I wanted to do a review on a nearby restaurant that I heard was affordable, close by and plentiful of food for college students who cannot afford much. I went to the Vanlang restaurant located on 3600 S University in Little Rock, Arkansas. Upon arriving I had noticed that the parking was very minimal. However, the restaurant was a very convenient walking distance for those college students who usually bike or cannot afford to drive out. The area was very busy and surrounded by competing food industries. From the outside, the restaurant looked a little outdated and not very well kept. My apologies to the owners, but I’d rather dine at a less “shady” location.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was expecting to be greeted by a waitress at the front counter, however, I was instead greeted by a waitress who was sitting in the far back by the television set broadcasting the premiere of a new series, Degrassi. It has a medium size interior with teal-green booths and tables lined all the way to the very back of the facility. There was an aroma of ginger, steamed vegetables and some kind of well-seasoned protein. It had a very inviting scent. The restaurant was also very quiet, regardless of the amount of customers being served; There were at least 8 students inside and another 5 customers that appeared to be relatives of the owners. It’s nice to enjoy your meal, without hearing the conversations of people from the tables next to you.
I was seated at a table and handed a paper and plastic menu. I chose the Bibimbap, which was a Korean dish made with grilled steak, over easy eggs, bean sprouts, curried rice, and steamed spinach for $12.00. Not all the food was that expensive, though. Looking on the menu, at lunchtime Mon-Friday between 12:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m a family could get a decent lunch starting at $6.
The wait for it was a little over fifteen minutes, and I unfortunately did not see the waitress the entire time. When I finally did receive the food, I was a little surprised by how big of a portion I received for the price. The dish was prepared in a medium bowl with all the food piled on top of each other. The food was plated colorfully with the dark brown steak, bright yellow egg, the steaming white and red rice, the vibrant green spinach and the light green bean sprouts. I really do enjoy the spicy flavors of this dish..the curry appeared to have a variety of chile peppers. I do admit the dish may make one a little thirsty.
Despite the price for slightly heartier meals, relaxed low-end atmosphere, and mediocre service, this restaurant serves a very delicious variety of food that I am willing to spend every penny on. I will definitely eat there again to try some more of their menu.
Van Lang
(501) 570-7700
$$$$ Vietnamese
3600 S University Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
(501) 570-7700
