BeLeaf is a minimalist restaurant that's not only a sharp contrast to the deep-flavoured essence of Vietnamese food, but also symbolizes the owner's desire to promote a healthy dining experience. 

The classy light wood tone, woven rattan chairs, and palm leaf decor adds a hint of rustic outdoor charm to their welcoming and airy ambience.

On the menu, you can find classic Vietnamese dishes such as pho, vermicelli bowls and other Southeast Asian noodle dishes and curries.

Start with this Share Tray ($35.99) comprising four appetizers: lemongrass fish cakes, deep fried chicken wings, sugar cane shrimp and pork spring rolls — with a handful of crispy shrimp crackers sprinkled in the middle for good measure.

From the selection, the sugar cane shrimp is the standout featuring a springy shrimp and pork mixture delicately wrapped around sugar cane. It's perfect to eat on its own or paired with the sweet and sour sauce.

Served with either rice or vermicelli, the Beleaf Signature set ($17.99) is a solid meal option and comes with your choice of salad and a main dish, as well as Vietnamese spring rolls.

Vegetarian alternatives such as the mixed green salad and grilled tofu are also available.

I opted for their non-spicy mango shrimp salad and grilled pork with vermicelli as my main. The flavourful pork slices have a pleasant smoky aroma, all finished with a light yet savoury Vietnamese fish sauce dressing.

This Lemongrass chicken Bánh mì ($14.99), also known as Vietnamese baguette sandwich, is a generous portion of juicy sliced chicken, pickled vegetables, and mayo encased within a slightly crunchy baguette bun. It comes with a green salad and waffle fries.

Don't miss the House Special Pho ($16.99). Tender rare beef slices, firm brisket, chewy bites of tendon and bouncy beef balls are all bathed in a hearty but mild beef broth. Make sure to add fresh bean sprouts and Thai basil to the hot broth for an aromatic twist.

BeLeaf's Laksa noodles ($16.99-17.99) boast a less intense spice level than the Malaysian version but I still found myself happily slurping up these egg noodles and rice vermicelli in a broth filled with shrimp.

Protein options like rare beef, chicken and tofu are also available.

For dessert, make sure to save room for their Mango Jasmine Basque Cheesecake ($8.99). 

Though the jasmine tea flavour could be more prominent, the cake is garnished with a bright mango sauce and has a great velvety, custard-like consistency with a gently caramelized top.

To drink there's a variety of offerings made with tropical fruits, alongside their distinctive Vietnamese coffee.

A standout on the menu is the Mango Coconut Milk ($7.49), a medley of diced mango, mango puree and coconut milk.

The Vietnamese Coconut Coffee ($7.49) is a slushy, icy coconut smoothie, rounded off with a final shot of coffee extract.

White Moonlight ($6.49) took me by surprise; a light and refreshing drink that blends the natural sweetness of coconut water with a massive layer of airy cheese foam on top.

With vibrant dishes and drinks like these, it's no surprise BeLeaf has been blowing up all over social media since its opening at the end of 2023. Whether or not it's worth the hype, you'll have to stop by and find out.

BeLeaf is located at 45 Carlton St Unit 2.