LUA - vietnamesische Küche in Essen

Super delicious food! Unfortunately, you can only pay in cash here—which I find a bit questionable in 2025.

Very tasty food - would love to come back

Visited for the first time and found it to be first-class. We'll be back.

The coffee was very Refreshing and unique

Ended up here with my girlfriend and her son after a rather long car ride from southern Germany. The staff are helpful and speak both English and German, so you always get a clear understanding. We ordered three completely different dishes, and the wait wasn't long. The portion was generous and could be seasoned with soy sauce or sriracha chili sauce. A very enjoyable evening.

We went there spontaneously and found the food very delicious. They also accommodated our special requests. The food was prepared quickly, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is modern and cozy. We would go back and recommend it.

Everything is great and always delicious. However, you can only pay in cash, so keep that in mind beforehand.

This is my first time here and I'm absolutely thrilled! The food is incredibly delicious and the staff are super friendly and attentive. I can only recommend it – definitely stop by!

We had dinner here because of the good reviews on Google but unfortunately we were disappointed by the lack of service. First of all the menu was in German and second, the waiter didn’t want to help us translate anything. While she took our order she was talking to other employees and guests and didn’t answer our questions. Also i think it was overpriced. The food was ok and the portions were fine but the noodles lacked of taste. You can’t pay with credit card as foreigner here . The duck was unfortunately a bit dry . I had to run around in a mall to find an atm, no help from the waitress. Honestly there is much room for improvement. 100 euros for 4 persons . They forgot my food and made one order wrong . Best was the spring rolls

Really wanted to like this place, but the food was overpriced and not filling for the price point. Ordered a salmon bun. The Vietnamese drip coffee, however, was excellent, though the most expensive I've ordered in all of Germany (so far). Fresh basil was nice. Not sure for the price I would go back.

I tried udon noodles.. tasted really good.

Great pho, super tasty and authentic! For me, the tastiest pho bo in the area

The taste and atmosphere were both good. However, only cash payment is accepted.

The pork had several pieces of cartilage in it. I had to "interrupt" my meal several times. Not so great... The summer roll was disappointing in taste. I probably wouldn't eat anything from here again.

There are places where eating is more than just the act of consuming food – where every ingredient, every nuance, and every bowl carries a touch of home. This Vietnamese restaurant is undoubtedly one of those places where enjoyment and authenticity go hand in hand. The chicken soup deserves special mention: a true masterpiece of simplicity and depth. The broth – clear, but by no means plain – reveals a careful blend of flavors that unfold on the palate with gentle warmth and soothing strength. The chicken itself is tender, juicy, and of a quality rarely found. The cooking here is done with dedication, and you can taste it in every spoonful. The meat dishes also deserve special praise. Whether grilled, braised, or roasted – the meat is always perfectly cooked, aromatically seasoned, and of excellent texture. The kitchen succeeds in maintaining the balance between spicy depth and fresh lightness – an art that requires great sensitivity, especially in Vietnamese cuisine. Overall, this is not only an exceptionally tasty but also an authentic culinary experience. Those who value authentic Vietnamese cuisine – with a particular focus on delicately seasoned soups and high-quality meat – will find what they're looking for here.

Always delicious, relaxed, and peaceful. Really 😋

We spontaneously stopped by for dinner today. The food, the ambiance, the cleanliness, and the service were perfect 👌 Thank you 😊

Here, the visual aspect is definitely important. A wonderful variety on the plate. The staff was super friendly, and everything was hygienic. There was a bit of dirt on the floor here and there from guests, but that happens almost everywhere. I highly recommend this small restaurant.

Sehr lecker. Sehr nettes Personal.

For my taste, this is the best pho I've ever had, especially for the price. I've had much more expensive and blander broths elsewhere. But the other dishes always impress me, too. I also really like the large selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Large portions! Enough to fill a grown man! The food was tasty, but not great. My stomach felt a bit offended afterward. I think it was because of the flavor enhancers.

We've been there several times, and everything was great. Last time, it wasn't quite as good. The starter was forgotten, and the main course arrived right after a long wait. Unfortunately, it didn't taste as good as usual. We weren't used to the service, and we think that evening was an exception. However, it must be said that the waiters were extremely friendly and wanted to make things right, even though we didn't complain. So we'll give it another chance soon.

I went there with my girlfriend yesterday. We were kicked out before we'd even finished eating, with the excuse that they wanted to accommodate other guests. There were actually other tables around us that were open, and we wanted to try other things. The worst part was, card payments were suddenly not possible, and we were asked to withdraw money from the bank. Very disappointing!

Outstanding food! Outstanding service!

Definitely recommended. A well-run restaurant with well-thought-out, manageable, delicious dishes. Delicious!

I can't say the visit to the restaurant was bad, but I wouldn't call it outstanding either – overall, everything was fine: both the food and the service. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the restaurant itself is quite comfortably furnished. However, there were a few things that marred the overall impression. A male server handed out chopsticks by holding them by the end you eat with – it seemed unhygienic and unpleasant. Also, consider the difficult parking situation: It's almost impossible to find a free spot in the area, especially in the evenings. On my second visit, I placed a pickup order. While the process was quick, I was informed in advance that payment was cash only. Since I didn't have any cash with me, I had to drive out to get some. On the first visit, however, we paid by card without any problems – which caused some confusion. Overall, the restaurant isn't bad, but in my opinion, there are a few things they could improve on.

Great food, fair prices and friendly service. Definitely recommend!

Very tasty Vietnamese food at fair prices.

What a pleasant surprise to find a restaurant like this, what good food and how authentic 👍🏻

Everything was great, very tasty and very good service.

Very good cuisine. I recommend it.

Unpretentious Vietnamese cuisine.

Nice restaurant, friendly service, good food, large portions, highly recommended

Excellent Vietnamese restaurant, all is good

Amazing food and huge portions. The ambiance is very cozy. No card payment though, and when using PayPal, they ask for the “family and friends” option – not too professional. All in all a great, authentic restaurant though!

Authentic cuisine and good prices. We treated ourselves to lunch. Dishes ranged from €14-18. So it's fine. We'd happily return.

A small and elegant Vietnamese restaurant. A good selection of dishes, all very fresh and extremely tasty. The prices are moderate, and the service is very friendly and attentive. The only downside is the ambiance, as the tables are quite close together.

LUA in Essen offers a delightful Vietnamese dining experience with its cozy ambiance and attentive service. Dishes like the richly flavored pho and spicy udon noodles are standout choices. The shared starters platter provides a diverse taste of their offerings. Note: It's a cash-only establishment, so plan accordingly. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.

The food is always good there. I've tried many Vietnamese restaurants, but none can compete with Lua. Simply fantastic!

Celebrated my birthday there wirh ny fanily and it was amazing. From beginning to end. Beautiful people, amazing food and excelent service Merlande warm greetings. Loved Aleisea enthusiasm and Damion demea. Chef Jamar came over and acomódate my son food restrictions to the 100 with no hesitation

The best curry I've ever had and I've had a lot of good curries!

A great Vietnamese restaurant in Essen! The food was delicious, fresh, and served surprisingly quickly. The service was friendly and attentive. The value for money is also good. I'd love to come back!

Great food, good service, good prices.. all you need to be happy and satisfied in a restaurant

The food is fantastic, the service is very nice. The ambience is pleasant. The selection also leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine. We really enjoy coming to the LUA, even with children it's no problem. You should definitely make a reservation on the weekend.

Food is very nice, service also but could be nicer (a bit more smile). For tourists like us please pay attention that you can only pay cash. No cards accepted. There is a sign at the door that we saw when we left, but didn't pay attention when we entered. Caught us off guard.

Nice little restaurant, my vegan pho was really great. Singing along in Vietnamese while cooking makes it even more comfortable. Thank you for this great experience!

We ordered food to pick up. It was ready on time, fresh and super tasty! The restaurant itself is modern and comfortably furnished. Gladly again!

My partner and I recently visited this Vietnamese restaurant for the first time, and it was such a wonderful experience. The staff was incredibly welcoming—even though they didn’t speak much English, they made every effort to communicate and make us feel at home. We started with the appetizers (the ones you see in the picture), and they were absolutely amazing—full of flavor and beautifully presented. We had never tried Vietnamese food before, but it truly impressed us! We also ordered a main course, which was just as incredible. Just a heads-up: the portions are quite generous, so come hungry or consider sharing! Overall, we had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend it to anyone curious to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

I had the Pho Bo and it was the tastiest thing I've ever had!!! Would recommend everyone to eat here, wow🥰😍

The food here was delicious and the staff is nice and pleasant. If I'm in the area again, I would eat there again

Great cuisine, delicious, great price, very friendly.

You should definitely order in advance here, as this restaurant is often very busy. Not without reason, because Lua impresses with a large selection of tasty and healthy dishes. In particular, the vegetarian Pho, the wonton and the spring roll are highly recommended. The ambience, as well as the friendliness of the staff, contribute to a pleasant experience. Presumably due to the high number of visitors, it can sometimes take a while before you can order or pay, which is only possible with cash. The bottom line is a clear recommendation!

Both meals were excellent. Friendly, attentive service. Top.

The food isn't even that expensive and it tastes so delicious!! Nice employees, the atmosphere and the vibe are really perfect. I can only recommend it!!!!

We've been here four times and we have to say, the food is excellent! Only the delicious sauces could be a little thicker. For everyone who wants to eat delicious Asian food, this is a secret tip!

Very tasty. Highly recommended. The interior design seems a bit lackluster, but the delicious food makes up for it. Prices are quite reasonable.

This restaurant is a true gem for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine!🇻🇳 My absolute favorite dish here is the Cary Tom with shrimp🍤 or Cary Tofu – a perfect combination of coconut milk, spicy lemongrass, fresh vegetables, and tender shrimp or tofu. Simply delicious!🍲 In addition to the soup, they also offer fantastic spring rolls, aromatic noodle and rice dishes, and delicious drinks that perfectly complement the meal.🍹 ☝🏻Important: The restaurant is almost always full, so reservations are recommended. Furthermore, they only accept cash payments. ⭐ Highly recommended for all fans of Asian cuisine!

Went there with not much time to spare. Although it was full, we got a seat and got beverages and food. All was served super fast. Food was superb!!

Truly irresistibly delicious! It's highly recommended to reserve a table on Sunday evenings, and for good reason! Five of us ordered different dishes and were all very impressed. For dessert, we recommend a mango lassi :) Sometimes you have to wait a bit for a waiter, but in the lovely atmosphere, it's not a bad idea to approach the evening a little more relaxed. All in all, very good, and I would eat here again!

Solid Vietnamese restaurant! The food could have been a little more aromatic, but it was still tasty and the atmosphere was nice too

After discovering the city of Essen, we stopped here to enjoy good Vietnamese cuisine again. We were not disappointed as the food was freshly prepared and well seasoned, simply very tasty. The service was attentive, courteous and friendly. The ambience conveyed the typical simple, modern flair that focused on the essentials. You'll be happy to come back here, even if you can only pay in cash!

Bad surf and turf, tasteless noodles. Other guest also not satisfied with pho. Said something about it. Tablemates had something better. Anyway, no success for me.

Good Vietnamese cuisine. Nice service 👍

The food was very clear and very heavy on oil. The service wasn't unfriendly. Comfortable is different.

The food is delicious, but can only be paid for in cash.

It was very busy and still they kept the service level high, worked hard and served great food for a good price.

Super authentic and delicious food Friendly service Spontaneously being there with 6 people on Sunday lunchtime wasn't a problem, but we were lucky because the food was really delicious

Very tasty and authentic food, prices were absolutely fair. Vegetarian selection available. The service was a bit chaotic but always friendly. We recommend a reservation.

Overall, the restaurant has a cool vibe and the food is awesome in my opinion. I have visited this restaurant in the summer and in the winter, but I think I'd restrict my visits to the warmer months. I find it sad that only cash payments are allowed.

It was very loud, no place to enjoy quiet. The food was not what I expected. People are just different in Vietnam.

Unfortunately, it is very loud there so that you can hardly have a conversation with the other person.

The food tasted good, especially the dumplings (Wantan Chay) were really delicious. The service could be a little more attentive.

Be careful when paying with cash. There is a risk of fraud here! Using sleight of hand, a paid €50 bill becomes a €10 bill. I was tricked by a young Vietnamese waitress (short, slim, glasses, long braid) last night, January 3rd, 2025.

Really delicious! Very authentic! Can be highly recommended. Unfortunately only cash payment.

Ahhhhhh simply delicious!!!!!!!

Nice atmosphere, and tasty food. Service very hasty and curt

The best Vietnamese in Essen! Incredibly fresh, delicious dishes. Generous portions and friendly service.

The food was very tasty! There is a large selection of dishes and also an extra range of vegan dishes. The restaurant is modern and cozy. Unfortunately, we always had to flag down the waitress, so everything took a little longer.

Very tasty food, fresh, good sauces, spontaneously had a table. Also full on Monday evenings!

Be ready to pay cash...no credit card accepted

What impresses here is the high quality and the fact that everything tastes like it's homemade. The highlight are the starters, be sure to try the wontons. Main courses are very noodle and soup-heavy. Service is not intrusive, very polite and a bit slow.

Price performance is right here, food was good, a bit too adapted therefore not 5 stars. The service was very busy and friendly.

The taste is more western and not so authentic. Also designed in a somewhat fancy, modern way. Quality is okay but I would have placed more emphasis on the taste.

My favorite Vietnamese in town. The food is always on point and is prepared fresh and quickly 🤞 my all-time favorite dish is - 56 vegan curry & as dessert I always have to order the sessballs. 🫣 great authentic food, nice service and good prices. Not only locally but also as a delivery service via Wolt 😜

The staff is friendly and the food is very delicious! I love udon with curry and duck

I have eaten there and I have also ordered home and I have loved both, I always order the duck with udon and curry and drink the peach iced tea! They are very nice too 💖

Visually beautifully presented, good portions, tasty. Summer rolls with tamarind sauce were a hit.

Food was really good and I found it quite authentic (I spent many months in Vietnam myself). Only bad thing is only cash payment - deduction in service

Great shop with delicious dishes. Unfortunately, no card payment is possible there.

The food was simply fantastic! I was immediately impressed by the freshness of the ingredients. The Bun Bo Nam Bo in particular was a highlight – rich, aromatic and perfectly seasoned. The Vietnamese spring rolls were also a delight. The service was friendly and attentive. I will definitely come back and recommend Lua to anyone who loves Vietnamese cuisine or just wants to try something new. A real gem in the city!

Cozy restaurant, food came quickly and was very tasty. Even though I came alone and there was only one large table available, that wasn't a problem and I was served very nicely.

It was a tip, but now I really enjoy eating Vietnamese food there.

The staff is very friendly and the food is always delicious.

Really really tasty. Definitely make a reservation, the shop is very popular and not huge.

Today only 1 star for the hair in my Com Thi Suon Nuong, which might be better respected. And if someone tells me- “it can happen, we are only human”… No! It can't happen and better care should be taken. When I cook, my hair is covered, my hands are washed after every task and I want to see the love for the food on the plate. Not a hair makes you lose your appetite. Cari Ga with breaded chicken strips Unfortunately also messed up. It was just rice with cream soup, even though I didn't order any soup. It wasn't fun to eat. I don't know that much about you. The pho broth with beef was delicious, as always. My dish was super tasty and 5 stars from me BUT a hair has no place in it. I am a regular customer and I will definitely give you another chance and hopefully it will be a 5-star dish again.

The food was very good (wok dish), the waiter was very friendly. When asked, he may have seemed a bit helpless due to language barriers. I didn't choose any toilets. There was no annoying music, we were able to have a good chat and overall it was a very nice atmosphere, even though the dining room itself is very small. Very well done! ATTENTION, only cash payment possible.

Best Vietnamese restaurant in the Ruhr area - today again the great bun bo with tofu and green tea

Good restaurant with delicious food at solid prices. Perfect for a break from shopping or eating after work.

Small, fine restaurant Sensational cuisine Great selection Good service

Pho vegan is good and the ingredients are fresh, only the broth could be a little spicier. Unfortunately, the wok dishes are far too greasy and sometimes inedible. I reduced the review to one star because the last time we received the pho was completely drained. The Wolt driver then very rudely referred us to the restaurant. So we called them and received part of the order again. However, this had expired again and in our opinion it should have been a completely new delivery. The second Wolt driver then referred us back to the restaurant, albeit in a friendly manner. So we called them again and were promised a reimbursement of the costs. But we didn't receive these. Unfortunately, you have lost customers who previously ordered regularly from you, dear LUA team...