VAM Asian Fusion Restaurant
| Address: | 3487 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA |
| Phone: | +1 415-741-6477 |
| Site: | facebook.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 32
Reviews 24
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Rok Ružič
VAM is a splendid example of innovative fast food coupled with a fast food/takeaway style of restaurant. They make familiar sounding dishes with a Thai twist. In particular a burrito made with Korean BBQ meat, fried rice and a splendid veggie sauce for juiciness is a specialty served only at this place. Every time I come to Palo Alto a visit to VAM for Palo Alto burrito is a given at least once, bit I try to make it there as many times as possible. The manager of VAM is a wonderful dude named Zen and he is the kind of guy who inspires confidence in me regarding his care for food quality and customer satisfaction. He is doing a great job. The only drawback of VAMs menu is the fact that food and drinks on the menu are not familiar to anyone but restaurant staff, so a new customer is going to have a very vague idea about what they are ordering. Ordering unfamiliar food and drinks there is always a bit of a gamble. One time I asked the cashier to give me a refreshing non-alcoholic drink of her choice, and she asked me if special Thai iced tea would be ok, and I said yes. What she gave me was a sweet milky puss full of some berries she called "bobbins" and the drink was horrendous. This was the only time I was really disappointed in what I was served at VAM. If Zen was there at the time, he would had made sure I wasnt disappointed. For anyone looking for new taste combinations, for all adventurous eaters, for all those willing to take a risk with their order, VAM is the place to go. There is a risk when you order something you have never eaten before at VAM, sometimes their fusion cuisine just isnt compatible with peoples expectations, but there is also great reward, my burrito experience at VAM is a great example. The only real improvement VAM needs is better interior design. The place looks quite shabby. I highly recommend VAM to anyone, who is looking to explore beyond their usual diet. And when you go there, make sure you get acquainted with Zen, because he is going to guide you through your culinary experience at VAM. Warning: sometimes dishes at VAM can be unexpectedly sweet. Consult with Zen before ordering, if you dont like sweet food.
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Cory Wang
The people here are nice which is the only reason they didnt get one star. Food is consistently greasy/oily and under-seasoned, so somehow its unhealthy and not tasty. Just had the Massaman Curry special today. Ive had and liked it at other locations, so I was excited to try it here. There was a pool of oil on the bottom of the dish and the curry had no flavor and was likely under-seasoned so I was disappointed. I wanted to reserve judgement because sometimes its possible to have one bad experience at a great restaurant. Suffice to say, after three bad experiences in a row, I will not be coming back.
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Greg Albrecht
I love the food at VAM and the service is very interactive, unique and fun. I would give the place 5 stars but my only complaint is that after ordering a KBBQ burrito the restaurant smokes up. I think they should install a ventilation system above the kitchen area. Maybe the space wasnt originally designed as a kitchen? I think this would be a fantastic idea and would make it healthier for the customers and cooks at the restaurant. Overall I like this place a lot and look forward to a world-famous KBBQ burrito every 2 weeks. Thanks VAM :D
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Brandy Morgan
Great local spot for good food, and great service. The owner and his mom are so friendly. I am greeted by name EVERY TIME that I come through their door, and they even remember my kids too! The food is priced well, but they do have their moments when it gets busy, and it may take a while for you to get your order. Be patient... Its worth the wait! P.S. They even have Boba and Milk Tea (or you can get it without milk).
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Tristan E
The guys in here are super nice and will try to sell you on the burrito--listen to them. Its amazing! Im sure the bowl version is just as tasty as well. I gave 4 stars because the massaman curry was good but not amazing and they didnt have tapioca for the boba. Stick with the burrito/bowl and you wont be disappointed!
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Shannon Fritz
Yum-azing! I stopped because it was convenient and did not expect the fresh, gourmet food and organic coffee. Staff is super friendly and they have great specials. Will be eating every meal here next time I stay in the area.
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Kieran Maynard
Korean BBQ burrito is the bomb; eggplant is also great. Mango with sticky rice is great. I like the casual vibe and the fun guys like Zen working there. It feels like a slice of Hawaii in an odd spot off El Camino.
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Joey Katz
The tastiest meal Ive had in a long time. Friendly staff around and inspiringly enthusiastic about the food they make. If you find yourself in the area do yourself a favor and grab some delight on a plate.
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Brian Yang
Very friendly and engaging owners and price is very reasonable. Food is served on a paper plates and feels very much like youre eating at a picnic, but I suppose thats part of the "feel" theyre going for.
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Robert Tang
Zen is super friendly and always willing to describe every detail of the menu. I love the Korean BBQ chicken burrito and the black milk tea is great. When they have boba/tapioca pearls it is amazing.
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Kevin Davila
If i could give this place more than 5 stars i would! Man that korean chicken burrito was out of this world!!!! Difitely going to come back to this place! Really down to earth employees!!!
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Nick Cassab
Great hole in the wall spot. Staff was super friendly and the food was really good. Prices were also super affordable, this is a great lunch spot, dont get turned off by the decor.
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Katrina Fernandes
Food was very tasty! We tried the wonton soup, korean bbq burrito and tacos. The tacos were my favourite. Good prices. Service was excellent. Would eat here again.
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wale ayodele
Super friendly staff, quirky place with bags of character ...I guess :) the ribs and the Korean BBQ were crucial. They werent playing with their flavors. Top joint
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Soheil Gharahi
Took away my sriracha while I was still eating. Did not optimally distribute the sour cream in the burrito. The kpop was out of place, this is merica.
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Jeffrey Lin
really kind owners $1 chicken tacos boba is instant boba though, so dont boba here unless you want the cheap boba wintermelon soup is pretty good
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Katie Johnston
Tasty food and very friendly owners/chefs who were eager to share everything on the menu. They had limited seating, some of which was outside.
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Stephen Chapman
Its ok, found the Korean burrito to be a bit greasy and wasnt a huge fan of the mayo and corn in it but perhaps thats just me.
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keny styles
VAM is the the most amazing place in the world. Korean BBQ buritto. With Matcha tea and Lychee jelly. Finish with a smorrito.
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Jason Teplitz
Tacos are amazing, best boba in palo alto hands down, and everyone that works here is super nice. Definitely check it out.
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Regent Lee
Very interesting take on the burrito, which they called it Korean BBQ burrito. Enjoyable but rather small serving for $8
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Bee Cause
Very, VERY casual place. Like visiting a friends house. Food is great, service is fine. Had a pretty good time here.
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Yves Bouvier
Loving the food here, really recommend it to everyone. Great for people who work near by as it feels like home
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Ricardo Epps
Nice small business. The service, food quality, and prices are good. I enjoyed my bubble tea and wonton soup.
