, IA, United States, 50310. Services. . Specialties. Curbside pickup · In-store pickup · Dine-in. Contact info.
Vietnam Cafe
3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA (Merle Hay Mall Food Court). 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA (Merle Hay Mall Food Court). ABOUT RESTAURANT. Enjoy An …
Vietnam Café faces closure as Merle Hay Mall food court disappears
“I would like to continue my dream since I was a kid and to continue bringing Vietnamese foods and culture to others in the Des Moines and …
Reviews
Pheng Moua
8-23-25 Wife and I came and stayed in town after visiting maquoketa cave park. She was feeling Asian food and mention this place located in Merle Hay Mall.
First, this mall food court was pretty empty until we got to the main area, which has some people but not a lot. Walking thru this mall brings back memories of growing up in the 90s. I feel like I’m walking thru time seems as this mall doesn’t seem updated.
I order a medium beef combo pho and bahn mi and my wife got a small bun bo hue. They did get the size order opposites but they corrected right away. My wife got to keep her medium bowl.
Not sure if it was close to closing time that had to do with food flavors but the pho broth was just meh, very little flavor kind of bland. I wasn’t expecting anything too much from mall food, especially pho. There was a good amount of beef and the size of the meat ball slice was big. The only disappointment was that there was no tendon which was the reason why I got this combo in the first place. The bahn mi was just okay. I was confused when they said they had to toast the bahn mi. I’ve never bought bahn mi that was toasted but it was okay. My wife said her bun bo hue was spicy which made up for flavors.
Overall, okay food for mall food in Des Moines.
… moreFirst, this mall food court was pretty empty until we got to the main area, which has some people but not a lot. Walking thru this mall brings back memories of growing up in the 90s. I feel like I’m walking thru time seems as this mall doesn’t seem updated.
I order a medium beef combo pho and bahn mi and my wife got a small bun bo hue. They did get the size order opposites but they corrected right away. My wife got to keep her medium bowl.
Not sure if it was close to closing time that had to do with food flavors but the pho broth was just meh, very little flavor kind of bland. I wasn’t expecting anything too much from mall food, especially pho. There was a good amount of beef and the size of the meat ball slice was big. The only disappointment was that there was no tendon which was the reason why I got this combo in the first place. The bahn mi was just okay. I was confused when they said they had to toast the bahn mi. I’ve never bought bahn mi that was toasted but it was okay. My wife said her bun bo hue was spicy which made up for flavors.
Overall, okay food for mall food in Des Moines.
megg
This food court is important to the abundance of clubs that are held and all of us love veitnam cafe. The egg rolls, the pho, the orange chicken, and spring rollls. Everything is legit good food. <3
… moreRobert Shewmake
While visiting Des Moines, IA this weekend, I was craving Vietnamese fresh rolls and started searching for a place to get them. I decided to try Vietnam Cafe Express inside the Merle Hay Mall.
Walking through the mall was a surprise — more than half of it appeared vacant, giving it a bit of a ghost town feel. When I reached the food court, I approached the counter and was greeted by a woman I later learned was Brenda, who may be the owner. They didn’t have any fresh rolls ready, but she curtly informed me they could make some. I ordered four, which were reasonably priced at $2.50 each.
It took about 10–15 minutes for my order, during which I observed Brenda being rather short with customers — to the point of seeming unappreciative and borderline rude. Honestly, it’s surprising to see that kind of attitude in a mall that’s already struggling with so many empty storefronts.
When my rolls were ready, the interaction was again abrupt, with no real sense of appreciation for my business. The rolls themselves looked decent, but they were heavy on vermicelli (about 95%) and light on greens.
Overall, the food was passable, but the lack of customer service and gratitude left a bigger impression. I’m not sure I’d return.
… moreWalking through the mall was a surprise — more than half of it appeared vacant, giving it a bit of a ghost town feel. When I reached the food court, I approached the counter and was greeted by a woman I later learned was Brenda, who may be the owner. They didn’t have any fresh rolls ready, but she curtly informed me they could make some. I ordered four, which were reasonably priced at $2.50 each.
It took about 10–15 minutes for my order, during which I observed Brenda being rather short with customers — to the point of seeming unappreciative and borderline rude. Honestly, it’s surprising to see that kind of attitude in a mall that’s already struggling with so many empty storefronts.
When my rolls were ready, the interaction was again abrupt, with no real sense of appreciation for my business. The rolls themselves looked decent, but they were heavy on vermicelli (about 95%) and light on greens.
Overall, the food was passable, but the lack of customer service and gratitude left a bigger impression. I’m not sure I’d return.
Elaine Shannon
The best pho I’ve had in ages! Delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly affordable. I also highly recommend the mango boba smoothie – it’s an awesome nondairy treat great for cooling off after enjoying your pho.
… moreAmelia Renee
I’ve been on a Pho kick lately, and wanted to try out this spot. It was tricky to find the food court! The service was fast, and the food is decent. Not the best Pho in town, but I also tried the cheese puffs and those were a fun treat!
… moreVas Shebarshov
We’ve heard good things and a few negative things about it. Were in the area on Friday night with the kids and decided to give it a shot.
It’s in he Merle Hay Mall food court, so getting there is already a trip. The food was good, I would not call it amazing but good for a mall food court for sure. The kids enjoyed most of what they had. They did have an all you can eat option on Friday evening, which was definitely an interesting option.
Service was also an experience, we were told “No” when we asked to order bubble tea, because she was too busy. Then later when I got up to clean up, they said it’s fine to make the bubble tea now… It was interesting.
… moreIt’s in he Merle Hay Mall food court, so getting there is already a trip. The food was good, I would not call it amazing but good for a mall food court for sure. The kids enjoyed most of what they had. They did have an all you can eat option on Friday evening, which was definitely an interesting option.
Service was also an experience, we were told “No” when we asked to order bubble tea, because she was too busy. Then later when I got up to clean up, they said it’s fine to make the bubble tea now… It was interesting.
Tim Lindsay
Tried asking some questions so we could get our son something he might eat (he’s picky) and she was just obviously annoyed. Argued with my wife about whether she ordered beef or chicken. Got a mini lesson on noodles…. and the result was he hardly ate anything. So uncomfortable that I didn’t bother to order anything for myself as I had at least 2 or 3 questions and it just wasn’t worth it to me. Really felt like she would rather we just left! Really disappointed as this was part of my wife’s birthday gift along with a movie at Flix. Terrible start to the night, and definitely won’t be back. Completely empty food court. You would think they wanted the business. Nope, just the $.
… moreAugust Phillips
Get the number 3! Amazing, eye opening foods.
Service: …
… moreService: …
Lukas Voss
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat! I don’t think you can call them a hidden gem anymore. 13 years in business and a lot of attention over the past couple of years, brought a lot of folks out to try them.
Their food makes up 100% for the dead mall atmosphere! I would skip their Chinese selection and go straight to their soups etc. very authentic, generous servings and super delicious.
The spring rolls are the best I’ve had, stuffed with tons of shrimp and always fresh.
Again, the only minus is the actual mall itself and how tucked away these guys are but you need to make the trip!
… moreTheir food makes up 100% for the dead mall atmosphere! I would skip their Chinese selection and go straight to their soups etc. very authentic, generous servings and super delicious.
The spring rolls are the best I’ve had, stuffed with tons of shrimp and always fresh.
Again, the only minus is the actual mall itself and how tucked away these guys are but you need to make the trip!
Kate
Pho Three Meats: Chicken, Beef, and Shrimps medium size was good!
… more