Feifung Kitchen Ottawa Review – A Welcome Return from a Beloved Chinatown Classic – Average EV Score: 7.4/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Feifung Kitchen Restaurant Overview
827 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4
Feifung Kitchen is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Ottawa’s Chinatown, and for many longtime locals, this place carries far more meaning than just another spot to eat pho. The restaurant opened in 2022, and what makes it special is the story behind it: the owners are the original owners of New Mee Fung, a restaurant that was a true staple in Ottawa for over 30 years. After selling New Mee Fung in 2020, many assumed that chapter had closed for good. So when the owners came out of retirement to open Feifung Kitchen, it was met with genuine excitement — and for good reason.
The restaurant itself isn’t large, but it has that classic Vietnamese restaurant feel that immediately makes you comfortable. Nothing flashy, nothing trendy — just a clean, straightforward dining room that prioritizes food over aesthetics. During our visit, it was clear that many of the patrons were regulars, likely people who followed the owners from their New Mee Fung days. There’s something reassuring about that kind of loyalty.
One moment that really stood out happened when our group of six arrived. Without hesitation, the staff politely asked if a few patrons at nearby tables would be willing to shift seats so our group could sit together. Not only did those patrons happily agree, but the entire interaction felt natural and unforced. You rarely see restaurants willing to do this anymore, and it immediately set the tone: this is a casual, community-oriented place that doesn’t stand on ceremony. It felt welcoming in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Service throughout the meal was friendly and efficient. Dishes came out at a good pace, and staff were attentive without hovering. From the atmosphere to the service, Feifung Kitchen feels like a restaurant run by people who genuinely care about feeding others well.
Would return? Yes.
Cha Nem (Deep Fried Rice Wraps)
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $5
Benchmark Price: $7
EV Score: 7.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
The cha nem from Feifung Kitchen was a fantastic way to start the meal. These deep fried rice wraps were cooked perfectly, with a crisp exterior that made a satisfying crunch as soon as you bit into them. I personally prefer rice-paper–based spring rolls over the flour-based versions, and these reminded me exactly why.
The texture was spot on — light, crispy, and not greasy. Inside, the filling was well-seasoned and balanced, making each bite enjoyable without being heavy. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender filling worked beautifully.
This dish immediately set a strong first impression and confirmed that the kitchen knows how to execute the fundamentals properly.
Vermicelli with BBQ Pork, Shredded Pork, and Spring Rolls
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $17
Benchmark Price: $17
EV Score: 7.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
This vermicelli bowl from Feifung Kitchen was excellent and one of the highlights of the meal. It came with BBQ pork, shredded pork, and spring rolls, along with vermicelli noodles and fresh accompaniments.
The spring rolls were again perfectly fried, with a crisp exterior and a satisfying filling. The BBQ pork was very tender and nicely grilled, carrying a light sweetness and smokiness that paired well with the noodles. The shredded pork was served cold, which initially caught me by surprise, but it didn’t detract from the dish. In fact, it added contrast and worked well once everything was mixed together.
The vermicelli noodles themselves were exactly how they should be — light, springy, and not clumped together. As expected, I poured all of the fish sauce into the bowl, mixed everything thoroughly, and ended up with a very satisfying, well-balanced dish.
This is one of those bowls you keep eating without thinking about it, simply because every component works.
Pork Dumplings
Enjoyment: 7/10
Price Paid: $6
Benchmark Price: $6
EV Score: 7/10
Order Again? Yes.
The pork dumplings were listed as a special on the wall that day, and they were outstanding. They were so good that I ended up ordering a second round, which is probably the clearest endorsement I can give.
The pork filling was incredibly tender and flavourful, with a richness that made each bite satisfying. The wrapper had a soft, slightly chewy texture, which is exactly what you want in a well-made dumpling. Nothing about these felt rushed or mass-produced.
They were simple, comforting, and executed extremely well — the kind of dish that reminds you why specials are worth paying attention to.
Pho – Well Done Beef
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $17
Benchmark Price: $17
EV Score: 7.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
The pho with well-done beef from Feifung Kitchen was a very comforting bowl and a strong example of classic Vietnamese pho done right. The beef was very tender, even though it was well done, and came in a generous portion. There was no dryness or toughness, which is often a risk with this cut.
The broth was clean and flavourful, not overly oily or heavy, and the rice noodles were perfectly cooked — not mushy, not too firm. Everything in the bowl felt balanced and thoughtful.
This is the kind of pho you crave on a cold day or when you just want something familiar and satisfying. It doesn’t try to reinvent pho — it just executes it properly.
Final Thoughts
Feifung Kitchen is a welcome return for a pair of owners who clearly still have a passion for feeding people well. Knowing their history with New Mee Fung adds an extra layer of appreciation, but even without that context, the food stands strongly on its own.
From the crispy cha nem to the excellent vermicelli bowl, the standout pork dumplings, and the comforting pho, everything we tried was well prepared and enjoyable. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, the service is friendly, and the overall experience feels genuine.
This is not a restaurant chasing trends or social media hype. It’s a place rooted in experience, consistency, and care — and Ottawa is better for having it. Feifung Kitchen feels like a restaurant that will continue to build loyalty over time, just as its predecessor did for decades.
If you’re looking for solid Vietnamese food in Chinatown, especially from owners with a proven track record, Feifung Kitchen is absolutely worth a visit.