Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Hello Em Việt – Seattle
Hello Em Việt - Seattle
Photo from Hello Em Việt
Hello Em Việt at a glance
Seattle Little Saigon
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#243 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#23 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
501
Reviews
83.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic coffee
- Friendly service
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Limited seating
- Long waits
The cafe Hello Em Việt invites you to experience a slice of Seattle’s vibrant Little Saigon. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for enjoying a quick bite or savoring their great coffee.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or unwinding with a dessert, this welcoming cafe offers a delightful escape.
Overview: Introducting Hello Em Việt
Hello Em Việt offers a delightful experience, often praised for its friendly staff and a truly welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the delicious and authentic coffee and food selections, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy Vietnamese flavors.
However, some visitors find the pricing a bit steep for what you get, and the limited seating can sometimes be a challenge. Despite these points, it generally provides a positive and engaging environment for its patrons.
Good
8
out of 10
501
Reviews
83.4%
Satisfaction
57
negative
26
neutral
418
positive
Hello Em Việt generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 8 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 83.4%. This positive sentiment is built on 418 positive remarks against 57 negative ones, indicating a largely favorable experience for many.
Diners particularly commend the Service (8.5) and Food (8.1), which consistently impress. The Ambience (8) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, the Value (5.4) receives a more average assessment, suggesting some find the pricing less compelling compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese coffee
- Friendly, quick service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks/sizes
- Limited seating options
- Long wait times
Hello Em Việt is a solid choice if you’re seeking a vibrant spot with friendly staff and a distinct welcoming atmosphere. While the authentic coffee and food offerings are generally well-received, be mindful of potential crowds and seating limitations.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, it’s certainly worth a visit for its core strengths. However, if value for money on drinks or guaranteed seating are top priorities, you might want to manage your expectations or plan your visit accordingly.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
526
97.7%
- $$
- Uptown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
261
95.8%
- $$
- High Point
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
315
95.9%
- $
- Delridge
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
93
97.8%
- $
- Alaska Junction
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
628
96.3%
- $
- Fremont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
363
94.2%
- $$
- Crown Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Hello Em Việt
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food and drinks here! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a great 84.5%, its clear that most folks are loving whats on offer. Out of 283 comments, a whopping 239 were positive, highlighting delicious Vietnamese coffee, unique egg coffee, and tasty banh mi sandwiches, often praising the mochi cloud and signature drinks too.
However, not every sip and bite hits the mark, with 29 negative remarks. Some found drinks to be too sweet or suffered from excessive ice, leading to a watery taste. There were also mentions of occasional bitterness in coffee or flavors that didnt quite deliver, suggesting some room for fine-tuning.
Food
283
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
29
negative
15
neutral
239
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Vietnamese coffee
- Unique egg coffee
- Tasty banh mi
What people don't like
- Overly sweet drinks
- Excessive ice
- Occasional bitterness
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at Em was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious Vietnamese food and coffee. They offer both breakfast and lunch options, and I particularly loved the banh mi sandwiches.
- foodMy experience at this cafe was fantastic! It's easily one of the best cafes in Seattle, offering a super authentic and delicious experience. The maggi coffee is unique and so yummy.
- egg coffeeMy wife and I recently visited for a Vietnamese coffee and an egg coffee. Having tried many Vietnamese coffees in various cities, I can confidently say this one ranks very highly amongst the best.
- Vietnamese coffeeMy wife and I recently visited for a Vietnamese coffee and an egg coffee. Having tried many Vietnamese coffees in various cities, I can confidently say this one ranks very highly amongst the best. The staff were really friendly, and it's a great place to sit down and enjoy your coffee.
- FoodThe staff were incredibly kind and friendly. I had the Banh mi pate, which was perfectly crispy and seasoned – absolutely delicious!
- drinksThe menu offers a good selection of both drinks and food, featuring typical Vietnamese breakfast items. The drink menu is extensive, particularly with its diverse range of Vietnamese coffees, including some unique options not commonly found even in Vietnam. For those who prefer a strong coffee flavor, the Maggi coffee and egg coffee are highly recommended.
- egg cloud coffeeMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried the delicious egg cloud coffee and the bánh mì, both of which were excellent. The space is large with lots of seating, making it a comfortable place to dine.
- banh miI got a banh mi as well as some Vietnamese coffee. The banh mi was quite good. The coffee, however, was much too sweet for my tastes and I could not enjoy it.
- pandan croissantpandan croissant which is incredibly tasty
- Americano coffeehas an Americano coffee that fulfills in flavor
Frequently criticized
- Vietnamese coffeeMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The Creme brûlée iced latte was great, but the regular Vietnamese coffee had so much ice that I felt I only got about 3 sips out of it. This made the coffee feel a bit overpriced.
- coffeetheir coffee was still too sweet even for me
- pandan coffeeThe egg foam added a nice contrast to the intense robusta coffee, making it creamy and decadent. While the pandan coffee was unexpectedly mild and mostly tasted like foamed milk, the pate in the banh mi was a standout, though the pork sausage didn't add much. It’s great to see spaces that celebrate their cultural roots by supporting and empowering local Vietnamese creatives.
- Ca Phe Trung1 star for the Ca Phe Trung I ordered - it was sickeningly sweet
- Cà Phê TrứngThe pastry had too much sauce, which overpowered the flavors rather than complementing them. As for the egg coffee, the espresso wasn’t bold enough, and I found that it could have used more ice to balance the drink. Another small but notable thing was the straws—I’m not sure if they were reusable, but they were thick and not particularly enjoyable to drink from.
- Vietnamese iced coffeeDoesn’t taste like the true Vietnamese iced coffee
- bitternessI really wanted to love this place, but unfortunately, the coffee was way too bitter on both occasions I visited. Even with the egg cream, the sugar and cream couldn't offset the extreme bitterness, leaving me wondering about their brewing method or bean quality. Additionally, the workers could be more friendly.
- coconut coffeeCoconut coffee was watery, could not taste the coconut
- coffee bruleecoffee brulee but tasted really bad
- condensed milkNot enough condensed milk
If youre craving authentic and unique Vietnamese coffee and banh mi, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential sweetness levels or ice quantity, and youll likely have a fantastic experience.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 86.9%, its clear that most folks are walking away happy. Based on 61 remarks, with a whopping 53 positive comments, youll often find praise for the incredibly friendly staff, quick service, and helpful baristas who ensure your orders are done fast.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A handful of the 61 comments, specifically 6 negative ones, pointed out that some baristas werent always helpful, and there were occasional mentions of service without a smile or longer wait times. While these instances are few, they're worth noting.
Service
61
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Quick, fast service
- Helpful baristas
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unhelpful barista
- Service without smile
Often praised
- staffEven non-coffee drinkers will appreciate the great tea selection. The staff is wonderful, providing quick service in a modern warehouse space.
- serviceThe egg coffee was also incredibly delicious. The service was friendly, contributing to a very pleasant meal. I will definitely be returning.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe customer service was warm and inviting
- StaffStaff was also super friendly
- baristaVery friendly and efficient barista.
- baristasThe baristas are very nice and helpful
- careful attentionThe Americano coffee was satisfying in both flavor and temperature, clearly prepared by someone who knows what they're doing. The service was professional, with quick times and careful attention. I appreciated not being kept waiting or interrupted unnecessarily.
- dog friendlydog friendly (with treats 🐕🦴)
- drinksthe drinks came out quickly
Frequently criticized
- baristaThey were more busy talking to each other than helping me.
- drink recommendationswanted recommendations but barista was not very helpful
- serviceService without a smile!
- strawsAs for the egg coffee, the espresso wasn’t bold enough, and I found that it could have used more ice to balance the drink. Another small but notable thing was the straws—I’m not sure if they were reusable, but they were thick and not particularly enjoyable to drink from. I’d personally prefer regular plastic straws or even metal ones.
- wait timeswait times could be over 20 mins
- workersEven with the egg cream, the sugar and cream couldn't offset the extreme bitterness, leaving me wondering about their brewing method or bean quality. Additionally, the workers could be more friendly.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional wait or a less-than-enthusiastic interaction, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest youll likely leave with a smile and your order in hand.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.3%, its clear most visitors love the vibe. Out of 143 customer comments, a whopping 122 rave about the "atmosphere, " "decor, " "community space, " and "cozy ambiance, " making it a delightful place to relax and connect.
However, a few aspects could use a little polish. Around 16 comments point to challenges with "seating" and "parking, " which can be a bit tricky during busy times. Some also noted the intentional blocking of "electrical outlets, " which might be a minor inconvenience if youre planning to work or stay for a while.
Ambience
143
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, cultural atmosphere
- Welcoming community space
- Unique decor, art
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Challenging parking
- Blocked electrical outlets
Often praised
- atmosphereThe nem nướng bánh mì was fantastic too—crispy on the outside, not soggy, and packed with flavor. The price leans a bit on the higher side, but the atmosphere, coffee, and food make it worth a visit. If you’re in the International District, this place is a must-check!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceI’d personally prefer regular plastic straws or even metal ones. The space itself is nice, and I can see the appeal, but based on my order, the flavors didn’t quite deliver. I might give it another shot to try something different, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
- placeHaving tried many Vietnamese coffees in various cities, I can confidently say this one ranks very highly amongst the best. The staff were really friendly, and it's a great place to sit down and enjoy your coffee. We visited on a Saturday morning and it felt like a very tight-knit and welcoming community that cherishes the cafe.
- decorI love the decor
- vibeThe vibe of the place highlight the Vietnamese culture
- ambianceThe ambiance was unique
- community spacegreat community space with good art and relaxing music
- interiorThe interior is so nice.
- parkingParking is on the street but I always find at least one or two empty slots
Frequently criticized
- parkingLocated conveniently in downtown Seattle near other Vietnamese businesses, it's an ideal place to grab a genuine Vietnamese coffee. Parking can be a challenge, with mostly street parking available, though sometimes the Lam’s Seafood Market lot can be used for a quick grab-and-go. We typically visit on weekends, and the shop is consistently crowded.
- seatingMy experience at this cafe was positive overall, but it was significantly impacted by the lack of seating. The cafe has a good atmosphere, but there's definitely more space to add smaller tables or a bar top.
- surrounding areaI will say the surrounding area isn’t so great
- dog walkingspotted a dog walking around in the rear kitchen space
- electrical outletsintentionally have blocked off all electrical outlets from guests
- outsideOutside may be a little sketchy
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seat insideWe typically visit on weekends, and the shop is consistently crowded. Due to its small size, finding a seat inside is rare, and there's often a line. The menu offers a good selection of both drinks and food, featuring typical Vietnamese breakfast items.
- seating optionsThe cafe has a good atmosphere, but there's definitely more space to add smaller tables or a bar top. This is a good cafe but could do a lot more business if there were more seating options available. We had to leave because the wait times could be over 20 minutes.
- seatsMy experience at this coffee shop was mixed. While the coffee itself was okay, and the shop is spacious, there were way too few seats. It was frustrating because you couldn't even stand and drink coffee comfortably.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, rich cultural decor, and a welcoming community feel, this cafe is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that finding a seat or parking might require a little patience, especially during peak hours.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.4, placing it squarely in the average range. Some folks really appreciate the total bill, finding things like the coffee to be underpriced despite feeling indulgent, and the bonus of free parking is a huge plus. Based on 4 positive remarks out of 14 total customer comments, theres definitely a sense of getting a good deal on certain items.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite poor at just 28.6%, indicating significant room for improvement. Many feel that prices are expensive, especially for drink sizes, with some cups being considered pricey. There are 6 negative comments suggesting that the value doesnt always live up to social media hype, particularly when youre paying for foam and ice at a high price per person.
Value
14
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Underpriced options
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Expensive drinks
- Small drink sizes
- Overpriced coffee
Often praised
- free parkingThere’s free parking nearby, which is a huge plus
- priceThe food was ethically sourced and robustly flavored, living up to the hype. The restaurant is reasonably priced, making it a great value. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 5, and the service was equally impressive with a 5-star rating.
- total billPaid 14$ with tax total
- underpricedThe coffee itself had a sharp flavor without excessive bitterness, and the entire drink was a harmonious blend of solemn, flowery, reverential, spicy, and glittery notes. It was fabulous and indulgent, feeling expensive yet underpriced. The service was helpful, informative, non-judgmental, and FAST.
Frequently criticized
- Price per personFoam and ice for $6
- PricesPrices are expensive for the sizes on drinks.
- coffeeMakes it a bit over priced
- cupthe cup is a bit pricey
- drink sizesPrices are expensive for the sizes on drinks.
- social media hypedon't fall for social media hype
If youre looking for a good deal on specific items or appreciate free parking, you might find some value here. However, be prepared that drink prices and sizes could disappoint, especially if youre expecting a bargain across the board.
How are the prices at Hello Em Việt?
You’re looking at roughly $12 per person – reported by 107 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most prices cluster nicely around this average, with the majority falling within the $1–$20 range, showing it’s generally on the more affordable side for its category.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
For a Cafe in Seattle, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hello Em Việt
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Spacious but Lacking Seats
My experience at this coffee shop was mixed. While the coffee itself was okay, and the shop is spacious, there were way too few seats. It was frustrating because you couldn't even stand and drink coffee comfortably.
I'm really dissatisfied with the seating situation.
- coffee5
- coffee shop7
- seats2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Incredible Banh Mi and Coffee!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The cà phê mây was incredibly creamy, and the sausage banh mi was wild! So so good!
- cà phê mây9
- sausage banh mi10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Interesting Decor and Drinks
I've been here a few times, and it consistently hits the mark. While it's not my absolute favorite coffee shop, I really love the decor and the drinks are quite interesting. For example, last time I tried a roasted rice milk coffee.
The prices are okay, though a bit pricier than other places. They also have a library and sell items from local Asian artists, which is a nice touch.
- decor9
- drinks8
- roasted rice milk coffee8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Worth the Trip for Ethical and Flavorful Food
My experience at this local hotspot was fantastic. The food was ethically sourced and robustly flavored, living up to the hype. The restaurant is reasonably priced, making it a great value.
The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 5, and the service was equally impressive with a 5-star rating. It's a quiet place, making conversation easy. Parking was somewhat difficult to find, but the overall experience was definitely worth the trip.
- food10
- price8
- atmosphere10
- parking3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Nem Nuong and Matcha!
My experience at the restaurant was delightful! I tried the nem nuong, which was so delicious. The matcha with homemade rice milk was also delightful.
I can’t wait to try other things from the menu!
- nem nuong10
- matcha with homemade rice milk10
What Hello Em Việt offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and services can you expect at Hello Em Việt?
At Hello Em Việt, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or coffee. They offer convenient service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Is Hello Em Việt accessible, and what dining options are available?
Yes, Hello Em Việt is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can enjoy various dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dessert, all within a welcoming setting.
How does Hello Em Việt generally perform?
Hello Em Việt receives a good overall score of **8** and a strong customer satisfaction of **83.4%**. Its **Service** (8.5), **Food** (8.1), and **Ambience** (8) are highly regarded, though **Value** (5.4) is considered average.
What can I expect from the coffee at Hello Em Việt?
Many customers praise the authentic Vietnamese coffee and unique options like egg coffee. However, some find the coffee can be too sweet or bitter, and occasionally watery, so quality can vary.
Is Hello Em Việt a good place to sit and relax?
The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and nice interior, often described as a community space. However, limited seating and challenging parking are frequent concerns, especially during busy times.