Chow Down Atlanta

This place has been around since 2005 and it’s been my go-to place for solid Vietnamese fare since its doors opened. Last year alone, my sister and I met there for lunch at least twice a week! Com, which means rice in Vietnamese, offers mostly grilled meats — served over rice, salad, or noodles. It is the unpretentious sister of the Dunwoody branch. The one tucked inside a nondescript Buford Highway plaza where, if you blink, you’ll miss it.

I like unpretentious places. You’re just sure that what they lack in ambiance and decor, they make it up on food — taste, quality, and price. Com is one such place. It’s always packed at lunch times and weekend nights where wait times of up to 30 minutes isn’t uncommon.

My favorite appetizer here is their signature Grape Leaves Rolls. You get a choice of grilled beef, lamb, duck, salmon, or tofu wrapped in grape leaves then served on a bed of salad made with shredded lettuce and, green mango, and green papaya, topped with thinly-sliced, sweet fried onion and chunks of roasted peanuts, then drizzled with spicy-sweetish fish sauce. For those not familiar, fish sauce is the Southeast Asian’s version of salt. It is made from fermented fish, and comes in this aromatic golden liquid color. It is the magic of all Southeast Asian cuisine. These Grape Leaves Rolls are fantastic. It’s totally different from Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) of Turkish cuisine where the leaves are slimy. These leaves have more texture. The salad is crunchy and the green papaya adds a nice contrast to the bland lettuce. The sauce is perfect: slightly spicy, a little sweet, with just enough saltiness. No vinaigrette compares.

My sister’s favorite appetizer which is equally good is the Fresh Spring Rolls. Their version has mint and basil and fried onion which give the rolls more character and taste.

Com’s entrees are all good. Sometimes it’s difficult to choose just one. Their vermicelli or Bun bowls are a cut above the rest with shredded green mango and green papaya plus mint and basil. Each adding flavor to the entire dish without overpowering any other. The Fragrance Rice plate with grilled meat is also a great choice. It comes with Jasmine rice, shredded salad, and sliced tomatoes. The curry is also an excellent choice which can be served over noodles or with a side of French bread. The Tilapia fillet plate tastes fresh and tasty. And the whole fried fish (pricey at $39.95) is a must try (my mom’s favorite). Whatever you order, you won’t be disappointed.

Insider tip:

Service can be slow during peak times. Servers are gracious to inform diners if a selection isn’t fresh or up to par that day.
Located inside Buford Plaza close to Clairmont Rd where Chevron gas station is located.

The scoop:

Com Vietnamese Grill
4005-E Buford Hwy.
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-320-0405

Open from 11am

Technorati Tags: Com Vietnamese Grill, Com, Buford Plaza, Vietnamese cuisine, Bun, grape leaves rolls