Công Tử Bột is not the restaurant that comes to mind when you think about Portland Maine. But perhaps that is exactly why it embodies the remarkably cosmopolitan food scene in this classic New England town. This energetic, inventive Vietnamese restaurant is a vibrant culinary beacon in the heart of Washington Ave attracting eager diners who don’t shy away from spice. What began as a noodle pop up has become a full on restaurant serving up elevated Vietnamese street food with punchy flavors. Công Tử Bột feels like a party in the best way. The modest footprint is filled with colorful furniture, even the menus are printed on neon paper.

As for the food, it’s a tightly curated menu that covers a lot of ground. From the classic, comforting broth in their house pho ga (chicken pho) to the very spicy wok fried hu tieu xiao (stir fried rice noodles), the refreshing herb-forward goi bap cai (cabbage salad) to the garlicky savory bo luc lac (shaken beef), they recommend ordering family style, and for good reason. The drinks menu is even more frenetic, with everything from house made soy milk (probably good to wash down the spice) to pandan horchata with boba to basil soda to a michelada with fish sauce. Whether on a humid summer day or a bitter winter night, it’s a guaranteed good time anytime.