Get Vibes and Vietnamese Food at This Semi-Hidden Spot in Maginhawa

namnam 20
20 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Instagram: @namnam.no20
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(SPOT.ph) There's no lack of cool, out-of-the-box spots along Maginhawa in Quezon City. There are secondhand shops for clothes and books, and all sorts of spots for excellent grub. One arguably lesser-known spot is namnam 20. Tucked away into the quieter side of the street, this Vietnamese restaurant occupies an almost magical spot behind what looks like the entrance to a secret garden. 

Also read: 10 Cafés In and Around Maginhawa Perfect for a Productive Day Out

Check out cool Maginhawa spot for Vietnamese food namnam 20

Passing through Maginhawa, your eyes may have been drawn to this strange doorway. It looks almost like ruins of an old building, with overgrown plants and faded paint, if not for the neon signs that promise a steaming bowl of pho. This is namnam 20. Climb up the steps and enter.

Past the doorway, you'll be greeted by a small courtyard that wouldn't look out of place in an indie film. There are a few chairs here if you'd like to enjoy a cold glass of Vietnamese coffee in the afternoon sun. Inside is a small air-conditioned space that can fit at most 20. The open kitchen occupies one entire corner, with a couple tables in the eclectic space. With bare cement walls and a yellow ceiling, art all around, mismatched furniture, and little knickknacks on the wall, this little spot sets the tone for a chill kind of dining.

The eclectic setting matches the food, too. Namnam's menu is an example of less being more, especially when it's well-curated. They've got a total of two choices between noodle bowls, and two choices of spring rolls. 

You can choose between the Bun Bo Hue (P320) for a flavorful bowl with lemongrass beef broth, rice noodles, brisket and tendon. If this fragrant bowl still isn't enough, you can stir in their sauces for more of a punch. The Pho Bo (P280) is a lighter option, with clear beef broth and thin slices of sirloin put in raw and gently cooked by the hot bowl. Pro-tip: stir in your meat immediately to get it cooked. We know the sight of raw beef isn't for everyone, but those who do appreciate this more authentic style of pho will know how rare it is to get a bowl like this in Manila at this price. 

Also read: Why Aren't There Big Chain Restaurants in Maginhawa?

And who doesn't love rolls? The Goi Cuon (P160) is fresh spring rolls with hefty servings of noodles inside, and even a slice of pork to balance out the shrimps. The real star of this one has to be the peanut dip served on the side, with it's thick consistency and nutty-slash-soy flavor. The Cha Gio (P130) is a joy, too, thanks to the perfectly crisp exterior and juicy filling. 

Best part is they've just opened a new branch in New Manila, too.  So the next time you're looking for something new to try, or are just looking for a more offbeat spot, head to namnam 20.