Thien Ly Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco
A 12-year journey of bringing Vietnamese flavors from a small hometown to the world.
Born in a small, sun-soaked coastal town in Vietnam - a place where people love their hometown, honor their heritage, and cherish every simple family meal. From humble beginnings, we learned that food in Vietnam is not just to eat. It is memory, identity, and the soul of Vietnamese culture. Twelve years ago, we started Thien Ly with nothing more than love for our hometown... and one simple dream:
“To bring the true flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine closer to the world.”
Along this journey, we held onto the dishes that represent the very best of Vietnam - many of which have been recognized among the Top 100 Best Dishes in the World by international culinary rankings. Like the world-famous Pho, the refreshing Vietnamese beef noodle salad, and the iconic Banh Mi.
Moreover, we continue to preserve the flavors that shaped Vietnamese homes for generations: caramelized clay pot fish, crispy scorched rice in a clay pot, sweet-and-sour soup, and boiled pork served with pickled eggplant and shrimp paste - simple dishes that carry profound cultural depth.
For international guests, these dishes become an entirely new journey - one that expands the palate, reveals layers of flavor they never knew existed, and reminds them that in this wide world, there is a small country with one of Asia's most extraordinary culinary cultures.
After 12 years of patience and dedication, Thien Ly made its way to the United States carrying the love of a hometown, the pride of a nation, and the mission to bring these authentic Vietnamese experiences to customers from around the world.
Today, as you wait for your meal, you're not just tasting food. You're experiencing Vietnamese dishes that have been recognized globally, and the 4,000-year culinary heritage and the love for one's hometown are woven into every dish of Thien Ly.
Welcome to Thien Ly - where every dish is a story, and every flavor is a journey.
History of Formation and Development
Founded with a passion for preserving the traditions of the Vietnamese family meal, Thiên Lý - Vietnamese Kitchen has evolved from a small family restaurant into one of the leading and most trusted brands for authentic Vietnamese cuisine
The Beginning
Launched the first restaurant, dedicated to serving traditional Vietnamese claypot rice.
Domestic Expansion
Achieved rapid growth with a network of branches strategically established across Ho Chi Minh City.
Nationwide Coverage
Transformed into a well-known restaurant chain recognized throughout Vietnam.
Global Reach
Officially launched the international franchise model to expand presence across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Why Choosing Us?
Clay pot rice is no longer a distant or unfamiliar dish to many Vietnamese diners. More than just a familiar aroma, each pot of rice is simple, comforting, and perfectly suited to the tastes of a wide range of guests.
Cooked carefully in traditional clay pots, the rice is prepared with fresh ingredients to preserve its natural flavor. Each pot releases a gentle, familiar fragrance—warm and inviting. A full pot of rice has the power to bring people together and fill the hearts of everyone at the table.
Alongside the rice, the accompanying dishes are equally diverse, offering many options on the menu. Depending on personal taste, diners can choose their preferred side dishes. While the cooking methods remain simple, the careful seasoning creates distinctive flavors—forming the unique identity that sets Thien Ly clay pot rice apart from anywhere else.
