Pho Thai Hoa
1625 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC
On these cold days, what better than a hot bowl of soup. Now, of course, being Chinese, that would usually be either something on the lines of congee or noodles. But, instead of Chinese style noodles, I went for pho. That begs a question of its own: in Vancouver, with so many Vietnamese restaurants, which one to go? Having heard so many things about Pho Thai Hoa, the decision was easy.
Despite it was already around 2:00 p.m., the place was still packed full. Being by myself has an advantage of its own: you can get the small table, so I was seated quickly, despite it was almost packed full.
You usual assortment of condiments
For the food, I ordered two items:
A dipping sauce for…
Spring rolls. It was OK; not outstanding in anyway. Could it have been better? Sure but not complaining here.
When you see this, you know what it is coming…
A bowl of pho, with rare beef, tripe and tendon. The beef was rare, sure; however, the proportion of ingredients were a bit off. If it wasn’t because of two small pieces, you would have easily said it was beef and tripe. As for the broth, I found it was quite “clean” so no complains from that perspective.
A common complain about places like this is the cleanliness. In my case, the table given to me was a bit of a mess, i.e., there were several packs of chopsticks in the table in disarray and I think I saw a couple of pieces of shredded cabbage on a corner of the table. And no, that was before I got any of my dishes. Of course when customers are queueing outside to get a table, sometimes you will miss a spot or two. Still, that should not be used as an excuse…
Overall, it was interesting and, if – and only if – I am in the area, I might come back – mainly because the broth was “cleaner” than others I have had.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi KimHo, just replying to your comments, but on your blog as I didn’t know if you’d see it on mine! Thanks for coming by to visit my new blog, every new reader makes it better!
I kinda knew that leaf was meant for the soup, just didn’t know if you were meant to eat it or not, as I don’t reckon the soup is hot enough to cook it, but if it’s basil, I suppose you’re not meant to chew on it???
Photo settings, this might be a funny one but I just kinda snap away at whatever setting I’m on. I’ve been told I should be on the Aperture setting, but I find that my estimates are not good enough to produce nice pictures so I tend to go for the automatic settings, but if the lighting is good, any setting makes the pic look nice!
I’ll add your blog to my list if that’s OK with you?
Hi monchichi,
The link back will be really appreciated! Will do so as well.
Ah, camera settings, yes, that’s a pain. I try my best but sometimes, oh well! ^_^;;;
Hi KimHo, give Hai Phong @ 1244 Kingsway a try
http://www.psych.ubc.ca/~jchin/eatvan/Pho.pdf
check out the ratings from the most recent Pho down =]
Cheers
Keyem, welcome! Thanks for the list. If memory serves me right, that is from Jason Chin who used to write in EatVancouver.net (now with new editor!). I have been to some of the listed places but, unfortunately, since they are a bit out of my way, I usually “plan” my visit in advance. Next time, I guess? ^_^
I thought it was overrated…and I tried a lot of things! I’m working on my review for it. I agree with you though…still good, but not the best. I’ve had better.
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