There’s a small slice of Vietnam hiding in plain sight in a Westchase residential neighborhood, and if you haven’t heard about it yet, that’s exactly the kind of thing we’re here to fix.
Vườn Xoài, located at 9023 Lake Sunset Dr. in Tampa, is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to find. What looks from the outside like just another quiet residential block opens up into a Vietnamese-style farm and garden that’s part cultural experience, part tropical nursery, and part restaurant. It’s also, importantly, entirely free to walk around. Just to be clear about that, you don’t have to pay a thing to stroll the grounds. In an era where everything has a cover charge, that feels almost radical.
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The property is filled with huts scattered around the landscape, vintage Vietnamese scooters on display, and hammocks strung up with what can only be described as an obvious invitation to slow down. Everything about the place sends the same message. Sit down, relax, stop rushing. It’s an aesthetic straight out of the Vietnamese countryside, and it absolutely works. Whether you’re stopping by for a photo opportunity, a peaceful afternoon, or just to remind yourself that Tampa contains multitudes, Vườn Xoài delivers. A tip of the hat here to Dena Loves Food, who helped us discover this hidden gem
Photos via Vườn Xoài
The name itself translates to “Mango Garden” in Vietnamese, which tells you everything you need to know about what’s growing there. The farm sells tropical fruit in season, with fresh mangoes typically available around July. Miss the window and you’ll still enjoy a walk through the grounds surrounded by fruit trees. Honestly, that’s not a bad trade.
The food is where things get particularly interesting. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday, and the menu takes absolutely no shortcuts. On offer are whole grilled chicken, crawfish, snails, chicken feet salad, noodles, fresh sugarcane juice, and coconut water. It’s a menu that rewards the adventurous and gently challenges the timid, which is exactly what a farm restaurant should do. A full meal for two reportedly runs around $81, which feels very reasonable for something this distinct.
The whole grilled chicken tends to get the most attention, and it’s the kind of commitment that’s best made with a group. Lucky for you, this is an exceptional group outing destination.
Vườn Xoài is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call ahead at (813) 385-6607 before visiting. Tampa’s always got something new to discover. This one’s absolutely worth your time. Check them out on Facebook here.
Photos via Vườn Xoài
