Melo Villareal
One of the most memorable dining experiences I had during my recent visit to Puerto Princesa was at Viet Ville Restaurant, a unique culinary destination that offers not only delicious food but also a fascinating piece of the city’s history.
Fresh Lumpia Mixed photo via Viet Ville Restaurant FB Page
Located in Barangay Santa Lourdes, just a short drive from the city center and near several popular tourist attractions, Viet Ville is easy to reach by private vehicle, taxi, or ride-hailing services. From downtown Puerto Princesa, the restaurant is approximately 15 to 20 minutes away, making it a convenient stop for lunch or dinner while exploring the city.
What makes Viet Ville truly special is its story. The restaurant traces its roots to the Vietnamese refugee community that settled in Puerto Princesa during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The area was once known as the Philippine Vietnam Village, where thousands of Vietnamese refugees found temporary shelter. Over time, many families established businesses and introduced their culinary traditions to the local community. Today, Viet Ville Restaurant preserves this unique cultural heritage through its authentic Vietnamese-inspired dishes, making it one of Puerto Princesa’s most iconic dining establishments.
As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by a relaxed atmosphere that blended Filipino hospitality with Vietnamese influences. The restaurant’s garden setting and traditional architecture immediately created a sense of warmth and comfort.
We started our meal with their bestselling Chicken with Lemongrass, and it quickly became one of my favorite dishes of the day. The chicken was wonderfully tender and juicy, infused with the bright citrus aroma of fresh lemongrass. Every bite was flavorful and incredibly comforting, striking the perfect balance between savory and fragrant notes. It’s easy to understand why this dish remains a customer favorite after all these years.
Next came the Chaolong Noodles, arguably the restaurant’s most famous offering. Chaolong is Puerto Princesa’s beloved Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup and has become an integral part of the city’s culinary identity. The rich and flavorful broth delivered deep, satisfying flavors that reflected the unique blend of Vietnamese and Filipino influences. Each spoonful felt hearty and nourishing, while the noodles absorbed the soup’s savory goodness beautifully. For anyone visiting Puerto Princesa, trying Chaolong at Viet Ville is practically a culinary rite of passage.
The Lumpia Platter arrived next and proved to be the perfect dish for sharing. The rolls were crisp and golden on the outside, revealing a savory filling that complemented the other dishes wonderfully. Every bite offered a satisfying crunch, making it an excellent appetizer or side dish for larger groups.
To accompany our meal, we enjoyed fragrant Turmeric Rice. Its vibrant golden color immediately brightened the table, while its subtle earthy flavor added warmth and depth to every dish it accompanied. The rice paired particularly well with the Chicken with Lemongrass, creating a combination that was both comforting and satisfying.
To complete the feast, we cooled down with a refreshing glass of Jasmine Iced Tea. Delicately floral and wonderfully soothing, it provided the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the meal. Light, aromatic, and refreshing, it was exactly what we needed on a warm Puerto Princesa afternoon.
Dining at Viet Ville Restaurant was more than just a meal—it was a journey through history, culture, and tradition. The restaurant successfully preserves the legacy of Puerto Princesa’s Vietnamese community while serving dishes that continue to delight both locals and visitors. From the iconic Chaolong to the flavorful Chicken with Lemongrass, every dish showcased a beautiful fusion of heritage and flavor.
If you’re looking to experience one of Puerto Princesa’s most unique and historically significant dining destinations, Viet Ville Restaurant deserves a place on your itinerary. It’s a place where every meal tells a story, and every bite offers a taste of the city’s rich multicultural heritage.
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