Med Sallah: Vietnamese Street Food with a Twist in Earls Court, London
Earls Court may have shed its old “Roo Valley” reputation, but its grand Victorian houses still whisper stories of the past. Once the stomping grounds of young Australians in the 1960s, today many of these buildings have been converted into hotels, yet a certain faded charm remains. Nestled beneath one of these historic façades, in what might once have been the servant’s quarters, a small kitchen is now busy creating something far more enticing than boiled cabbage—welcome to Med Sallah.
The latest venture from Med Pang and Koi Lee, the duo behind the critically acclaimed Malaysian spot Med Salleh Kopitiam, Med Sallah offers an intimate and welcoming escape into Vietnamese street food culture. Descend the steep steps, and you enter a compact, warmly painted space adorned with a lively market scene on one wall. The seating is equally charming, with chairs salvaged from 1920s British open-top cars, both covetable and surprisingly comfortable.
At the helm in the kitchen is Koi’s Vietnamese wife, Syphong Lam, while out front, a friendly team ensures everyone feels at home. A telling sign of authenticity: most of the diners appear to be Vietnamese themselves, a good omen for anyone seeking genuine flavors.
We allowed the staff to guide our tasting, with the simple request of “no offal,” and what followed was a parade of expertly prepared dishes. First up were the prawn summer rolls, translucent and pristine, revealing the prawns through the delicate wrappers like culinary window panes. Cleverly halved lengthwise, the prawns look impressive while remaining light and easy to eat. Vegetarian options, featuring mushrooms, are also available for these rolls.
The mango and prawn salad showcased the classic Vietnamese balance of sweet, sour, hot, and sharp. Fresh tomatoes, grated carrot, and crisp lettuce complemented the seafood beautifully. While I personally would have added a bit more fish sauce and lime, it was clear that the dish had been carefully tuned to local tastes—still, a delightful and refreshing plate.
Med Sallah’s menu is firmly rooted in street food traditions, which in Vietnam often means grilling over open flames. Our lamb chops exemplified this, perfectly pink with a robust spice crust that hinted at lemongrass and chili. They were wonderfully gnawable, with all the flavor concentrated near the bone.
Equally impressive was the grilled squid—a large tube, cooked flawlessly to avoid the dreaded rubberiness, lightly spiced, and cut into rings tableside with large scissors. The tentacles, naturally the prize bite, were fought over enthusiastically at our table.
A more unusual dish for many first-timers, Bun Cha, featured cold vermicelli rice noodles topped with meat marinated in lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and soy. We opted for both chicken and beef. At first, the cold noodles felt strange, but soon they became refreshingly satisfying—perfect for imagining the sweltering streets of Hanoi.
And then, of course, there was Pho. Med Sallah’s Classic Signature Truffle Wagyu Pho is a luxurious twist on the traditional broth-and-noodles staple. Dense, flavorful stock heightened by earthy truffle notes, paired with melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, made each sip of the broth a lingering pleasure. Though unconventional, this pho captured the essence of the dish while offering a gourmet edge.
To finish, a dessert that takes you straight back to childhood: deep-fried banana with ice cream. Crispy, golden batter enveloping the warm, sweet banana, paired with melting ice cream, evokes nostalgic memories of burning tongues and delighted grins—a simple pleasure elevated by freshness and care.
Med Sallah is not just about the food; it’s about the experience. The relaxed café-style atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the authentic, flavorful dishes make it an ideal spot for both casual lunches and memorable first dates. The attention to detail and homage to Vietnamese street food culture make every bite feel special, and every visit leaves you planning your next.
Med Sallah
32-36 Hogarth Rd, London SW5 0PU
If you love hidden gems, vibrant flavors, and a touch of nostalgia served with every dish, Med Sallah is worth a visit. Go hungry, leave happy, and maybe burn your tongue on a fried banana—it’s all part of the charm.
