Two months ago, Cristina Mendez and John Pham, the innovative minds behind Cris And Johns Vietnamese Street Food, opened their doors. At just 23 years old, this dynamic couple has masterfully blended their diverse culinary backgrounds to create a unique dining experience. Cristina brings her Mexican heritage to the table, while John infuses the vibrant flavors of his Vietnamese upbringing, creating a menu that’s both familiar and excitingly new. While they call it “Vietnamese street food,” Cris and Johns offer something that goes beyond the typical street fare, elevating the spirit of Saigon in a fresh, Dallas setting.
Cris and Johns's phoritto offers a delightful fusion of Vietnamese pho and Mexican burrito, creating a unique culinary experience.
A Culinary Love Story: Cris and Johns’ Passion Project
John, originally from Ho Chi Minh City, journeyed to the U.S. for his higher education. Cristina, born in the U.S. with Mexican roots, crossed paths with John in college. However, the heart of Cris and Johns isn’t just their story, it’s the food they passionately create. “We do this out of complete passion for food,” Mendez explains. “We wanted to do something fresh and something very different.” This passion is palpable in every dish at Cris and Johns.
Must-Try Dishes at Cris and Johns Vietnamese Street Food
The menu at Cris and Johns is a testament to their innovative spirit, with the phoritto taking center stage. But beyond this signature dish, there’s a range of appetizers and mains that showcase their culinary fusion.
The Phoritto: A Vietnamese-Mexican Sensation at Cris and Johns
Their signature creation, the phoritto ($7), is a Viet-Mex marvel. Imagine the comforting essence of pho, expertly wrapped in a warm, crispy tortilla. This isn’t just a burrito; it’s a “phoritto,” a culinary invention unique to Cris and Johns. It perfectly encapsulates their vision of blending Vietnamese and Mexican flavors seamlessly.
Starters: Exploring Vietnamese and Fusion Flavors at Cris and Johns
Begin your culinary journey at Cris and Johns with their enticing starters. The Vietnamese rice paper and cheese corn offer a glimpse into the diverse flavors they expertly blend.
Cheese Corn: A Sweet and Savory Delight at Cris and Johns
The cheese corn ($4) is a must-try. It evokes the same irresistible, gooey, and sweet corn sensation that made Ddong Ggo famous. It’s a comforting and flavorful start to your meal at Cris and Johns.
Cris and Johns' cheese corn, a delightful appetizer, presents a sweet and savory flavor profile that is both comforting and unique.
Vietnamese Rice Paper: DaLat Pizza Reimagined by Cris and Johns
For a taste of Vietnamese street food culture, try the Vietnamese rice paper ($5). Inspired by DaLat pizza, a popular Vietnamese dish, Cris and Johns‘ version features grilled rice paper topped with scrambled eggs, savory meat, and fresh herbs, all folded like a quesadilla. It’s a delightful and authentic starter that reflects John’s heritage.
Bold Flavors: Wings and Refreshing Drinks at Cris and Johns
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the spicy chili wings ($7) paired with boba horchata ($3) is an unexpectedly perfect combination at Cris and Johns. Be warned, these wings pack a punch! Cristina and John recommend the horchata for its cooling, milky sweetness, which perfectly balances the fiery wings. The wings are coated in a vibrant red paste that delivers a lasting heat, wonderfully tempered by the cinnamon-infused horchata boba.
Customizable Delights: Bao, Tacos, and Banh Mi at Cris and Johns
Cris and Johns also offer a customizable experience with a selection of fillings that can be enjoyed in bao ($4), taco ($2.50), or banh mi ($6.50) form. Each combination is surprisingly harmonious. The bao buns are wonderfully soft, the banh mi French bread offers a satisfying crispness, and even the taco, while a fusion twist, holds its own. Prepare for an exciting textural adventure with each bite.
The Ambiance of Cris and Johns: Quaint and Welcoming
Step inside Cris and Johns, and you’ll find a quaint and inviting space. Low seating and dark wood accents create a cozy atmosphere. Utensils are thoughtfully placed in Cafe Du Monde coffee tins, a charming nod to Vietnamese coffee culture. A captivating mural stretches across the back wall, depicting a slice of Vietnamese city life, complete with street vendors and locals enjoying daily life. The only things missing are the sizzle of street food cooking and a Tiger beer sign, completing the authentic street food vibe.
Embrace the Fusion Experience at Cris and Johns
“You have to let go. You have to expand your palette,” Pham advises, encouraging diners to embrace the unique fusion flavors at Cris and Johns. When asked about his parents’ reaction to the phoritto, Pham chuckled, “They think it was crazy. The burrito? I told them about it, and they went, ‘That’s ridiculous.’” But ridiculous in the best way possible. The phoritto is not quite pho, and not quite a burrito, but something entirely new and delicious. Each component is carefully executed – tender meat, soft rice, fresh herbs, and a perfectly crispy tortilla. It’s an experience that may lead to those late-night cravings for something uniquely satisfying.
“If you’re going to go into business, there’s no better way than to go into it with your partner,” Mendez reflects. “We have support for each other 100 percent,” Pham adds, highlighting the strong partnership at the heart of Cris and Johns.
Cris and Johns Vietnamese Street Food is a refreshing and essential addition to the Dallas dining scene. It’s a culinary exploration of flavors and passions that is truly rare and worth experiencing.
Cris and John Vietnamese Street Food, 5555 Preston Oaks Road (Far North Dallas)
