There’s something special about Ray’s Place: Vietnamese Cuisine. Tucked away in Anchorage, this family-owned spot has been my go-to for over 15 years. From the moment I step inside, the warm, welcoming vibe makes me feel like I’m part of the Ray’s Place family. It’s the kind of place where you know you’ll get a hearty meal made with love—and let me tell you, Ray’s doesn’t disappoint.

Ray’s Place has a loyal following for a reason. The restaurant’s interior is cozy, with an old-school charm that reminds you of the many family dinners and friendly catch-ups it’s hosted over the years. My family, including my five-year-old daughter, loves it here. She’s practically grown up on Ray’s food, and these days, we find ourselves eating Ray's a couple of times a month. Their takeout is just as good as eating in-house, which is hard to perfect.

On our most recent visit, we ordered some of our favorites—and even tried a few things I’d been meaning to get for a while. First up was the Fried Egg Rolls, a perfect mix of bean thread noodles, ground pork, green cabbage, and assorted veggies wrapped in a crispy shell. The rolls come with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce, and they’re crunchy and perfect. My daughter always insists on having a few for herself, and I can’t blame her!

Of course, no visit to Ray’s would be complete without a steaming bowl of pho. This time, I went with the Chicken Pho, which has a delicate yet flavorful broth made from a blend of beef and chicken bases. The pho has all the usual fixings: fresh bean sprouts, a lime wedge, jalapeño slices, basil, and cilantro. I love the ritual of building my bowl just the way I like it, adding in a little bit of this and a little bit of that until it’s just perfect. The broth at Ray’s is rich without being overpowering, and the rice noodles soak it up beautifully.

For something a bit heartier, I ordered the Beef Fried Rice. I love the fried rice here. Ray’s fried rice is anything but basic; it’s loaded with vegetables and fried egg, plus your choice of meat (I went with beef this time; it was my first time trying it!) This dish's combination of textures and flavors is amazing—every bite is a mix of tender beef, slightly crispy rice, and perfectly cooked veggies. My family practically fought over this plate!

I also tried the Tofu Sautéed Noodles, which came with egg noodles and an assortment of vegetables. Normally, I get this dish with their curry sauce—one of my absolute favorite things on the menu—but I forgot to order it this time. The curry sauce at Ray’s is creamy, rich, and just the right amount of spicy, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time. Even without the curry sauce, though, the noodles were delicious, and the tofu was perfectly cooked, with a nice balance of firmness and flavor.

And what’s a meal at Ray’s without a couple of Vietnamese Iced Coffees? I can’t get enough of this sweet, strong, and refreshing drink. The iced coffee is rich and creamy, with a deep coffee flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk. It’s my go-to drink here; on this trip, my husband and I each had one. There’s just something so satisfying about sipping on iced coffee while digging into a big, comforting bowl of pho.

Aside from the food, I love how Ray’s Place has stayed true to its roots as a family-run business. They don’t need flashy decor or fancy frills—just great food and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back. They’ve been serving the Anchorage community for years, and it’s clear that they’re passionate about sharing their Vietnamese heritage through every dish they serve. They’re all about providing a taste of Vietnam to locals, and they’ve certainly succeeded. Whether you’re craving a classic bowl of pho, a plate of fried rice, or one of their famous curry dishes, Ray’s is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic, comforting Vietnamese food.

Give them a try Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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