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oChef » Tuyet Mai – San Francisco
Tuyet Mai - San Francisco
Photo from Tuyet Mai
Tuyet Mai at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#796 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#35 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
183
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Flavorful food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Run-down exterior
The restaurant Tuyet Mai, a delightful Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood, welcomes you with its cozy atmosphere. You’ll discover a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering healthy options and small plates that cater to your cravings.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast, enjoying lunch, or settling in for dinner, this casual eatery provides a warm and inviting experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Tuyet Mai
Tuyet Mai offers a genuinely warm and inviting experience, often described as a familial atmosphere where guests feel right at home. The focus here is clearly on delivering a satisfying meal with friendly service, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, it’s worth noting that the restaurant’s exterior might be a bit unassuming, located in a sketchy neighborhood. While the interior is often praised for its cleanliness, the initial impression from the outside may not immediately draw everyone in.
Good
7.8
out of 10
183
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
147
positive
Tuyet Mai achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.8 out of 10, backed by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 80.3%. This positive sentiment is built on 147 positive remarks against just 28 negative ones, out of 183 total customer comments, indicating a generally well-received establishment.
The high points are clearly Service (8.6), which customers consistently praise, and Food (7.7), which is often highlighted for its authentic flavors. Value (7.3) also stands out as good, suggesting generous portions for the price, while the Ambience (7.0) is considered acceptable, contributing to the overall positive experience.
What people like
- Friendly service
- Flavorful food
- Good value
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Run-down exterior
If you’re seeking a casual, welcoming spot with a focus on genuine hospitality and well-prepared Vietnamese dishes, Tuyet Mai is certainly worth considering. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, it clearly resonates with many diners looking for a comforting meal.
While the immediate surroundings and exterior might not be its strongest suit, the positive experience inside, particularly the attentive service and flavorful food, often outweighs these initial impressions. It’s a place that delivers on its core offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tuyet Mai
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.7 score and a 78.9% customer satisfaction rate, its clear many diners are happy. Based on 101 positive remarks, people rave about the variety of Vietnamese dishes, authentic Vietnamese dishes, and the comforting taste of home, especially praising the Bun Bo Hue for its rich flavors.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. Out of 128 total remarks, 20 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Concerns include dishes being bland, small portions, and some finding the bun rieu underwhelming.
A significant issue mentioned was even hair in food, ' which is definitely something to consider.
Food
128
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese dishes
- Taste of home
- Flavorful Bun Bo Hue
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Small portions
- Hair in food
Often praised
- foodIt's absolutely worth it. The food is fresh and very tasty. Actually, one of the best Asian dishes I had.
- Bun Bo HueBun Bo Hue, a signature noodle soup comes in well-spiced and lemongrass-fragrant broth
- Vietnamese foodNgoc Mai is a tiny little hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant located in the heart of the Tenderloin. While the neighborhood can be a bit sketchy, the restaurant serves real flavorful authentic Vietnamese food. They offer one of the best bowls of Bun Bo Hue in San Francisco.
- brothWhile it had the basic elements of grilled lemongrass pork right, the iceberg lettuce and bland tomato toppings missed the mark for the desired refreshing crunch. The #1 Bun Bo Hue, a signature noodle soup, was excellent, boasting a well-spiced and lemongrass-fragrant broth. The combination of three different cuts of pork and blood cube offered an interesting play on textures, making it an excellent choice for a tasty lunch or family weekend brunch.
- bun bo hueMy favorite dish here is the bun bo hue. It is very flavorful
- dessertleft with Bun Bo Hue and a dessert. Tasted just like I had in Vietnam
- free iced teaI left with Bun Bo Hue and a dessert that tasted just like I had in Vietnam. While I was waiting, she made me a free iced tea without even asking. The food was 5/5 and the hospitality was 5/5.
- soupI still enjoyed the soup very much
- #1 beef/pork noodle soup#1 beef/pork noodle soup. Great winter comfort food
- Asian dishesThe food is fresh and very tasty. Actually, one of the best Asian dishes I had. And the restaurant is very clean and people are very friendly.
Frequently criticized
- BBHTo be honest, I can make better BBH and Bun Rieu at home. I’m not even an excellent cook, just a normal home cook.
- Bun Heo Xao SaBun Heo Xao Sa gets the basic elements of grilled lemongrass pork right, but the iceberg lettuce and bland tomato toppings fall short
- Bun RieuTo be honest, I can make better BBH and Bun Rieu at home. I’m not even an excellent cook, just a normal home cook.
- PhoHad the Pho
- Vietnamese foodPlease, whoever run the kitchen, just watch some cooking videos on YouTube. If you follow these videos, you can make better Vietnamese food. Having lunch here totally ruined our day.
- brothdisappointing since the broth is usually the best part
- bun rieubun rieu was underwhelming and bland
- crabbarely any crab, another disappointment
- flavorNot flavorful at all
- foodThe soup tasted like socks and was not flavorful at all. To make matters worse, there was a hair in our food. The reviewer also rated the food, service, and atmosphere very low, with scores of 1, 2, and 1 respectively.
Overall, if you're seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors and a taste of home, this place is worth a try, especially for its highly-praised Bun Bo Hue. Just be aware that some experiences mention blandness or smaller portions, and a rare but serious hygiene issue.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.3%, its clear guests feel well-cared for. Out of 30 remarks, 28 highlighted the friendly staff, impeccable service, and warm hospitality, often noting the efficient and welcoming team.
However, its not entirely without a hitch. A couple of comments mentioned a long wait for food, with one person experiencing a 20+ minute delay. While these instances are few, they suggest there might be occasional moments where the service pace could be improved.
Service
30
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Impeccable service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait
Often praised
- serviceMy experience getting take out was fantastic. I enjoyed the great flavors and the fast service. I highly recommend trying the lemongrass beef and the bánh khọt.
- customer serviceCustomer service is friendly
- difference between banh beo and banh bot locShe was able to answer my question when I was totally confused
- dinnerGet there early for dinner.
- efficient staffstaff, mostly local Vietnamese, are not only efficient
- excellent serviceThe pho biet was amazing and so were the summer shrimp rolls. The girl was extremely courteous and polite, excellent service. Would definitely recommend anyone and everyone to come here!
- familyThe family who runs this restaurant are super friendly
- family-run businessAnd the restaurant is very clean and people are very friendly. A small family-run business you should definitely try.
- friendly serviceThey were very friendly
- friendly staffincredibly friendly
Frequently criticized
- long waitit was a long 20+ minute wait for getting the food
- serviceService:2
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-served, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on their staff and hospitality means youre likely in for a great experience, even if theres an occasional wait for your meal.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits a good note, earning a score of 7 and leaving a solid 71.4% of customers satisfied. Based on 15 positive observations out of 21 total, many found it to be a welcoming hole in the wall with impressive cleanliness and a warm, familial atmosphere, often described as feeling at home in its snug interior. However, 6 negative comments suggest some areas for consideration.
The unassuming exterior and the neighborhood can be a bit off-putting for some, with mentions of the restaurant being barely listed on Google Maps, hinting its not your typical upscale date spot' but rather a hidden gem that requires a bit of seeking out.
Ambience
21
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Familial atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
- Welcoming interior
What people don't like
- Unassuming exterior
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Hard to find
Often praised
- atmosphereQuaint, homey
- boutiqueThe place was boutique but was so welcoming and spotless inside.
- cleanlinessservice, food, and cleanliness is good
- dining indoorsGlad there is dining indoors again
- familial atmospherefamilial atmosphere creates a warm and inviting ambiance
- family run restaurantCozy family run restaurant where you will feel like you’re family
- felt at homeI felt at home as I sat down at the table.
- good placeI think that's a good place
- hole in the wallSmall hole in the wall
- mom and pop shopIt is truly a mom and pop shop.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherenot your upscale date spot
- Google mapThe restaurant barely listed on Google map.
- exteriordespite it's unassuming and almost ghetto exterior
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood is a bit sketchy
- restaurantThe door has peeling paint and is a little difficult to open. By American standards, the restaurant is pretty run down, though it reminds me of a typical nicer-than-average restaurant in Vietnam. The service was excellent and very attentive.
If youre seeking a cozy, clean, and welcoming spot with a genuine family feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a modest exterior and potentially a bit of a treasure hunt to find it, as its not a flashy establishment.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly hits the mark! Customers are clearly happy, with a strong 75% satisfaction rate and a solid 7.3 score, both indicating a good experience. Based on 4 customer observations, people are consistently impressed, often mentioning getting lots of food for a reasonable price, described as pretty cheap, and appreciating the convenience of paying with a credit card.
Whats even better is that there are no negative comments about value among the feedback. This suggests that guests consistently feel theyre getting their money's worth here, with no complaints about pricing or perceived cost.
Value
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Accepts credit cards
What people don't like
Often praised
- $35Lots of food for three people came out at $35
- credit cardThe food was 5/5 and the hospitality was 5/5. They take credit cards.
- pretty cheapPrice-wise it was pretty cheap
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your stomach, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Diners consistently find the prices fair and the portions generous, making it a solid choice for a budget-friendly meal.
How are the prices at Tuyet Mai?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 11 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right in this sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or a bit more.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 11 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vietnamese spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Its a good option if you’re looking for a solid meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tuyet Mai
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Amazing Crab Pho, Better for Takeout
My experience at this restaurant was centered around an absolutely amazing crab pho. While it's not the kind of place for an upscale date or a casual neighborhood meal, the food truly outshines everything else. Given the atmosphere, it might be better for take out.
- crab pho10
- food9
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Vietnamese Food Experience
To be honest, I can make better BBH and Bun Rieu at home. I’m not even an excellent cook, just a normal home cook. I like the ladies working here as they are very welcoming.
However, I would never come back. Not just this restaurant, I feel like the nearby Vietnamese restaurants are also pretty bad. Please, whoever run the kitchen, just watch some cooking videos on YouTube.
If you follow these videos, you can make better Vietnamese food. Having lunch here totally ruined our day.
- ladies working here8
- BBH2
- Bun Rieu2
- kitchen1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The soup tasted like socks and was not flavorful at all. To make matters worse, there was a hair in our food.
The reviewer also rated the food, service, and atmosphere very low, with scores of 1, 2, and 1 respectively. Due to these issues, I will not be coming back.
- soup1
- hair in food1
- flavor1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Vietnamese-Chinese Fusion in Tenderloin
My visit to Tuyet Mai Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood was an exceptional culinary experience. The restaurant boasts an extensive menu, with a particular reputation for their bun bo hue, banh xeo, and hearty home-cooked family-style dinners. What truly stands out at Tuyet Mai is the unique blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences in their cuisine.
As someone who appreciates both cultures, I found the fusion of flavors and techniques to be a delightful surprise. It's like taking a gastronomic journey through Vietnam with a hint of Chinese influence, and the results are absolutely delicious. The owners, a mature Vietnamese Chinese couple, bring a personal touch to the dining experience.
You can sense the pride and love they put into their food. This familial atmosphere creates a warm and inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home. The service at Tuyet Mai is nothing short of impeccable.
The staff, mostly local Vietnamese, are not only efficient but also incredibly friendly. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to assist with recommendations further enhance the overall dining experience. Tuyet Mai is a gem in the Tenderloin neighborhood, and it's clear that they prioritize adaptability, respect, and honesty in their approach.
They adapt traditional recipes while showing immense respect for the flavors and techniques of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines. Their honesty shines through in the quality of the food and service they provide. If you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine and appreciate the influence of Chinese flavors, Tuyet Mai is a must-visit.
It's a testament to the rich world cultures present in the Bay Area, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.
- bun bo hue9
- banh xeo9
- family-style dinners8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Vietnamese Home Cooking
My first experience here was yesterday, and despite seeing some less-than-stellar reviews, I found the place to be boutique and incredibly welcoming. It was spotless inside, and I felt right at home from the moment I sat down. I only tried two dishes, the bun bo hue and banh khoai, and both were great.
They truly felt like home meals made by moms – not the most visually impressive, but incredibly comforting and yummy. I'll definitely be back with friends and family to share this authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
- bun bo hue9
- banh khoai9
- home meals9
What Tuyet Mai offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Tuyet Mai accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, Tuyet Mai is designed to be welcoming for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. For families, the restaurant offers a kids’ menu and high chairs, and is considered good for kids, making it an ideal spot for your family outing.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Tuyet Mai?
At Tuyet Mai, you can expect a cozy and casual dining experience. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner with comfortable seating and table service. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite, healthy options, or small plates, you’ll find a relaxed setting perfect for your meal.
How does Tuyet Mai rate overall?
Tuyet Mai holds a good overall **Restaurant Score** of **7.8** out of 10, with **Customer Satisfaction** at **80.3%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Service** (8.6) and **Food** (7.7), finding good **Value** (7.3) and an acceptable **Ambience** (7.0).
What can I expect from the food at Tuyet Mai?
Many customers describe the food as fresh, very tasty, and authentically flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. Their signature noodle soup is often highlighted for its well-spiced and lemongrass-fragrant broth, making it a popular choice.
What is the atmosphere like at Tuyet Mai, and is the location a concern?
Tuyet Mai offers a quaint, homey, and familial atmosphere, often described as clean and welcoming inside. However, some customers note that the neighborhood can be a bit sketchy, and the restaurant’s exterior appears unassuming or run-down.