Review of Co Thanh in Covent Garden
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese flavours in the heart of London, Co Thanh is one to add to your list. Tucked away on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, this vibrant restaurant takes inspiration from Vietnam's legendary ‘Lunch Lady’, whose street-food cooking was famously championed by Anthony Bourdain. With traditional Vietnamese furnishings and charming details throughout, Co Thanh captures the spirit of Vietnam's bustling food scene, offering a menu packed with comforting classics and bold, fresh flavours.

We kicked things off with the restaurant's signature beer-battered fried chicken wings, coated in a sticky nuoc mam and smoked chilli glaze. Crispy, savoury and utterly moreish, they were followed by refreshing prawn summer rolls, providing the perfect balance to the richness of the wings. For my main, I opted for the Bún Nem Nướng, a classic Vietnamese vermicelli noodle dish topped with marinated pork sausage skewers, pickles and nuoc cham dressing. Fresh, fragrant and full of contrasting textures, it's exactly the kind of dish that makes Vietnamese cuisine so irresistible.

Drinks are equally enticing, with a new selection of zingy cocktails, natural wines and Vietnamese favourites. I couldn't resist a whole fresh coconut, served straight from the shell, bringing a little tropical holiday feeling to Covent Garden. And whatever you do, save room for dessert. The Cà Phê Tiramisu made with Vietnamese dark-roast coffee, was an absolute treat. My personal favourite however, was the Chè Ba Màu; a traditional tricolour iced dessert layered with coconut milk, palm sugar, red beans and pandan jelly. Refreshing, colourful and wonderfully nostalgic, it was the perfect ending to our meal.
With its lively atmosphere, authentic flavours and generous helping of Vietnamese hospitality, Co Thanh delivers a delicious taste of Vietnam without leaving London. Highly recommended, particularly if you're looking for something beyond your usual Covent Garden dining spots.
Address: Covent Garden, 16 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH
For more information click hhere
Words and photography by Enytha Peer








