Hem Social

What is Hem Social? Taking its name from the Vietnamese word for the bustling back alleys where Saigon's best street food thrives, Hem Social anchors the Little Portugal strip at 1424 Dundas Street West. Founded by the Nguyen siblings, this narrow room swaps traditional pho hall tropes for minimalist wood accents, warm woven pendant lights, and cozy counter and table seating. It functions as a stylish, relaxed neighbourhood canteen that draws steady crowds for weekday lunches and casual evening dinners.

Hem Social Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out tightly edited Vietnamese street classics alongside rotating weekend specials like slow-braised beef stew (*bò kho*). Do not miss the candied wings glazed in a sticky, sweet fish sauce reduction, or the tender steamed wontons dressed in chili saté and dark soy vinaigrette. Mains range from crackly baguette banh mi to generous vermicelli bowls—especially the sautéed garlic beef with shaved onions and the vegan king oyster mushroom and tofu bowl.

Know Before You Go Space inside the compact dining room is limited and operates strictly on a walk-in basis, so expect short waits during prime weekend dinner hours. Hem Social is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, opening at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant is easily reached via the 505 Dundas streetcar, with metered Green P parking available along Dundas West.