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    Zavy Kitchen

    4.5 (47 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Zavy Kitchen

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    Erin L.

    First time here and it was a good different. I'm not that into Chinese food but I loved the menu options. The shrimp spring rolls were fantastic and the crispy egg roll was different but good. I loved the meat filling. For main course we got filet and peppers with rice. Excellent and tender and good flavor. The soup was good and you can doctor up the flavor with sauces. Our server was attentive and on top of everything we needed. It wasn't a long wait for food either. The restaurant is inviting and spacious and has a bar as well. A great ambiance for food.

    Lauren D.

    My best friend and I had a great experience here! Their pho was really good, but the matcha is what made the experience stand out!

    Vietnamese iced coffee
    Lexie C.

    Absolutely amazing coffee. Only bummer is they aren't open early enough for an early morning run! You just have to try the Cookie Butter Vietnamese Iced coffee (Order the large, light ice - thank me later!) absolutely delicious. We got the coffees to go so I can't speak too much on the service as our cashier was a tad grumpy (we walked in right when it opened!) the restaurant overall is gorgeous and decorated so well. I can't wait to go back and try more of their menu!

    Dani G.

    Located in downtown Des Moines, we were looking for something to fit our needs and places that had vegan options. I got the veggie spring rolls and the vegan pho. Asked if the pad Thai could be made vegan but they unfortunately couldn't. It was pretty empty when we arrived around 4 pm on a Friday and got seated quickly. The interior was very clean aesthetic.

    Netted egg rolls
    Angie M.

    Elevated Asian food. So delicious! The wonton soup was flavorful, I wish I could've tried the Pho. The sauces are so good, I could lick the plate. Spring rolls sauce ask for extra!!

    Pho tai (beef pho)
    Christina W.

    Zavy Kitchen is so zelicious! Had the phó tai (beef phó) and my friend had the chicken yellow curry. Both were excellent and served piping hot and tasty. Pho broth was a delicious flavor with very tender meat slices. Service was excellent and very attentive. Asked about Gluten Free and other food intolerances and our server was happy to verify. Portion sizes were very large and my friend and I ended up taking half of our food home after eating there for 1.5 hours. My pho bowl was very large and filling. Also had a lychee martini and ube cream vodka. Made very quickly and so delicious! Restaurant was decorated for the holidays and made the place very festive and eye catching. This place is the place to be and the place to be seen. Must have been a large wedding party or a family dressed up but it was packed. We were immediately seated before the party was in a little nook for a table for two. WOW I was very impressed they scooted us in like that. Being packed out the door on a Friday night is definitely a good sign of business. All the workers were kind, courteous, and inviting. I highly recommend Zavy for phó and their rice main dishes! I can't wait for another visit so I can try more staple items.

    Drunken Noodles
    Christine I.

    The location here is so cute, definitely a clean and modern spot. I will say I don't see as much traction here on the week nights so getting seated and service is so quick! They use QR codes for the menu, I'm not a fan of that but they do give a physical menu for any specials going on. I ordered the drunken noodles with beef and it was good. Not spicy but more savory. I'll have to try more of their drinks next time!

    Adithya B.

    As a SoCal foodie, I am surprised Iowa has good Vietnamese food. They even have Banh Xeo and Bun Bo Hue. I came with some coworkers and we bought a bunch of different dishes: Pho, broken rice, Drunken noodles, Beef belly bowl, and crispy noodles. All tasted very good and authentic. Even the boba was good, it wasn't a Chi Cha redefined type boba but it also wasn't like those sweet donut shop boba either. Both oolong and jasmine were good. The service was constant and fast, I think her name was Dezy so shout out to her. The place is cute, like a Vietnamese fusion look place, that serves garlic noodles haha

    Jekeia C.

    I kept seeing everyone rave about Zavy, so I finally had to see what the hype was about--and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I went on a Saturday evening, and while there was a large group and a few other diners, the service was surprisingly fast. I was in and out in just 30 minutes! The space is cozy with plenty of seating, and everything is cooked fresh. My Crab Rangoon appetizer came out just minutes after I ordered--crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor. For my entrée, I stepped out of my comfort zone and went with the server's recommendation: Drunken Noodles with Chicken. WOW. Perfectly seasoned, just the right amount of spice, and totally worth it. I love spicy food so I asked for a side of spices. If you're looking for a spot with quick service, fresh food, and dishes that make you want to come back for more, Zavy is the place to be. Don't walk--RUN!

    Banh xeo is legit here
    . ..

    My first time dining in Des Moines. This place was great! It was spacious and clean. Parking was easy. The service was attentive. Most importantly, the food was legit. We had a variety of things and all were stellar. I am still thinking about that popcorn chicken. Get it! The chives bites were good, they reminded me of regular egg rolls but in a shape of samosas. We had the pho dac biet which was legit pho. Great broth and good balance of meat and noodles. The wonton soup was excellent; loved that broth. The drunken noodles were pretty good too. One of the highlights though is the Bahn Xeo. It was legit and was surprised how cheap it was. This is a must get. We tried the taro milk tea. It satisfied a craving.

    Chanh muối with rum
    Mary V.

    Service was great, food arrived promptly. The chanh muoi with rum is a great twist on a favorite childhood drink -- talk about nostalgia! The banh xeo was delicious and very crispy. The bo bia was decent. My only complaint was the bun bo hue. I'm fairly certain they used pho broth and the blood cake was hard and chewy (kind of veering tough). The broth had zero to no lemongrass taste. Then, the lack of pork hock... it's just all around bad. Why even have bun bo hue if you're just masquerading it as a spicy pho? Very disappointing. I did like that they provided banana blossom garnishing for the bun bo hue. We'll come back to try their other dishes but probably none of the noodle soups because it's clear they just use pho broth for all of them -- and I don't blame them because it's efficient and no one would notice.

    Beef Pho + Raspberry Hibiscus Drink (pho was good! and the drink was a bit too sweet)
    Iris W.

    Good pho, spacious seating, nice staff, nice bathroom, AND good proportions?? Sign me up!!

    Vivian T.

    Hubby & I tried out Zavy Kitchen for lunch today and loved everything we tried. Place was clean, bright and open. It's in the East Village, parking is metered but we used the app, so it was easy to add time if needed. Service by Amanda and her staff were exceptional. Their service alone made us want to return. Very accommodating. Honestly, this place is 5/5 but I'm only giving 4/5 because of price versus portions but it's still worth it to me for delicious, authentic Vietnamese foods. But I understand, their location warrants a higher price tag, so worth it for us. Banh Xeo: 4/5 Vietnamese Crispy, Sizzling crepe with bean sprouts, Pork and Shrimp. The Nuoc Cham fish sauce that accompanied it was delicious as well. Lots of veggies to wrap the crepe in and dip into fish sauce. I just wish I had two instead one one crepe delivered Would definitely get again! Broken Rice: 4/5 Everything was flavored and made well from the Pork, Pork Skin, Meat Pie, Egg and Rice. Dipped the pork into the Nuoc Cham fish sauce and it made for an even better bite. Just wish it was portioned bigger for the price but would get again. Xiu Mai with bread: Vietnamese Meatball in a delicious, savory broth that you dip the bread into. ‍ Savory Sticky Rice: 3/5 good, but it's something I could make easily so the price wasn't worth it. But it was definitely good. Honey Sriracha Wings: 4/5 Hubby said it was tasty, savory and he would love to try the other sauce as well. He would get again. Ube Cream Coffee Boba: 5/5 I loved everything about this. The Vietnamese Coffee topped with the Ube Cream was so good that I wish I had tried the other flavors as well! We can't wait to go back and try everything else! Please show them some love because I hope they stick around!

    Netted Egg Rolls ( pork, shrimp, taro, jicama, carrots )

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    5 months ago

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    2 days ago

    Food was good but I'm not sure if my orange chicken was cooked all the way it was kinda mushy

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

    We had a variety of dishes. Each one was delicious. The decor was mondern industrial. We loved it!

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    3 months ago

    got the stirfry noodles. Really delicious. The meats were a little well done, spicing was excellent. Cool vibe all around in this place.

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Zavy K.

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    2 years ago

    Pho was good and portions is HUGE. Bobas are good however they need to replace forks :)

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    A Dong Restaurant

    A Dong Restaurant

    3.9
    (355 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Pho is an individual taste that checks all your palate boxes of freshness, well seasoned broth, a…read morevariety of herbs and veggies that sends the dish into obit. My chicken pho was good with the knowledgeable wait staff knowing which number would meet my needs. The calmness of the environment allowed me to enjoy all the enticing ingredients to the max.

    3.8* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 3* Value: 5*…read more Service: 3* Would I go back / Recommend?: 4* (Probably) Total check/person: $22 08/02/2025 While this place has an admittedly non-descript brick exterior and clean but average interior, I appreciated it most for what it was: solid Vietnamese food at a great value, served with a family-owned feel. Biggest disappointment was that while alcohol options showed on the menu, they were unable to serve any alcohol - claiming that their liquor license had not yet been renewed. I was craving a spring roll with peanut sauce, so to start things off, we ordered #90 Bo Bia steamed spring rolls with shredded shrimp, carrots and sausage served with plum sauce (see picture). While the wrap was thicker than the 'paper' wraps that I'm used to, they were very good - and I really liked the plum sauce. My wife was undecided and our very helpful waiter Archie, suggested #69 Com Ga Chien Xa Ot (chicken breast fried with spicy lemon grass - see picture). It was good, but both of us would have preferred a bit more spice, as we ended up adding Siracha at the table. I was considering #99 Banh Xeo Vietnamese style crispy pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork & veggies based on the menu picture, but Archie talked me into #97 Banh Tam Bi Xiu Mai udon noodles with shredded pork, steamed pork meatballs and veggies instead (see picture). I was impressed with the coconut milk and lemon sauce that he poured over it when served with the instructions to stir it all together - very tasty combination of savory, sweet and tart, with a very slight spiciness. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

    Photos
    A Dong Restaurant
    Cream Cheese Shrimp Egg Roll & Sauce
    Cream Cheese Shrimp Egg Roll & Sauce
    A Dong Restaurant

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    Pho All Seasons

    Pho All Seasons

    4.3
    (185 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $

    First timer! Friday dinner time and were seated right away. Friendly service. Food came out really…read morefast - tasty dishes.

    After a long work week in Ames and having good, but mostly American/Western food, we needed an…read moreethnic fix. Enter my comfort zone, Pho from my motherland. I knew we were in the right place when we walked I. And half of the restaurant were Vietnamese peeps. Was a warming experiencing hearing patrons throw a few traditional Lunar New Year greetings at each other and the owners. It's a small mom and pop shop, so much so, pop was the sole soldier working the entire front of the house. As such, don't expect super fast service, but good service nonetheless. We started with the fresh spring rolls, which were good, and their fried egg rolls, which I probably won't order again. The egg rolls were pretty much veggies, loosely filled, and served with a sweet and sour type dipping sauce. It was more of an Americanized Chinese style egg roll, not a Vietnamese cha gio with nouc cham. I ordered the pho dac biet and it was VERY good. The large is HUGE. Most places back home have suffered from shrink-flation and large bowls are tiny now. Not this place, I struggled to finish the bowl. My friends got the seafood pho, and another got the pho ga (chicken). I of course did not slide my chopsticks in theirs and swipe a bite, but they said they enjoyed theirs. I would definitely come back here again and maybe try some of their other dishes.

    Photos
    Casual but friendly dining room.
    Casual but friendly dining room.
    Pho All Seasons
    Pho All Seasons
    Not so great egg roll. More like American Chinese style, not a Vietnamese cha gio

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    Not so great egg roll. More like American Chinese style, not a Vietnamese cha gio
    All Phở You

    All Phở You

    4.1
    (67 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    It's been about two years since i've updated my review and it says a lot about the restaurant that…read moreit's been there as long as it has. It's conveniently located in the strip mall with plenty of parking..it's the same mall off of University with Campbell's health foods, Hy-Vee pharmacy, Frederich's coffee. This restaurant still has that old time mom and pop Asian family feel it's a definite classic type vibe with Auntie snd the neices up front taking orders and the rest of the family in the back cooking and putting to go orders together. I always like to support a locally owned business. It's also about expectations, everyone is under staffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. Having said that the service was fast and efficient . It's also about being realistic about the food. This is not a mall based chain restaurant or a high end bistro somewhere. The food was well prepared hot and delicious. This is a Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant. So there's lots of variety in the menu. I have had the build your own Pho, Korean style Kalbi ribs. They also have Hunan Chinese style dishes, i have tried Mongolian beef, combination fried rice and potstickers. I also have tried the pork fried egg rolls. I usually go for a late lunch early dinner. I talked to the owner and asked her how they made their soup and she said they boiled bones and added their own spices which is the traditional way to do things, I think they have a good soup base, all soup comes with sprouts and fresh Thai basil, I usually add bok choy, brisket and steak. They have plenty of other Vietnamese dishes too. I have enjoyed their pork vermicelli which is a cool salad type dish which is nice on a hot day. Some of my friends really enjoy their chicken wings. So there's still a good option with lots of choices, good staff and reasonable prices.

    Food came out quickly! They have a wide variety of different dishes on their menu. Service was…read moregood, and the food came out fresh and hot. I ordered the Pho Special (comes with brisket, beef tendon, eye of round, and meatballs). My dad got the Vietnamese ramen (egg noodles with meat & shrimp), my mom got the sizzling clay rice pot, and my brother got the stir fry beef egg noodles. Not the best pho I've had, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Broth had great flavor, however I wish I could have had raw steak as I prefer that in my pho but that wasn't an option- I usually like getting raw steak to put into the hot soup and let it cook a bit through as you put it in. I would eat here again though. The restaurant was clean and service was prompt. Nicely decorated, and prices were fair!

    Photos
    All Phở You
    All Pho You Special.
    All Pho You Special.
    Front of the restaurant

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    Front of the restaurant

    Zavy Kitchen - vietnamese - Updated June 2026

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