Chum Chay

"Our appointment with life takes place in the present moment. And the meeting point is exactly where we are right now," greets you at Chum Chay's website, inviting you to savor every single moment of your life—for example, with an imaginary, brief trip to Vietnam. This small Vietnamese restaurant has been receiving you since 2017 at Friesenwall in downtown Cologne—visually, olfactorily, and gustatorily authentic.

Chef Toni Pham and his team have made it their mission to bring the flavors and spices of Vietnamese cuisine, typically fresh ingredients, as well as authentic interiors and the feel of life, to Cologne. Their culinary art functions completely meat-free. You will only find vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. However, the often long line in front of the restaurant shows that the concept works—even for omnivores.

Chum Chay: Menu

On the menu, you will find popular dishes of classic Vietnamese cuisine like Goi Cuon, summer rolls, or Cha Gio, fried spring rolls, Banh Bao, filled steamed buns, as well as Pho and other soups, along with extraordinary curry dishes, which promise a veritable explosion of flavors thanks to their exotic composition. Instead of meat, health-conscious tofu is offered—marinated, breaded, or braised. All dishes are thus at least vegetarian or even vegan, marked accordingly, and rely on fresh ingredients.

Refreshing Creations

Since many dishes in Vietnamese cuisine are traditionally made with fish sauce, chef Toni Pham has created his own veggie fish sauces & Co, which are in no way inferior to traditional dishes in flavor.

In addition to various dishes for small and large appetites, the menu also lists some Vietnamese teas, juices, and other drinks in Vietnamese style. How about a fresh lime juice or a Vietnamese iced tea?

For Moments in Vietnam: The Eyes Feast Too

Once you've discovered the slightly hidden entrance in the backyard at Friesenwall—between Friesenplatz and Rudolfplatz and not far from the Gloria—Chum Chay visually transports you to Vietnam for some time. Selected interiors with long dark wooden tables, walls in Buddhist colors yellow and red, Asian roof tiles, basket lamps, and the open kitchen à la street kitchen. Toni Pham connects the roof tiles to vibrant childhood memories of rain characteristically pattering on the roofs.

Chum Chay: Togetherness, Even in the Courtyard

The concept of this small restaurant is more geared toward sociable togetherness than romantic twosomeness. Because it is often quite full in this popular place, you sit according to your group size at one of the long tables with other guests—with a view of the open kitchen. In summer, hopefully, you'll find a spot in the beautiful courtyard.

Even if living consistently in the present slightly contradicts the practice of making reservations in advance, it is recommended. For you, as a spontaneous and very present-minded person, it's best to be there early at noon or in the evening; then there's surely a place for you and your companion.