Norfolk is a foodie heaven. With some of the best ingredients in the UK on our doorstep (think Brancaster Oysters, Cromer Crab, Norfolk Black Turkey, Stiffkey Cockles, Mrs Temple Cheeses, Samphire, Norfolk Asparagus and Norfolk Game) it’s easy to see why Norfolk is fast becoming a go-to destination for foodies like me. It’s one of the main reasons (along with how stunningly beautiful it is here) that made us move out of London and to Norfolk permanently.
If you want Michelin Star, top Gastro pubs or the most incredible, fresh, locally sourced seafood or fish & chips, Norfolk is without a doubt, your place.
Living here though, sometimes I don’t always fancy all those things. Sometimes what I really crave is diversity; real ‘world cuisine’. When I was a city girl, I had all this on my doorstep. In Norfolk we’ve sometimes struggled to find authentic world food that tasted exactly like it would if you got on a 12 hour flight and explored these countries for yourself.
That’s until now and I couldn’t be more delighted! The newest addition to Cromer’s already brilliant foodie scene is Yumy Yumy House, a Vietnamese Street Food Cafe run by Vietnamese-born (and wonderful) Thao Tran. I’ve known Thao for a while and when she told me that she was finally pursuing her dream of opening a cafe, I literally shrieked with excitement. Finally somewhere that would satisfy my cravings and provide me with everything I’ve been missing in Norfolk.
Since they’ve opened, you’ve not been able to keep me away and by this point, I’ve pretty much tried the whole menu. The first time I went, I got a classic Vietnamese Pork Baguette (Bahn Mi)) and took it to eat out, sitting on one of the benches overlooking the Pier. The sun was shining, I was watching the waves crash on the beach and finally my taste buds were delighted with fresh, subtle Vietnamese flavours that brought my tastebuds to life and made my tummy very, very happy.
When Thao told her 4 year old little boy that she was setting up a Vietnamese Street Food Cafe, she asked him what she should call it and he said “Yumy Yumy House”, because her food is so yummy. That little boy should definitely be a food reviewer when he grows up because he most definitely knows his stuff! It’s delicious. So delicious in fact that after trying the Pork Baguette, I went straight back in and picked up two of the main course noodle and rice bowls and took them home for my husband and I for dinner that night. Both of those were exceptional too (and he’s pretty hard to please).
We love to explore the North Norfolk Coast on a weekend and enjoy really long walks on the beaches and coast path. More often than not, we end up getting back to Cromer (where we tend to start our walks) after most cafes in Cromer have finished serving food (most only keep their kitchens open until 2pm) and on more than one occasion, we’ve ended up being really stuck. Of course you can always get fish & chips or head to one of the many great pubs at any time, but after a long walk, more often that not, we’re craving something light but filling (and nutritious). Opening 11am - 7pm every day, not only does Yumy Yumy House fill the gap in the authentic world cuisine market but it also fill the gap in the late lunch market too.
With the Pork Baguettes costing £6.50 or £7.50 depending on which you choose, starters between £4.50 to £5.50 and mains ranging from £7.50 to £11.50 the food is also not just yummy, but affordable too.
So if you fancy a change from seafood, gastro pub food or fish & chips, head to Yumy Yumy House in Cromer and be prepared for your tastebuds to be delighted!
Yumy Yumy House
28 Church St, Cromer NR27 9ES
Tel: 01263 687472
Website: www.yumyyumyhouse.co.uk
Instagram: @yumyyumyhouse_cromer