Tealightful Cafe -delightful Vietnamese beverages and snacks (Clairmont Mesa)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk and His Missus are taking some time off and Cathy is writing this post.

There is so much to tell you about my version of 2020, but for right now a recently opened snack/meal/beverage place deserves a share.

Back in 2007, the discovery of shops serving boba drinks and snacks  was fascinating for The Mister and myself.  We found some tea centric businesses which had  meal/snacks available, like  Tea Station and Tapioca Express as well as (now defunct) Tea Garden and E & Drink.  Over time we have stopped in a few other places, trying interesting beverages and snacks.  

In the same parking lot as Little Sheep, we noticed the new signage and outdoor tented seating.  {During this pandemic, The Mister and I will eat "in" if we get to a place right when it opens, because the seating has just been set up and cleaned.}

The spacing to get to the order area is clear.  There is a paper menu taped to the front window as well as next to and behind the register. Here is a link to the website menu; it has changed over the past few weeks.

Being creatures of habit, the Chicken Pop Pop ($6) was an automatic order. A good size portion of moist chicken,  perfectly fried with a light, crispy crust (with a bit of spice) and fried basil accompanied by a spicy mayo sauce and garlic chunks with chiles.The papaya salad with beef jerky ($6.50) was delightfully refreshing! Fresh green papaya, shredded basil, a moist beef jerky and fried garlic.  The dressing, garlic hot sauce and crisp peanuts were just right when mixed in. 
The 'vermicelli noodle bowl with pork' ($8), a great version of Vietnamese "bun" was fresh made (still warm noodles, good marinade on the sliced char cooked pork) and had excellent flavors before and after the condiments were added. 
We tried ordering the char grilled squid ($10) but it wasn't available the first two times we were here.  Finally it was available and worth the wait.  Rings, tentacles and a spicy, citrusy dipping sauce made this a perfect little meal. Seeing nem neuong on the menu ($6, three pieces), we had to try, but didn't expect Brodard quality.  I must say the thick pork roll slices, freshness, warm sauce and crisp egg roll wrapper inside makes the version here a close second.   
A short interlude to mention beverages.  Only one size.  The price varies from $4-$5.50.  Every one we have tried is good.  The elderberry milk tea ($4) with house made elderberry syrup is refreshing and not too sweet.   The colorful strawberry matcha latte doesn't look as pretty when shaken, but the flavors are wonderful.  

There is a fried banana on the menu ($2.50). It's a whole manzano banana, so you'll either get two or three pieces.

 Dipped in a sesame seeded batter and fried to a proper crispness, the batter is thicker than on the chicken and the result is a delightful crispy banana filled snack.  

 We were going to order a regular (hot coffee) to go with the banana on one visit but the lure of cream cheese topped Vietnamese coffee (no condensed milk/sweetener)($4.50) was an indulgent end to the meal that day. 

Everything on this post will be ordered again, the freshness and quality is noteworthy. 

Tealightful Cafe 4726 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92117 (858)352-6584 Open Daily 11 a.m. Currently, closes at 9 p.m. on Thurs, Fri, Sat. Otherwise closes at 8 p.m. Website