Co Chin Chin The Best Vietnamese in Town

Finally, I thought as Co Chin Chin opened at the end of last year. There is far too little authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Zurich, if you ask me. Sabrina, the owner with Vietnamese roots who imports some ingredients directly from Vietnam and only hires Vietnamese chefs for her kitchen, is changing that.

The pub in district 5 is incredible. The building’s previous occupants were The Times and as I enter at 7.15 pm the restaurant is already full to the brim. Guests are waiting at the bar two rows deep, some here for just a drink, others waiting for their table. Co Chin Chin is the place to be- every day, for lunch and dinner!

Fabio and his team have everything under control. He’s the perfect host, taking care of his guests with competence and friendliness. We take Sabrina’s advice and start sampling our way through the menu. The scallops au gratin with spring onion and peanuts, served in their shell, and the vegetarian rice crepe "Bành Xèo" are two excellent starters.

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The menu contains classic dishes, such as "Pho", as well as some more unusual options- and everything at a fair price. We can’t wait for our mains, a room temperature rice noodle salad with vegetarian spring rolls and tofu, and "Bun Rieu", a rice noodle soup with crab, tofu, and tomato.

At lunchtime there’s also a buffet, serving a wonderful "Banh Mi" amongst other dishes. Everything is also available to go. Weekends a French-Vietnamese brunch is served at Co Chin Chin, and here’s the most important part: they have the best cheesecake in town!

Conclusion: A wonderful location, exceptionally friendly and competent host, and Vietnamese food of incredible quality! Definitely reserve early!

Sandra Künzler

Author Zurich