Mekong Cafe is a highly regarded, family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Springfield, Illinois. Specializing in a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Laotian fare, the establishment is a local favorite for those seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavors in a relaxed and cozy environment. Recently remodeled to provide a more charming and comfortable dining experience, the cafe is well-known for its fresh, made-to-order dishes and its signature customizable spice levels that cater to every palate.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating
Atmosphere
Casual, Cozy, Quiet, Recently Remodeled
Amenities
Restrooms, High chairs available
Payments
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Signature Crab Rangoon: Frequently cited by patrons as the best in the city, featuring a light, crispy wrapper and a perfectly balanced creamy filling.
Authentic Flavor Profiles: Renowned for high-quality Laotian Curry Beef Noodles, Pho, and Pad Thai that rival top-tier restaurants in major metropolitan areas.
Customizable Heat: Guests can specify their preferred spice level for almost every dish, ranging from mild to extra hot for adventurous diners.
Efficient Service: The kitchen and staff are noted for providing fast, hot, and fresh meals even during busy lunch hours.
Dietary Inclusive: Offers a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian options, with tofu substitutions available for most meat-based entrees.
Fresh Ingredients: All meals are cooked to order, ensuring that vegetables like asparagus and bean sprouts retain their crunch and flavor.
Vietnamese and Laotian Menu
Appetizers
Item
Description
Thai Eggrolls
Deep fried rolls with ground chicken, bean thread noodles, cabbage, and carrots. Served with peanut sauce.
Vietnamese Eggrolls
Deep fried rolls with ground chicken, bean thread noodles, cabbage, and carrots. Served with tangy sauce.
Vegetable Eggrolls
Deep fried rolls with bean thread noodles, cabbage, carrots, and wood ear mushrooms. Served with tangy sauce.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Fresh lettuce, cucumber, cilantro, noodles, chicken, and shrimp in rice paper. Served with peanut and tangy sauce.
Crab Rangoon
Crispy wonton shells filled with a signature cream cheese and crab blend.
Fried Wonton
Crispy fried wontons served as a savory starter.
Chicken Satay
Marinated chicken on sticks served with cucumber salad and curry sauce.
Laotian Chicken Wings
Deep fried marinated chicken wings.
Soups
Item
Description
Wonton Soup
Chicken broth with wontons, carrots, cabbage, chicken, and scallions.
Rice Soup Chicken
Hearty chicken broth with rice, chicken, carrots, cabbage, and scallions.
Bune Noodle (Wet or Dry)
Wheat noodles with bean sprouts, green onions, and choice of meat topped with fried wonton.
Pho Bo
Traditional beef noodle soup with sliced beef, cilantro, basil, and onions.
Lemon Grass Soup
Spicy and sour soup with mushrooms, onion, cilantro, lime, and choice of protein.
Salads
Item
Description
Papaya Salad
Shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, and ground peanuts with Lao special sauce.
Vietnamese Noodle Salad
Choice of meat in brown sauce over rice noodles, lettuce, cucumbers, and cilantro with peanut sauce.
Vietnamese Curry Noodle Salad
Choice of meat in curry sauce over rice noodles and fresh greens with tangy sauce and crushed peanuts.
Laotian Curry Noodle Salad
Choice of meat in curry sauce over wheat noodles and fresh greens with tangy sauce and crushed peanuts.
Fried Rice
Item
Description
Fried Rice
Classic fried rice with egg, white onion, and choice of meat.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Fried rice with egg, onion, pineapple, and choice of meat.
Basil Fried Rice
Savory fried rice with egg, white onion, and basil in a signature brown sauce.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Steamed rice with egg, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, corn, and bean sprouts.
Curry Fried Rice
Fried rice with egg and white onion seasoned with aromatic curry sauce.
Mekong Fried Rice
Signature rice with egg, onion, carrot, mushroom, green pepper, and bean sprouts.
Noodle Dishes
Item
Description
Pad Thai
Stir fried noodles with egg, bean sprouts, scallions, peanuts, and lime.
Pad See Ew
Thin rice noodles stir fried with egg and broccoli in a savory sauce.
Pad Woon Sen
Bean thread noodles with carrot, green pepper, onion, tomato, scallion, and bean sprouts.
Crazy Noodle
Wide rice noodles with carrot, onion, mushroom, green pepper, basil, bean sprout, and egg.
Lo Mein Noodle
Stir fried wheat noodles with cabbage, carrot, mushroom, and onion.
Singapore Noodle
Rice noodles stir fried with egg, white onion, celery, green pepper, and bean sprouts.
See Me Rad Na
Choice of meat with broccoli in a delicate sauce served over thin rice noodles.
