Vietnamese Silk Lanterns, shaped like fish nets, are believed to bring good fortune. And the bright and warm orange colour is commonly used to signify prosperity in Asia. Formally known as Pho Temptation, The Orange Lantern's entry into the Singapore Vietnamese food scene is not just about being auspicious, but also a blessing to people who just want an affordable and comforting bowl of quality pho.

• The Vibe
  The success of the flagship outlet at Killiney Road led to a more informal spin-off branch at the HarbourFront Centre. Although the opening of Vivo City has stolen from the Cruise Centre the limelight of HarbourFront, Orange Lantern still serves a ready stream of guests and it is not uncommon to find queues during meal times. Pretty lanterns, adorning the ceiling of the restaurant, complement the glow that seems to emit from the predominantly orange restaurant. The eye-catching multi-coloured striped walls design gives this HarbourFront Outlet a modern bistro look in an otherwise plain corner of the mall.
• The Food
  Orange Lantern has a fine range of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and its affordability enhances its already strong appeal as a lunchtime destination. Aside from the standard starters you will find in all Vietnamese restaurants such as the Vietnamese Imperial Rolls ($6.50, 4pcs), the one deserving special mention is the Pomelo Salad ($6.50). A toss of sweet pomelo, shredded chicken in a garden of mixed salad greens, is thoughtfully topped with crispy garnish, making it appetite whetting.

  The “beef pho” often bears testimony to the true culinary standards of a restaurant. The Special Beef Noodle Soup ($8.50) certainly did not disappoint here with its tender sliced beef, springy brisket and tasty beef balls. The fragrant beef soup is made with broth simmered for 18 hours, blending the flavours of beef and herbs ideally.

  Orange Lantern has a variety of ‘make your own dishes'. One of which is the BBQ Beef wrapped in Betel Nut Leaves ($8.50). It may be inexplicable how such a time-consuming dish is said to be one of their most popular items, with its taste curiously average and considerably troublesome to consume. You would do better trying the Grilled Pork or Beef and Fried Spring Rolls with Rice Vermicelli ($9.00), the former winning the palate contest as it is more tasty while the beef is a little overcooked hence losing part of its tenderness.

  Orange Lantern serves the 3 Colours Drink ($4.50) and the Avocado Shake ($5.50) as in many other Vietnamese restaurants. If you like rich drinks, you will get it here. Just have that sugar rush for the later half of your day!

• The Service
  The service crew are mild mannered, polite and friendly. However, being slightly understaffed for the voluminous lunch crowds, it may take a little more time to get the tables cleared so the place does get a bit messy during these times. However, the continuous beeline indicates that the food has made the customers not bother fussing over such details.

SD Food Advisor's Take on Orange Lantern

Orange Lantern provides takeaways as well as catering services to customers who are keen to bring their quality Vietnamese food onto their very own dining table. Orange Lantern is a modest set-up but prides itself for its meticulously prepared and presented dishes that can be enjoyed by both you and me without digging deep into our pockets.