Bringing the flavours of Vietnam to the heart of Edinburgh, SEN Vietnamese Dining is all about slow, considered dining packed with authentic taste. Inspired by the kitchens and family tables of Nam Dinh province, this warmly welcoming restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese dishes, using Scotland’s best local produce alongside carefully sourced herbs and spices from Vietnam. It’s a place to settle in, take your time, and savour every bite - whether you’re slurping up a fragrant bowl of pho, tucking into perfectly crispy spring rolls, or sharing grilled prawn mousse on sugarcane with friends.
Quality ingredients are at the heart of SEN’s cooking, with the team championing Scotland’s natural larder. The steak in their signature pho and the wok-tossed shaking beef comes from East Lothian and Dumfries, while the seafood in their crispy spring rolls and summer rolls is delivered fresh daily from Scotland’s best fish markets. But for those essential flavours that define Vietnamese cuisine, SEN looks further afield. Fragrant cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and black cardamom are slow-dried in the Vietnamese sunshine before making their way into comforting curries and lemongrass-infused dishes. Even the restaurant’s name - ‘SEN’ - is a nod to the lotus flower, a symbol of Vietnam and a key ingredient in their cooking. Guests can try lotus root chips alongside a cold beer or sip on delicate lotus flower tea, infused with the floral aroma of green tea leaves.
The menu is designed for both sharing and solo indulgence. Small plates like crunchy coconut peanuts and prawn crackers are the perfect way to start, before diving into classics like crispy spring rolls or grilled prawn mousse on sugarcane, which is best enjoyed rolled up with soft rice paper and a splash of dipping sauce. For something heartier, the rich Lantern Confit Duck Curry or the turmeric rice noodle dish, Mì Gà, offer warming comfort. Meanwhile, a carefully curated selection of organic and biodynamic wines, chosen with help from local suppliers, ensures the perfect pairing for every dish.
With a focus on tradition, sustainability, and bold Vietnamese flavours, SEN offers an unforgettable dining experience - one best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.