Best Pho place in Toronto/Markham

[navyseals]

What's the best pho place in toronto/markham + other dishes in the restaurant?

[vi3t]

Pho Saigon on Eglinton Ave. (At Wardan Ave.)

Address:
1921 Eglinton Ave. E
Scarbrough ON M1L 2L6

[user01]

The one at Kennedy near Canada Computers

[victory01]

VIP at First Markham. It's near the corner where Fire Fly is.

[kevin huynh]

i like pho vietnam, address 1280 kennedy rd, really good place

[molala]

Kinda further north,,but there's one inside the plaza on 16th and leslie in richmond hill!! best pho and pancake i had in years!

[501]

Pho Hung @ Spadina. (yellow sign with a cow on it)

[mmmken]

VIP at First Markham. It's near the corner where Fire Fly is.

You've got to be kidding me. Either you haven't tried another pho shop or you have some sort of connection to them. The soup there is completely watered down, and the taste fades really quickly into the noodles.

IMO, the most consistent (and best) pho shop is probably Peach Garden @ pmall, or the Pho 88 chains.

The Pho 88 on Spadina used to be pretty good, but that was prior to the renovations. I went there once (and the last) after the renovations, and while it does look much nicer (and cleaner) - the food is bland.

[JTN416]

All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.

[willyxjai]

Pho Hung @ Spadina. (yellow sign with a cow on it)

+1

[mingming]

Pho 88 at Bamburg Plaza (Warden and Steeles)
Pho Pasteur at Dundas/Spadina (on dundas, west of Spadina), 24 hours too!!!

[n1ghts0ul]

Pho 88 at Bamburg Plaza (Warden and Steeles) +1

I also think VIP at FMP should not deserve a mention here, they also jacked up the prices and it is like 1-2 dollars more than regular pho prices.

[Deevusone]

You've got to be kidding me. Either you haven't tried another pho shop or you have some sort of connection to them. The soup there is completely watered down, and the taste fades really quickly into the noodles.

IMO, the most consistent (and best) pho shop is probably Peach Garden @ pmall, or the Pho 88 chains.

The Pho 88 on Spadina used to be pretty good, but that was prior to the renovations. I went there once (and the last) after the renovations, and while it does look much nicer (and cleaner) - the food is bland.

+1

I either go to 88 @ bamburgh or peach tree. Portion and the broth is always consistent.

[vaderschariot]

Pho Linh is the best hands down........1156 College St

[phillr]

If anybody's feeling adventurous, there's a new Pho 88 bit west of Yonge/Steeles, in the plaza directly north of the Canadian Tire. The Pho 88 in Scarb is excellent, the one at Empress is horrible (conflicting rumors whether it's the same owner or not). So 50/50 whether the one at Yonge/Steeles is good/bad.

[speeeeee]

ive been going to xeulua on hwy7 just eat of bayview for a long time ... always tasty!

[thelefteyeguy]

Pho Saigon on Eglinton Ave. (At Wardan Ave.)

Address:
1921 Eglinton Ave. E
Scarbrough ON M1L 2L6

-1

[user01]

the one at midland and finch is good too

[Superchick]

Xe Lua on Steeles, west of Yonge St. There is a Swiss Chalet in the plaza.

[Superchick]

If anybody's feeling adventurous, there's a new Pho 88 bit west of Yonge/Steeles, in the plaza directly north of the Canadian Tire. The Pho 88 in Scarb is excellent, the one at Empress is horrible (conflicting rumors whether it's the same owner or not). So 50/50 whether the one at Yonge/Steeles is good/bad.

I didn't know about the new opening on Steeles. I agree that the pho at the Empress location was not good at all.

[phillr]

Xe Lua on Steeles, west of Yonge St. There is a Swiss Chalet in the plaza.

+1. For people who can't read funny looking characters, it's banner is a red choo-choo train.

Some people enjoy the Pho 88 at Empress *barf*

[darren9]

I feel that Peach Garden across Pacific Mall has the best taste.

[keanefan]

Hoa refers to a minority in Vietnam consisting of persons considered to be ethnic Chinese (Han Chinese). They are often referred to as either Chinese Vietnamese, Vietnamese Chinese, Sino-Vietnamese, or ethnic Chinese in/from Vietnam by the Vietnamese populace, Overseas Vietnamese, and other ethnic Chinese. The Vietnamese government's classification of the Hoa excludes two other groups of Chinese-speaking peoples, the San Diu ('mountain Chinese') and the Ngai.

The people who escaped from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) China to Vietnam declared themselves as the Minh-huong (??; pinyin: Míngxi?ng) which means the people of the Ming Dynasty. The Hoa are descended from early settlers from the Guangdong province who arrived in Vietnam from the 18th to 20th centuries. The final group of mainland China migrants came during the 1940s. A large proportion of Hoa who are living outside of Vietnam speak Cantonese as their mother tongue, albeit in a Vietnamese accent. The second largest group of Hoa tend to speak Teochew (Chaozhou), but may also speak Cantonese as a lingua franca, again usually in a Vietnamese accent. The younger generation of Hoa in Vietnam tends to speak both Vietnamese and Cantonese.

The intermarriage between the Hoa and the majority Kinh ethnic groups is the highest compared to other minorities in Vietnam. [4]

They are predominantly urban dwellers. A few Hoa live in small settlements in the northern highlands near the Chinese frontier, where they are also known as ngai.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoa



According to research and oral histories Pham has recorded in Vietnam, pho first gained popularity in Hanoi in North Vietnam and was brought to Saigon when northerners migrated south in the 1950s. But the dish traces its origins to China and France, she believes. Some pho historians think France's 100-year occupation of Vietnam led to the dish's name, a corruption of the final word in the French hot-pot dish, pot au feu, although the word "ho fun" also describes some Chinese noodles. The flavors, Pham says, bear a strong resemblance to a Chinese beef stew with noodles, infused with star anise.

http://www.phohoa.com/news_07.html

Indeed, noodle cookery in most Southeast Asian countries was introduced by the wave of immigrants from southern China settling in the region the past century. They brought with them rice noodles and their ways of cooking them.

http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/padthai.html

-

[slouie]

Green Bamboo - Midland/Sheppard

Kim Bo - Kennedy/Steeles (a little side street east of Kennedy, facing the Korean rest. in Market Village)

Xe Lua - Yonge/Steeles

Pho Dau Bo - Markham/Lawrence

[kevin huynh]

most of the pho restaurant in markham are UNBELIEVABLY HORRIBLE, most of them are chinese owned, like a few people have said. especially the asian fusion types, theyre not as focused on the authentic vietnamese food. i like pho vietnam because of its true authentic vietnamese food, i am pretty sure there are more authentic vietnamese restaurant in scarborough that are also good but so far i like pho vietnam. if your in Pickering theres also a Pho Saigon there too, on liverpool rd facing pickering town centre.

[Insane_Pikachu]

Jane And Wilson!

[tmpz]

VIP at First Markham. It's near the corner where Fire Fly is.

+1

[navyseals]

All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.


Go here if diners want to get stabbed/shot too lol.

[mic2074]

I find Peach Garden chain to be good these days... been to others Pho 88, xeulua, etc... they've been going downhill, imo.

There's one on Gerrard St, east of Broadview, called Mimi's... quite good, always consistent. However, hope you have time on your hands, cause it's like a fine restarant - takes long time to be served... but well worth it sometimes if you're not in a rush.

[shannn]

What's the best pho place in toronto/markham + other dishes in the restaurant?

It's been said already, but the Pho 88 at Bamburg (Warden between Steeles and McNicoll) is really good.....rice dishes are pretty good too....but the place gets packed. Just don't get BBT from there

[untaka]

-1

Is this the one across from the Dragon Center?

You've got to be kidding me. Either you haven't tried another pho shop or you have some sort of connection to them. The soup there is completely watered down, and the taste fades really quickly into the noodles.

IMO, the most consistent (and best) pho shop is probably Peach Garden @ pmall, or the Pho 88 chains.

The Pho 88 on Spadina used to be pretty good, but that was prior to the renovations. I went there once (and the last) after the renovations, and while it does look much nicer (and cleaner) - the food is bland.

Agreed!


All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.

+2 AGREED! Best Pho I've had was there, I find Marham/Scarborough area has crappy selection or its chinese pho (IE made by and for chinese)

[LaymanX]

Okay got to ask. What is the difference between Viet pho and Chinese pho?
My favorite pho place is that one with the red train on the yellow sign (South of Dundas on Spadina). Can’t remember what it’s called, but it recently was renovated and is on the second level. I THINK they’re Vietnamese, but after reading the posts in this thread, I’m not sure if it’s viet or Chinese pho!

[thelefteyeguy]

Okay got to ask. What is the difference between Viet pho and Chinese pho?
My favorite pho place is that one with the red train on the yellow sign (South of Dundas on Spadina). Can’t remember what it’s called, but it recently was renovated and is on the second level. I THINK they’re Vietnamese, but after reading the posts in this thread, I’m not sure if it’s viet or Chinese pho!

well most ppl think the diff is chinese made vs viet made

but

I think viet pho uses dried noodle (harder and crisper in texture) vs. chinese pho uses fresh noodle (softer in texture)

BUT i could be 100% wrong...this is just my experience from eating at Pho Hung and chinese based pho rest.

[JuNGleR72]

Pho 88 at Bamburg Plaza (Warden and Steeles) +1

+2

[warlockdilemma]

My favorite pho place is that one with the red train on the yellow sign (South of Dundas on Spadina). Can’t remember what it’s called, but it recently was renovated and is on the second level. I THINK they’re Vietnamese, but after reading the posts in this thread, I’m not sure if it’s viet or Chinese pho!

That place is Xe Lua,I know for sure it is chinese owned


Pho Pasteur at Dundas/Spadina (on dundas, west of Spadina), 24 hours too!!!

+1



Great broth

They are Vietnamese owned and I feel that they are very underrated....

There is a place called Que Ling on Gerrard and Broadview,that has amazing Pho,but the place is almost like a shack and closes by 7 pm.Give it a shot if you are ever in that area.I always see a lot of the local vietnamese eat there,whcih is a good sign

Que Ling
248 Boulton Avenue

[CSAgent]

well most ppl think the diff is chinese made vs viet made

but

I think viet pho uses dried noodle (harder and crisper in texture) vs. chinese pho uses fresh noodle (softer in texture)

BUT i could be 100% wrong...this is just my experience from eating at Pho Hung and chinese based pho rest.

Um, no.

You're 100% wrong.

It's fresh noodles that Vietnamese use.

[CSAgent]

Okay got to ask. What is the difference between Viet pho and Chinese pho?
My favorite pho place is that one with the red train on the yellow sign (South of Dundas on Spadina). Can’t remember what it’s called, but it recently was renovated and is on the second level. I THINK they’re Vietnamese, but after reading the posts in this thread, I’m not sure if it’s viet or Chinese pho!

And for God sakes, don't call it Chinese Pho, the Chinese did not come up with Pho, they have no freakin' idea how to make pho, using all the wrong ingredients, not allowing the soup to simmer to gain flavor.

Again, do not call it Chinese Pho, its blasphemy to put Chinese and Pho together!

People up there have this brain washed notion of what pho should be, eating out at all these chinese own places who most likely make their Pho from instant powder flavor packs! What a disgrace to the real taste of Pho!

[thelefteyeguy]

Um, no.

You're 100% wrong.

It's fresh noodles that Vietnamese use.

really...because the Pho Hung noodles taste diff. What kind of noodles do they use?

I've been to Viet rest that ask you whether you want fresh noodles or dried. The dried taste like Pho Hung's noodle.

I would love to know the diff.


but from reading your comments...there is no such thing as Chinese Pho.



reading from wiki,

"The noodles, called bánh phở in Vietnamese, are traditionally cut from wide sheets of fresh rice noodles similar to Chinese Shahe fen, although dried noodles (also called "rice sticks") may also be used."

Im 100% positive that some Viet Pho uses dried and fresh noodle. However I know that places operated by chinese uses fresh noodle for their "so-called" Pho.


btw...its funny how you say the Chinese f'up making Pho when most believe that Pho's origin comes from either the Chinese or the French. ;)

[Cream Puff]

saigon at richmondhill court

yummmmmmm try the clear viet noodle, i think it's tastier than regular noodles

[tebore]

Train as it's known by a lot of people is one of the best Pho places in Chinatown. Pho Hung is garbage, it's to fool the white man, the portion's are small and over price. There's a Kim Bo on Bathurst and Spadina across from Toronto Western hospital that's good for other viet dishes.

Pho Linh on College is really good I recommend the weekend specials they have in the menu.

Most if not all the pho places in Markham are garbage. The Peach Gardens downtown are crap small as hell and bland.

Most of the good viet food and good Pho are in the west end and in Sauga. The other chinatown in Broadview also hides a few good places.

For good Pho you gotta look for the dive looking place.

[keanefan]

Net search and you will find articles mentioning that pho has or may have Chinese origins.

Here is a list of restaurant recommendations:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/336634

or make your own beef noodle soup.

:arrow:

[mic2074]

there are no authentic pho in T.O. according to my friend who just came back from visiting relatives in Vietnam. He's Vietanese, and has had pho at the various restaurants in T.O. but when he had pho in Vietanese - he hated it. Doesn't taste anything like what he's used to... so in conclusion - whether it's Chinese owned or Vietanese owned, it's not truly authentic, and has some infusion of flavour.

[flexwong]

best ones are in ottawa/montreal area. every time i head up there, i always need to stop by a pho restaurant. tastes much better then the ones in toronto for some reason.

[lowrider_62]

Who cares whether it's Chinese made or Vietnames made.

If it tastes good, then it tastes good regardless of who makes it!!

[DarkPaladin56]

best ones are in ottawa/montreal area. every time i head up there, i always need to stop by a pho restaurant. tastes much better then the ones in toronto for some reason.

Word. +1

Back on topic: Xe Lua, or Pho Hung on Spadina and Dundas.

[501]

Train as it's known by a lot of people is one of the best Pho places in Chinatown. Pho Hung is garbage, it's to fool the white man, the portion's are small and over price. There's a Kim Bo on Bathurst and Spadina across from Toronto Western hospital that's good for other viet dishes.

Pho Linh on College is really good I recommend the weekend specials they have in the menu.

Most if not all the pho places in Markham are garbage. The Peach Gardens downtown are crap small as hell and bland.

Most of the good viet food and good Pho are in the west end and in Sauga. The other chinatown in Broadview also hides a few good places.

For good Pho you gotta look for the dive looking place.

don't diss pho hung ... i like it!

[sexpuppet6000]

has anyone here actually had phu in Vietnam before? Every phu place that I've been too serve d!ck soup with noodles in eat. I haven't been to a restaurant that actually serves it the way it should taste.

And for viet natives. South phu is by far the best. Mid and north phu is just weird. But I could even imagine the north eat phu while living in some tunnel and getting bombed.

[sexpuppet6000]

well most ppl think the diff is chinese made vs viet made

but

I think viet pho uses dried noodle (harder and crisper in texture) vs. chinese pho uses fresh noodle (softer in texture)

BUT i could be 100% wrong...this is just my experience from eating at Pho Hung and chinese based pho rest.


Well phu is a viet noodles soup. It is the same as going to little Italy to get pizza or little india to get India style curry. You wouldn't want a hespanic dude preparing your authenic india curry would you?

typically only viet people care that viet are preparing the food.

[Div]

The one at Kennedy near Canada Computers

i like pho vietnam, address 1280 kennedy rd, really good place

x2 - I believe they are both referring to the same place.

[profguy]

Who cares whether it's Chinese made or Vietnames made.

If it tastes good, then it tastes good regardless of who makes it!!

Absolutely. Just because you are vietnamese doesn't automatically mean you know how to cook or cook good pho.

[argh]

I forgot the name of the place but this restaurant is owned by Vietnamese.
This is the plaza on Warden and Steeles where there is T&T. It should be a few stores away from the Ramen store (which is also quite good).

[uvadtmfub]

Who cares whether it's Chinese made or Vietnames made.

If it tastes good, then it tastes good regardless of who makes it!!

Exactly! +1

[kleptodathief]

is this a NEW best PHO thread??? if so, has anyone mentioned the pho88 near weston rd/finch , in the plaza besides the shell gas station?


sweet PHO stock FTW!

[warlockdilemma]

I forgot the name of the place but this restaurant is owned by Vietnamese.
This is the plaza on Warden and Steeles where there is T&T. It should be a few stores away from the Ramen store (which is also quite good).

Pho Viet....i really like that place.....

[vietnutz]

For fresh noodles and other authentic viet dishes: Pho Linh (College)

For franchised good pho: Peach Gardens (all over the place)

For good pho but get overcharged at till: Pho Con Bo ( jane and wilson)

Pho mi asia ain't bad either.....anything else? why bother i already got a few i go to.

[molala]

is this a NEW best PHO thread??? if so, has anyone mentioned the pho88 near weston rd/finch , in the plaza besides the shell gas station?


sweet PHO stock FTW!

OP want richmond hill/markham

[Carbooja]

I just made my own Pho, turned out pretty damn authentic, I found the trick to make sure the blanch the Beef bones first then put it in the slow cooker over night along with the other ingredients.

[CSR]

Pho 88

[aZnRYcEbOi]

I forgot the name of the place but this restaurant is owned by Vietnamese.
This is the plaza on Warden and Steeles where there is T&T. It should be a few stores away from the Ramen store (which is also quite good).

I love Pho Viet also. I come here every week for my pho fix :D

[mahpoaht]

The best Pho in GTA is Pho Con Bo @ Jane/Wilson. I've tried most of the Pho restaurant in GTA and none come close to that.

But I have to admit the best Pho ever made is from Pho 2000 (closed in 2004) @ Jane/Sheppard.

BTW, while you're at Pho Con Bo, ask for "tai tiet" ;)

[kleptodathief]

im viet and i don't know wat tai tiet is lulz :idea:

[mahpoaht]

im viet and i don't know wat tai tiet is lulz :idea:

The word is "tái tiết". Very few people know about this, but they do exist. ;)

Ask them and you'll see. Not all Pho restaurant have this but the one I recommended is one of a few places that have "tái tiết".

[warlockdilemma]

The word is "tái tiết". Very few people know about this, but they do exist. ;)

Ask them and you'll see. Not all Pho restaurant have this but the one I recommended is one of a few places that have "tái tiết".

Now that you have gone through the trouble of putting in the phrase phonetically,would you care to explain what it is?

[skewed]

There's a place west of Steeles and Dufferin (near York University) called "Pho VT" I think. It is by far the best vietnamese place I have tried. It is family owned by a vietnamese family. You can always see in the kitchen making your food through a glass window which looks sketchy at first but their food is amazing.

I will have to try out some of the other suggestions here to see if I can find a new winner. I usually order the standard Pho whenever I try a new place out to classify it. :)

[cchiu]

It used to be but it's not anymore. The beef is still moist and fatty but the soup isn't that good. It's obviously run by Chinese ppl.


the one at midland and finch is good too

[cchiu]

Nobody mentioned Golden Turtle in Sauga. It's located at Central Parkway and Confederation. I'm quite certain it's Vietnamese owned. They are consistent and good.

[quincy]

Kinda further north,,but there's one inside the plaza on 16th and leslie in richmond hill!! best pho and pancake i had in years!

Could you more specific of location please, i would like to try it.

[ElvaSoShexai]

i swear pho 88 @ bamburgh must put something in their broth get customers addicted. been going there since high school (since it was across the street) and i always go back there because it's still the best & most consistent of all the places i try

[CSR]

i swear pho 88 @ bamburgh must put something in their broth get customers addicted. been going there since high school (since it was across the street) and i always go back there because it's still the best & most consistent of all the places i try

My fav too. it's @ Warden south of Steels

[mingyang]

yea Pho88 is always packed during lunch in school year.

[warlockdilemma]

My fav too. it's @ Warden south of Steels

Might get flamed for saying this but never understood the hype about Bamburgh Circle Pho88....went a couple of times but the Pho was sub standard,broth was luke warm (and because of this could not get the full flavour of the broth),noddles were soggy.......but seeing the lineups and rave reviews about this place makes me wonder what am I missing here???

[alifromca]

Might get flamed for saying this but never understood the hype about Bamburgh Circle Pho88....went a couple of times but the Pho was sub standard,broth was luke warm (and because of this could not get the full flavour of the broth),noddles were soggy.......but seeing the lineups and rave reviews about this place makes me wonder what am I missing here???

I've been there over 100 times (literally) and I've never once had soggy noodles there, although I have had luke warm broth (about 10% of the time).

[warlockdilemma]

I've been there over 100 times (literally) and I've never once had soggy noodles there, although I have had luke warm broth (about 10% of the time).


My apologies,i did not mean soggy,what I meant was the noodles were like a lump....

[dubjk]

My apologies,i did not mean soggy,what I meant was the noodles were like a lump....

seriously? i never had that problem from all the times ive been there. there might be some inconsistencies with the other types of food, like the rice or.. um... pardon my incorrectness, but those noodles that dont come with soup.

but other than that, never had problems, either that or ive only been eating the same special beef noodle and havent had the chance to encounter something bad.

[Magoo]

For those who say Pho in Scarborough, Markham or Richmond Hill is good you obviously do not know what you are talking about. I ate at a Pho store at Finch and Midland... somewhere around there... my friend recommended and she said it was great. Went there and had some sorry ass fake Pho from HK owners. Granted she is from China and I am Chinese from Vietnam she did not know what she was talking about.

Best Pho restaurant? There are many, some say Phon Con Bo (Jane and Wilson) is good; I think it's way too salty. Pho Hung is always good, been eating there for more than 15 years. Train in China Town? They used to be good wayyyy back in the high school days. Pho Linh on College near Dufferin is good too, their spring rolls are especially good I find.

[sleepyguy]

There is a place in Thai/Viet one near Silvercity/Futureshop in Mississauga. They only serve 2 types of Pho, special and chicken. Both are pretty good for $6, not too greasy and not too much MSG. -sg

[sexpuppet6000]

My fav too. it's @ Warden south of Steels

My dad went to the place once. Every time I mention it he cringes. Mind you he grew up in Vietnam.

[thechampion116]

Go to Pho Vietnam in Scarborough, one of the best around. Its already been mentioned.

If your looking for good Pho, your first hint should be whether the cook and owners are actually Vietnamese. Generally, it will taste better because its technically more authentic.

Secondly, I tend to avoid Pho 'franchises' like Xe Lua or Pho 88. Generally they tend to be on the yucky side.

Also make sure you try the shakes while your at it. Real good stuff if done right.

[TimelessVictory]

best ones are in ottawa/montreal area. every time i head up there, i always need to stop by a pho restaurant. tastes much better then the ones in toronto for some reason.

Are you serious? lol. I don't know about pho in Montreal but I lived in Ottawa and Toronto and the pho in Ottawa is pretty damn terrible. Pho in Vancouver is probably the best. But as far as the GTA goes I think somebody mentioned Golden Turtle in Mississauga, that place makes pretty good pho. For those of you in Sauga who hate to wait, Pho Dau Bo near Mississauga China Town makes decent pho pretty fast.

IMO homemade pho is the best, no MSG added. :cheesygri

[alifromca]

For those who say Pho in Scarborough, Markham or Richmond Hill is good you obviously do not know what you are talking about. I ate at a Pho store at Finch and Midland... somewhere around there... my friend recommended and she said it was great. Went there and had some sorry ass fake Pho from HK owners. Granted she is from China and I am Chinese from Vietnam she did not know what she was talking about.

Best Pho restaurant? There are many, some say Phon Con Bo (Jane and Wilson) is good; I think it's way too salty. Pho Hung is always good, been eating there for more than 15 years. Train in China Town? They used to be good wayyyy back in the high school days. Pho Linh on College near Dufferin is good too, their spring rolls are especially good I find.

The pho place at Finch and Midland is nowhere near as good as Pho 88 at Bamburgh. And the pho at Pho 88 isn't exactly the best. However, it's good enough for me. The taste, price, and distance from my house are all factors that keep me going back.

[evanx]

The pho place at Finch and Midland is nowhere near as good as Pho 88 at Bamburgh. And the pho at Pho 88 isn't exactly the best. However, it's good enough for me. The taste, price, and distance from my house are all factors that keep me going back.

I tried the pho at bamburgh and my friend told me it was very good. Unfortunately, I didn't agree and I found the pho at Golden Turtle in Mississauga to be better.

The best one I have tried so far was the one in downtown Toronto, near the TTC's St George station. I can't recall the name though. EDIT: It's Pho Hung.

[ruhroh]

About the Bamburgh Circle one...

Has anyone been there recently? My family and I went there last Sunday, and my sisters and I sort of got sick from the food (nausea/stomach ache and we all had interesting bathroom experiences). We just had regular noodles and an order of spring rolls. We know it was the pho that did it because we all had a very strong noodle/msg aftertaste the next day.

Just wanna put this out there and see if anyone else has had something like this happen to them.

[felixdd]

Okay got to ask. What is the difference between Viet pho and Chinese pho?
My favorite pho place is that one with the red train on the yellow sign (South of Dundas on Spadina). Can’t remember what it’s called, but it recently was renovated and is on the second level. I THINK they’re Vietnamese, but after reading the posts in this thread, I’m not sure if it’s viet or Chinese pho!

I've only had vietnamese-made pho in London (ON), and made by a friend's mom. The rest of the pho I've had in Toronto are Chinese-made.

That being said, I find Chinese-made pho to be more intense in flavor. The Vietmanese-made pho I've had is more mellow, but makes it up with a broth with much more "dimension" and "complexity". To the point that I'm sure some will find it bland or under-seasoned. It may sound like I'm talking out of my ass, but hey it's just my opinion.

And hey, who cares if it's authentic. If it tastes good, go for it.

[imak]

Has anyone ever tried Hanoi Bistro in Baldwin Village?

I actually find their pho to be quite good and cheap ($6.25, one size only but its about equivalent to a Large in most places). The owners/cooks are Vietnemese for sure.

[molala]

too lazy to read the entire thread..

but have anyone tried the new pho at the sobey's plaza on mccowan and bur oak in markham?

[alifromca]

I tried the pho at bamburgh and my friend told me it was very good. Unfortunately, I didn't agree and I found the pho at Golden Turtle in Mississauga to be better.

The best one I have tried so far was the one in downtown Toronto, near the TTC's St George station. I can't recall the name though. EDIT: It's Pho Hung.

I was only comparing two places in my post. I've been to golden turtle and I find it to be a bit better, but it's almost 2 hours away from my house. The cost of gas to get there and back would be insane. The two places that I compared are places that I can get to in 15-20 minutes.

[501]

didn't know pho hung was open for 15 years :lol: but ya i love it...thats the only pho place i eat when im down there.

[wiggy]

Pho Peter in Brampton. West side of Kennedy Rd., north of Queen St. in the Coffee Time strip mall. Its at the north end of the strip. Well made pho and great salad and spring rolls. Awesome shrimp/pork salad. Inexpensive, good sized portions.

[BananaWeed]

Pho Hung @ Spadina. (yellow sign with a cow on it)

Pho Hung's pho isn't served hot enough. The broth cools down quickly and at times isn't even hot enough to cook the rare beef (if you ordered rare beef). Also, their hoisin sauce is watered down.

Pho 88 at Bamburg Plaza (Warden and Steeles)
Pho Pasteur at Dundas/Spadina (on dundas, west of Spadina), 24 hours too!!!

Pho Pasteur's pho was nothing to rave about. It was a few years ago that I've had it but I remember it being bland.

Train as it's known by a lot of people is one of the best Pho places in Chinatown. Pho Hung is garbage, it's to fool the white man, the portion's are small and over price. There's a Kim Bo on Bathurst and Spadina across from Toronto Western hospital that's good for other viet dishes.


Xe Lua's (Train) pho is terrible. It's Chinese-made and they use different noodles. The noodles are thicker and softer. The broth also tastes different than Vietnamese-made pho. The last (and only) time I went was a few years ago. The pho was so bad that I didn't bother going back. Seeing as they've newly renovated, I might give them another chance.

Nobody mentioned Golden Turtle in Sauga. It's located at Central Parkway and Confederation. I'm quite certain it's Vietnamese owned. They are consistent and good.

+1. Rua Vang (Golden Turtle) is usually pretty good. Their rice dishes aren't bad either. They also make some of the best Bun Bo Hue (spicy soup) I've had.

Pho Mi 99 in Mississauga also makes good Bun Bo Hue, but their pho is lacking. I ate at the Dundas+Dixie location last weekend and the pho wasn't hot enough. My rare beef wasn't cooked properly and was still pink, giving it a bad texture. That ruined the meal for me and I couldn't finish it.

Pho 88 in Chinatown was mediocre. Their broth is too sweet.

I also tried the pho at Green Fusion (was Ginger 2) at Yonge & Gerrard street. Both the broth and the hoisin sauce are diluted.

My dad usually gets Pho from Cao Van (Jane + Wilson). The pho is average there - nothing special.

I'll have to try Pho Con Bo if I'm in the Jane & Wilson area. Have you guys ever got take-out pho? If left overnight, a thick layer of solid fat forms on top of the broth... so unhealthy but so delicious. :(

[Blue7thGen]

too lazy to read the entire thread..

but have anyone tried the new pho at the sobey's plaza on mccowan and bur oak in markham?


interested in finding out as well... wife and i go by it all the time but havent had a chance to try it.

[spazzamatic]

You've got to be kidding me. Either you haven't tried another pho shop or you have some sort of connection to them. The soup there is completely watered down, and the taste fades really quickly into the noodles.

IMO, the most consistent (and best) pho shop is probably Peach Garden @ pmall, or the Pho 88 chains.
.

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000

i love peach garden :D

[spazzamatic]

too lazy to read the entire thread..

but have anyone tried the new pho at the sobey's plaza on mccowan and bur oak in markham?

yes. that place sucks like crap.

it's not even pho.

its like chinese flat noodles split in half in chicken soup.
and their prices are jacked up!

[jjtsl]

The taste at Peach Garden is not bad, I'll give you that, but the service from the couldn't-care-less tweenies leaves much to be desired.

[windforcexx28]

I like the Pho 88 at Warden and steeles.... their noodles are pretty good... but they''re not very consistent with the soup base

[caitlink]

Used to go to Pho Viet at Warden & Steeles.

finally tried Pho 88. Like it a lot better. Large portion with lots of meat. Very busy even on a monday night. Going there from now on.

[warlockdilemma]

Used to go to Pho Viet at Warden & Steeles.

finally tried Pho 88. Like it a lot better. Large portion with lots of meat. Very busy even on a monday night. Going there from now on.

I used to go to Pho Viet a lot before but then I started trying other places and I realised,their portions are definitely smaller....

[Davedigger]

Pho Linh is the best hands down........1156 College St

+1

[thechampion116]

+1

Pho Linh is the best hands down........1156 College St

-1.


no way. My parents used to drive downtown every month just to eat there, but over the years, the food has gotten worse. Its still good but no where near the way it used to be.

[Maximaro]

The Pho 88 on Spadina used to be pretty good, but that was prior to the renovations. I went there once (and the last) after the renovations, and while it does look much nicer (and cleaner) - the food is bland.

I went there after renovations and was quite disappointed. It was pretty, but there was no leg room, portions were small, and well, it wasn't that worth the price. I felt like I was footing their renovation bill...

[2961883]

i like the one at major mac and bayview, it's in that plaza besides the pho, i like their curry with bread...

the one on middlefield and steeles call super 7? i like that one too, but their rice dishes is better than the pho i think.

[Magoo]

In general, it's pretty safe to say that if you want Vietnamese food, go to a Vietnamese restaurant. Don't go to a so called Pho restaurant where the owners are HK and they don't know what nuoc mum<sp> is. LOL

[ADVANCE]

ahahahha im not like most people, i don't care if the pho is bland i care about the proportions!

[Ten Count]

ahahahha im not like most people, i don't care if the pho is bland i care about the proportions!
That is refreshingly honest.

Also in my brief time on RFD, I have observed that many posters will cut alot of slack to "bang-for-the-buck" joints while flamming any place that has raised prices or otherwise tried to inch upscale.

It is prudent to keep these contexts in mind when considering reviews & recommendations from here.

I too am a fan of big portions and good values - but like that commercial says: It's only a deal if it's on something you want...

[yyz2hkg]

too lazy to read the entire thread..

but have anyone tried the new pho at the sobey's plaza on mccowan and bur oak in markham?

The place is called Kim Dihn. Inflated prices, soup is hot but the noodles are hard...the rice dishes are ok though. Wouldn't go again though.

[Ten Count]

Secondly, I tend to avoid Pho 'franchises' like Xe Lua or Pho 88. Generally they tend to be on the yucky side.
.

I used to like Xe Lua (Train) - although my favourite item there were the Curry noodle soups.

I used to work at a second job during 2003-2004 with several young Vietnamese Canadians who liked Xe Lua & Pho88 just fine - they seemed to feel that the whole Viet-ownd vs Chinese-owned argument was more about snobbery than substance.

I can see how it might be strange to go to a restaurant billed as "Vietnamese" restaurant, try to order something in Vietnamese only to discover that nobody understands the language.

On the other hand, think about it - what percentage of staff working in "French" or "Italian" restaurants are actually conversational in Italian or French? Maybe 20%??

Anyway, I didn't go to Xe Lua for all of 2007. I finally checked out the new upstairs a couple of times this spring and I must say that while it looks nicer the execution of the food has gone downhill. The Pho broth was very watery and the meat was flat tasting (although this also goes with the generally declining quality of beef in many places...). I will definitely be trying other Chinatown locations when I need a fix next time.

[molala]

I went to the PHO 88 at Alton Tower last weekend and I would NOT go again!! The soup weren`t hot enough and it tasted like it`s watered down..noodles were hard and the price have gone up...I think they changed to a fusion restaurant now cos they have thai and all the other stuff..however...if they were to charge that price...at least give me better quality! :mad:

[Ten Count]

Another reason why franchises are somewhat comforting is that they figure to pay more attention to some standards compared to the mom & pop shops.

The first place I ever tried Pho - and still my personal favourite - was Pho Viet Huong on the North-West corner of Finch & Keele.

But I haven't been back in years ... not since I saw the Boss Lady take all the chopsticks out of the bowls, group them together in her fist, give them one wipe with her apron and hand them back to the waitress to restock at the tables!!

I don't think the bigger places would be quite so delinquent - but just to be on the safe side, whenever I go to a Pho place I always ask for an empty glass ... so I can rinse the sticks & spoons with hot tea before the food arrives!

[kleptodathief]

^ lulz, i bet ur room is so NEATand tidy

[ji2o0k]

If anybody's feeling adventurous, there's a new Pho 88 bit west of Yonge/Steeles, in the plaza directly north of the Canadian Tire.this place isn't very good. The decor inside is quite nice, seating and lighting are very comfortable but the actual Pho noodle dishes leave much to be desired.

I ordered the rare beef/tendon noodles and I found 2 small pieces of tendon in it. The broth was ok (could be hotter) and noodles was decent (wasn't soggy but have had better) but for the price/portion definitely not worth it.

The Pho 88 at Bamburg is wayyyyy better (taste and portions are always consistently good after all these years).

[Candiana]

whenever I go to a Pho place I always ask for an empty glass ... so I can rinse the sticks & spoons with hot tea before the food arrives!

always thought my mom is the only person who does this... i vouch for bamburgh pho88. consistent food quality, fast service, ample parking... oh & I truly appreciate that their beef is lean enough and that there's no yucky fats floating in broth.

[Howard]

Does anybody know the phone number for the Peach Garden at Pacific Mall?

[HP_John]

Technically not in Toronto but a new place I think is really good is Bun Pho Phu Hai, in Vaughan. It's in the Vaughan Mills plaza (unit 70 I think, not really sure). The rice & bun dishes are the best out of the many places I've tried, & the pho is much improved (it wasn't as good as their rice & bun dishes before).

[mwong168]

All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.

+1 for Pho Con Bo at Jane/Wilson

Another good chain is Pho Dau Bo at 2437 Finch Avenue West (near Finch/Weston) or 1125 Dundas Street East (near Dundas/Dixie)

All these other pho places in Markham, Richmond Hill and even Scarborough can't compare.

[booblehead]

Yep, the one on Yonge/Empress is absolutely the WORST ! Never again in any of the Pho88 outlets !

If anybody's feeling adventurous, there's a new Pho 88 bit west of Yonge/Steeles, in the plaza directly north of the Canadian Tire. The Pho 88 in Scarb is excellent, the one at Empress is horrible (conflicting rumors whether it's the same owner or not). So 50/50 whether the one at Yonge/Steeles is good/bad.

[jjtsl]

Does anybody know the phone number for the Peach Garden at Pacific Mall?

Be prepared for bad service......

[dragon173]

+1 for Pho Con Bo at Jane/Wilson

Another good chain is Pho Dau Bo at 2437 Finch Avenue West (near Finch/Weston) or 1125 Dundas Street East (near Dundas/Dixie)

All these other pho places in Markham, Richmond Hill and even Scarborough can't compare.



there is a pho dau bo at markham and lawrence

[siR_jay_cee]

+1 for pho dau bo at markham and lawrence ... since its closer to me
i always ask for no parsley!
i cant stand that stuff, never will ... yuck!

if in the city, i always go to pho hung on spadina
always busy there, but worth it in my opinion

[Instagator]

Oye. Sorry for thread revival here.

My two cents. I tried numerous pho places and the top two places that I go to is alton towers and middlefield and steeles. Alton towers is Pho 88 (I never look at the name) and super 7 at Middlefield. I like super 7 probably the most since its very clean / fast / and the broth tastes good.

However, i went to the Pho Vietnam on kennedy and i was displeased. First thing first, its a tad on the pricier side, the broth is mediocore, they LOVE coriender (which I absolutely hate), and they kinda screw you with the noodles. I looked at the noodles and it almost looks likes its a medium portion of noodles, even though I ordered a large. I go there if I don't feel like driving.


Speaking of which, anything closer to 401 / DVP? (other then pho vietnam)

[YoungDr3amer]

Being a business student and restaurant manager for the past 2 years.

I have even worked at a Vietnamese restaurant for one summer (4 months), both kitchen and dining room service. Therefore, I know a thing or two about the Pho franchises and independently owned restaurants.

I had already written a report during one of my operations research projects and in one paragraph, I thoroughly discussed the major/minor problems concerning the general Pho restaurants.

Believe me, in order to finalize my statements, I had to personally set out and experience 12 different Vietnamese-based restaurants.

In summary, I would like to begin by stating the major problem that hinders the majority of Vietnamese Pho restaurants are its general customer service. By providing pre-placed essential items (menus, utensils, sauces, etc.) on every table, you are eliminating that initial greet that is vital to all kinds of restaurants. It is poor judgment and an unthoughtful decision for all guests who arrive, to complete their orders on their own with a piece of paper and pen already placed on their table. I find it a mockery that this standard of restaurant operation is considered an authentic procedure.

I absolutely understand that the majority of Vietnamese restaurant owners are relatively inexperienced in modern restaurant functions and have favoured their general setup based on their experiences from their homeland of Vietnam. Currently, franchises of 88, 99, dau bo, etc have continued to maintain this form of layout and will not likely change within the near future.

Inventory management still continues to be an issue, they are sitting around 36% in food cost. Profits are steady, however, inconsistent in periodic inventory processing. Discussing their inventory control and management would be extensive in detail, therefore I will save you the boredom and move on.

Presently, the majority of workers who run the food and clean up the dining room are mainly made of Vietnamese people. Although I will not state the obvious communication problems, many new citizens to Canada, are not trained properly with clear and concise instructions on performing service duties. Owners lack a strong guideline to what is necessary in accommodating guests with proper attention and verbal communication.

Example, upon entering the door, you are briefly welcomed with a hello and shown a hand gesture suggesting your table. Then you are brought tea and cups for your delight while you look over the already table-set menus. Upon deciding, you solely complete your order on small piece of paper and eventually wait until your meal comes. Upon finishing up your meals, you ask politely for the cheque and you're way out the door. Sound like your typical Pho dining experience? Well it should, because this is the standard experience that all people expect and have grown accustomed to.

For profits rates to increase, i strongly recommend an order to reinvent and redefine the Vietnamese Pho industry (VPI). There are several aspects in today's VPI that needs to immediately change in order to survive the coming years to compete with growing chain of South Eastern based fushion restaurants that too offers Pho, at a slightly more higher price due to its standard quality service. Ex. Spring Rolls.

I have only paraphrased in order to keep everything short and sweet. There is a lot left out, I might expand on further details in the coming days or weeks. In conclusion, I have decided to progress to ownership around 2011 with my own Viet/Thai restaurant. I have absorbed a lot in the last 2 years under two owners who are great business developers. I'm still studying in university, so there is still time to absorb as much information as possible before I ascend upon owning my own restaurant. Expect a host position, stronger customer service and an open kitchen concept.

[501]

^ you know your viet when you can write up an essay on pho! :lol:

[afici0nad0]

In conclusion, I have decided to progress to ownership around 2011 with my own Viet/Thai restaurant. I have absorbed a lot in the last 2 years under two owners who are great business developers. I'm still studying in university, so there is still time to absorb as much information as possible before I ascend upon owning my own restaurant. Expect a host position, stronger customer service and an open kitchen concept.

sounds like a plan.

a welcome change to the status quo.

[mwong168]

There are several aspects in today's VPI that needs to immediately change in order to survive the coming years to compete with growing chain of South Eastern based fushion restaurants that too offers Pho, at a slightly more higher price due to its standard quality service. Ex. Spring Rolls.

I hope you are not serious about Spring Rolls. I went there once with my wife and never again. Not only is the food way over priced but food portion size was very small too. The overall look and atmosphere of the restaurant is neat and hip but the food sucks in my opinion. I ordered some spring rolls and was very dissappointed considering the name and nature of the restaurant I was expecting to be blown away. I would rather order spring rolls from Pho Con Bo or Dau Bo for cheaper and get a bigger serving and tastes much better too.

As for the service at most viet restaurants I don't mind and I think it is efficient. When I go to a restaurant there is nothing that annoys me more than having to wait and I think it's great how all the waitresses are on the ball when it comes to cleaning up a table and getting it ready before the next customer even arrives. This is good from the owner's perspective because they can have a higher customer turnover. Crap man a bowl of Pho only cost like $5-6 and you expect to be treated as if you are going to fine cuisine and greeted by a hostess? Seriously, pho is like a fast food restaurant and I don't mean McDonald's. From the moment I sit down and place my order my food arrives within 5 mins which is great. Let's be honest here, most of the people that go to these places I have mentioned don't go for the service or atmosphere, they go for the good food. But if you can match the food quality and consistency along with excellent customer service than all the power to you.

[chestnut]

Technically not in Toronto but a new place I think is really good is Bun Pho Phu Hai, in Vaughan. It's in the Vaughan Mills plaza (unit 70 I think, not really sure). The rice & bun dishes are the best out of the many places I've tried, & the pho is much improved (it wasn't as good as their rice & bun dishes before).

+1 It's probably the best pho north of Toronto and east of 'sauga. Been there about a dozen times since it opened - soup is always hot and due to the proximity to Vaughn mills - they seem to have a steady influx keeping food fresh.

Unfortunately I live in Markham / Richmond hill area and I still haven't found a decent pho place in this area.

Does ANYONE remember Saigon Maxim on Dundas oh, about 15-20 years ago? It was 2 floors and where the Bank of China is now.This was the BEST pho Toronto ever had and brings back lots of childhood memories. They actually had proper servers that took your orders - downstairs was more traditional and upstairs was more upscale. Too bad owner gambled and lost everything and had to close the place down.

[profguy]

Being a business student and restaurant manager for the past 2 years.

I have even worked at a Vietnamese restaurant for one summer (4 months), both kitchen and dining room service. Therefore, I know a thing or two about the Pho franchises and independently owned restaurants.

I had already written a report during one of my operations research projects and in one paragraph, I thoroughly discussed the major/minor problems concerning the general Pho restaurants.

Believe me, in order to finalize my statements, I had to personally set out and experience 12 different Vietnamese-based restaurants.

In summary, I would like to begin by stating the major problem that hinders the majority of Vietnamese Pho restaurants are its general customer service. By providing pre-placed essential items (menus, utensils, sauces, etc.) on every table, you are eliminating that initial greet that is vital to all kinds of restaurants. It is poor judgment and an unthoughtful decision for all guests who arrive, to complete their orders on their own with a piece of paper and pen already placed on their table. I find it a mockery that this standard of restaurant operation is considered an authentic procedure.

I absolutely understand that the majority of Vietnamese restaurant owners are relatively inexperienced in modern restaurant functions and have favoured their general setup based on their experiences from their homeland of Vietnam. Currently, franchises of 88, 99, dau bo, etc have continued to maintain this form of layout and will not likely change within the near future.

Inventory management still continues to be an issue, they are sitting around 36% in food cost. Profits are steady, however, inconsistent in periodic inventory processing. Discussing their inventory control and management would be extensive in detail, therefore I will save you the boredom and move on.

Presently, the majority of workers who run the food and clean up the dining room are mainly made of Vietnamese people. Although I will not state the obvious communication problems, many new citizens to Canada, are not trained properly with clear and concise instructions on performing service duties. Owners lack a strong guideline to what is necessary in accommodating guests with proper attention and verbal communication.

Example, upon entering the door, you are briefly welcomed with a hello and shown a hand gesture suggesting your table. Then you are brought tea and cups for your delight while you look over the already table-set menus. Upon deciding, you solely complete your order on small piece of paper and eventually wait until your meal comes. Upon finishing up your meals, you ask politely for the cheque and you're way out the door. Sound like your typical Pho dining experience? Well it should, because this is the standard experience that all people expect and have grown accustomed to.

For profits rates to increase, i strongly recommend an order to reinvent and redefine the Vietnamese Pho industry (VPI). There are several aspects in today's VPI that needs to immediately change in order to survive the coming years to compete with growing chain of South Eastern based fushion restaurants that too offers Pho, at a slightly more higher price due to its standard quality service. Ex. Spring Rolls.

I have only paraphrased in order to keep everything short and sweet. There is a lot left out, I might expand on further details in the coming days or weeks. In conclusion, I have decided to progress to ownership around 2011 with my own Viet/Thai restaurant. I have absorbed a lot in the last 2 years under two owners who are great business developers. I'm still studying in university, so there is still time to absorb as much information as possible before I ascend upon owning my own restaurant. Expect a host position, stronger customer service and an open kitchen concept.

This is a case of being too smart - book smart. The reality is the owners of these pho places are making a killing and no they don't have a university degree and can't wite a business case. You will likely not make as much as they do and most of them barely speak english in an english speaking country.

The staff at these places don't speak english and are likey paid less that the minium wage or under the table - mostly fresh off the boat immigrants or family members.

Good luck to you - most restaurants fail.

[YoungDr3amer]

I hope you are not serious about Spring Rolls. I went there once with my wife and never again. Not only is the food way over priced but food portion size was very small too. The overall look and atmosphere of the restaurant is neat and hip but the food sucks in my opinion. I ordered some spring rolls and was very dissappointed considering the name and nature of the restaurant I was expecting to be blown away. I would rather order spring rolls from Pho Con Bo or Dau Bo for cheaper and get a bigger serving and tastes much better too.


I only mention Spring Rolls due to its ideal corporate services in providing their franchises with strong IT and facilities support. Thus, allowing their restaurants to attain modern and stylistic infrastructures, consistent quality in customer service and deeply diverse food selections.

You will likely not make as much as they do and most of them barely speak english in an english speaking country.

I disagree

As for the service at most viet restaurants I don't mind and I think it is efficient. When I go to a restaurant there is nothing that annoys me more than having to wait and I think it's great how all the waitresses are on the ball when it comes to cleaning up a table and getting it ready before the next customer even arrives. This is good from the owner's perspective because they can have a higher customer turnover. Crap man a bowl of Pho only cost like $5-6 and you expect to be treated as if you are going to fine cuisine and greeted by a hostess? Seriously, pho is like a fast food restaurant and I don't mean McDonald's. From the moment I sit down and place my order my food arrives within 5 mins which is great. Let's be honest here, most of the people that go to these places I have mentioned don't go for the service or atmosphere, they go for the good food. But if you can match the food quality and consistency along with excellent customer service than all the power to you.

Quality over quantity, always.

[99bimmer]

If anybody's feeling adventurous, there's a new Pho 88 bit west of Yonge/Steeles, in the plaza directly north of the Canadian Tire. The Pho 88 in Scarb is excellent, the one at Empress is horrible (conflicting rumors whether it's the same owner or not). So 50/50 whether the one at Yonge/Steeles is good/bad.

Totally agree. Pho 88 at Warden and Steeles is the best. The line ups don't lie. The one at Yonge/Empress is terrible and definitely can't be the same owner.

[slowtyper]

Pho in Toronto sucks compared to where I came from (much larger vietnamese immigrant population). best I have found so far in Toronto is Pho Mi Asia, on wilson and something. All the vietnamese subs I have found here SUCK REALLY BAD so far....anyone recommend a good place so I can continue my search?

[custy]

Just a heads up:

My friend and I went to a new Pho joint @ Kennedy and Highway 7 plaza. I think the place was called Bamboo Star or something like that.

They offered a few variations of Pho but only two sizes: Small and Large (5.50 - 5.95). Place was small, enough for 15 people or so. Pho wasn't that great but the broth was steaming hot. I think it lacked the MSG taste that some people enjoy.

6/10

Also, I was reading a few posts regarding a user trying to run a Pho restaurant.
I think you are apply too much management theory into a simple business concept. In reality, not much theory from a simple business degree can really be used in the real working environment. Ever hear that story where MBA students from Harvard or MIT went to study a successful Vietnamese Pho chain? The owner spoke little to no English and did not have a formal education yet he was able to run a chain of 7-8.

I think if you were to employ all the concepts and practices you mention, you will have to jack up costs and food menu prices. Staff will have to be retrain and you may have to raise their wages (more duties?).

[StevyQ]

Pho 99 Eglinton and Hurontario is good.

[creesteen]

Pho 88 (Warden & Steeles, inside Bamburgh plaza). Hands down. Always went there during lunch while still in highschool and there would be always line-ups. It's definitely worth the wait!

Pho Viet (Warden & Steeles, near T&T plaza) is alright, not as great as the one I mentioned earlier. $1-2 more expensive than Pho 88, but it's still worth going if you don't want to line up at the other one.

[Kyle_87]

I go to the one near kennedy and steeles near the go train station, its like a little hut on its own

[longt]

Does anyone know if one can buy Pho soup mix from an asian grocery store. I'm particularly interested in the broth that Pho 88 (Bamburgh Circle) uses.

[TheDarkRage]

I don't know why so many people are praising Pho Hung, I found their portions small and their soup base bland, although I'm used to Xe Lua's pho at Spadina/Dundas (before the renovation).

I honestly cannot stand the manager/owner there, I was shoved to a crappier seat, even though I wanted a window seat. He gives priority to Caucasians for the window seats. As well, their waitress will be more inclined not to give you back your change and assume the amount you gave them was what you are willing to pay for the bill plus tip (I dind't get change back for a $14 bill when I gave a 20, wtf). Sorry, but after being treated like that, that owner can shove it and I will never go back there again.

I only mention Spring Rolls due to its ideal corporate services in providing their franchises with strong IT and facilities support. Thus, allowing their restaurants to attain modern and stylistic infrastructures, consistent quality in customer service and deeply diverse food selections.

LMAO, oh man you crack me up about Spring Roll. I used to work there, what a mess.

Spring Rolls restaurants are nothing but big flashy designs with sub-par quality food. It's just to appeal to other minorities who are afraid to actually try real East Asian food.

The problem is that every other Asian restaurant is pulling that move to make the decor trendy, while the food tends to get worse (Example: Xe Lua @ Spadina/Dundas) or prices jacked up to make up for the renovation costs. From experience, once an Asian restaurant gets a "makeover", I've found that the food to be even worse afterward.

For food quality, the Spring Rolls at Yonge/Bloor seems to be the best, since that was the first restaurant.

Even though Spring Rolls food is diverse, it doesn't mean that they are good and especially not authentic. Honestly, almost every dish is really bland. But hey, they seem to be successful in catering to that market.

Man, have you even tried their food before?

[EchoAngel911]

+1 to pho 88 , pho viet is more expensive and smaller portions too

must do the satay pho, the broth is incredible


Pho 88 (Warden & Steeles, inside Bamburgh plaza). Hands down. Always went there during lunch while still in highschool and there would be always line-ups. It's definitely worth the wait!

Pho Viet (Warden & Steeles, near T&T plaza) is alright, not as great as the one I mentioned earlier. $1-2 more expensive than Pho 88, but it's still worth going if you don't want to line up at the other one.

[bythehour]

Crap man a bowl of Pho only cost like $5-6 and you expect to be treated as if you are going to fine cuisine and greeted by a hostess? Seriously, pho is like a fast food restaurant and I don't mean McDonald's. From the moment I sit down and place my order my food arrives within 5 mins which is great. Let's be honest here, most of the people that go to these places I have mentioned don't go for the service or atmosphere, they go for the good food. But if you can match the food quality and consistency along with excellent customer service than all the power to you.

I agree. I love pho, but frankly, I think of it as 'fast food'

Pho is not cuisine, and I do not expect customer service as though I was dining at Canoe.

I'll pay a couple bucks more for great pho (and maybe even nicer decor, like Pho 88 on Spadina...just after its reno). But, for a hostess and a waiter to bring my hot sauce to the table...no thanks.

[darkprince]

I don't know about you guys but most Pho Place I went to recently Spadina/Markham/North York area has like Conditional and Closed Signs up on their stores.

Pho Hung on Spadina has Conditional Sign. That place use to be cool =(


I am afraid to go to these places anymore. =(

[hunt3rshadow]

Jane and Wilson. Pho Con Bo

[thechampion116]

I agree. I love pho, but frankly, I think of it as 'fast food'

Pho is not cuisine, and I do not expect customer service as though I was dining at Canoe.

I'll pay a couple bucks more for great pho (and maybe even nicer decor, like Pho 88 on Spadina...just after its reno). But, for a hostess and a waiter to bring my hot sauce to the table...no thanks.

exactly. I'm vietnamese and know people with restaurants and have worked there. People expect super service though and we provide it to the best of our ability. you think its funny that some places have to hand people paper, sauce, spoons, etc.. but you would be surprise to find out that people actually steal this stuff. Someone once stole the hot sauce and the container. Another person stole the napkins and its container. Another person stole the whole peppers in vinegar. Thats how desperate a lot of people are. Also, I hate it when people abuse the napkins and let there kids just play around with it and waste it.

Pho Vietnam is the way to go for quality and price.

[HP_John]

I haven't been to this place in a while because it's not convenient for me to go to Vaughan Mills, but Bun Pho Phu Hai in the Vaughan Mills Mall Plaza is very good (don't remember the exact unit #, sorry). It is very authentic & I especially like their rice & bun (vermicelli) dishes. They have the cleanest washroom you'll ever find in a Viet restaurant (lol, I"m not trying to make fun of Viet places, I'm Viet but I'm sure you guys know what I mean).

[Phr3sh]

Jane and Wilson. Pho Con Bo

What time is Pho Con Bo open until?

[zyphere]

I haven't been to this place in a while because it's not convenient for me to go to Vaughan Mills, but Bun Pho Phu Hai in the Vaughan Mills Mall Plaza is very good (don't remember the exact unit #, sorry). It is very authentic & I especially like their rice & bun (vermicelli) dishes. They have the cleanest washroom you'll ever find in a Viet restaurant (lol, I"m not trying to make fun of Viet places, I'm Viet but I'm sure you guys know what I mean).

Yeah, it's in the plaza across from the Canadian Tire (not the Pho Mi 99 one) and the storefront faces east.
Their servings are very generous, lots of noodles and meat with the Pho XL, and it's pretty good. It's a bit on the bland side IMO but I guess that's good in the sense that they haven't loaded it with MSG. I've also had their chicken rice dish and wasn't particularly fond. The chicken was kind of dry and overcooked, and didn't have much grill flavour to it. Shakes (sinh to) are also subpar. I've tried the avocado and sour sop and have been disappointed. I don't like the texture (it's very liquidy) and it lacks the flavour of the fruit. Tastes too much like drinking mildly flavoured milk.

But I'd still take this place over the 99 in the next plaza.

[Cream Puff]

saigon star !

the one at richmondhill court is delicious =)

[caitlink]

I go to the one near kennedy and steeles near the go train station, its like a little hut on its own

How is that one? Drive by it all the time but it's a very quiet location not very visible.

I am surprised it's lasted this long. Is it the same owner as the one at times square next to the dental office. the name is the same.

[magnodrome]

How is that one? Drive by it all the time but it's a very quiet location not very visible.

I am surprised it's lasted this long. Is it the same owner as the one at times square next to the dental office. the name is the same.


That place is called Kim Bo.

In my opinion, Pho con bo and Golden Turtle are good. As for people that goes to chinatown downtown, they should try out Anh Dao - only vietnamese people go there (that means something - I dont see them go to Pho Hung or Pho 88) and typically people go to restaurants to eat "Nem Neung"

[TheDarkRage]

That place is called Kim Bo.

In my opinion, Pho con bo and Golden Turtle are good. As for people that goes to chinatown downtown, they should try out Anh Dao - only vietnamese people go there (that means something - I dont see them go to Pho Hung or Pho 88) and typically people go to restaurants to eat "Nem Neung"

I've been to Anh Dao before, my friend recommended that and Pho Linh, so she definitely knows her pho!

Their pho is ok, but only one size! Just not enough to fill me up like Xe Lua's large sadly. Plus their drinks are really expensive, but definitely beats Saigon Palace's quality and price (then again, doesn't everybody? :rolleyes:)

It's a nice place (sometimes quite quiet, which I like) to go on a weekday afternoon, the waiter is the husband of the chef (or owner), so he does nap on a row of chairs in the back if he feels like it, lol. Quite the mom 'n pop location.

Unless it was mentioned with it's Vietnamese name, my friend says some place called "Number One Pho" is good near the Jane/Finch area?

[JNGUYEN]

What time is Pho Con Bo open until?

It's open to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 12am on Friday and Saturday.

[wszeto28]

i've gotta support VIP at First Markham as well.... although there's a lot of negativity about this place but i think it tastes pretty good and ok atmosphere....

not questioning the taste of pho 88 but their interior is really shaddy... in all of them!! not just the chinatown one... but the bamburgh one... the lights are dim which i cant understand why....

train is pretty bad... the one up at highway 7... its dirty and the foam cups seem like they're re-used which is pretty disgusting... i had bite marks in my foam cup... and chinatown, no question about that, its a dirty area in general... nothing there is ever clean...

[dragon_drift]

The one at Midland/Finch is pretty good imo.

The one at pmall sucks though. It used to be good, but ever since they changed ownership, it just hasn't been the same.

[Phr3sh]

It's open to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 12am on Friday and Saturday.

thanks I just went the other day...two thumbs up

[ferkel]

Someone once stole the hot sauce and the container. Another person stole the napkins and its container. Another person stole the whole peppers in vinegar. Thats how desperate a lot of people are. Also, I hate it when people abuse the napkins and let there kids just play around with it and waste it.

Pho Vietnam is the way to go for quality and price.

How do you know someone stole them? Did you see it yourself? :razz:

[sparco]

Pho Linh is the best hands down........1156 College St

used to be good, they are crap now, their broth is so freaking watery. and noodles almost always so soggy.

[shaolinmonk]

i like VIP but the soup seems to be more msg based... portions are good though...

i've tried tons downtown and haven't found one i really really like..

pho pastuer is good (but don't like the soup as much)
pho hung is meh..
pho dao bo in sauaga is pretty good...
the old pho 88 in downtown was solid.. the new trendy one sucks...
the train place is meh now too...
the best soup i've had was at Pho Tien Thanh but the portions are sooo small

[kleptodathief]

best bun bo hue? im sick of PHO!:mad:

[JTN416]

best bun bo hue? im sick of PHO!:mad:

I have to say the best Bun Bo Hue is "Bun Bo Hue" @ Finch and Weston across from the Esso gas station.

[AV-Fishing]

Happy 7 Vietnamese Restaurant (大七喜)

Middlefield Rd. and Steeles Av. E. (T&T Plaza ... southeast Corner)

Tel: 416-292-3555

[jeye]

pho 88 @ warden/steeles FTW, good portions & friendly/quick service:cheesygri

the pho88 at alton towers does not compare! i don't know why but they add these mini-eggs into your pho and i found it quite unsanitary that they hang rare beef off the side of your soup bowl instead of drenching into the soup to cook it =/ they're pretty dead most of the times we go there yet service is still so slow .DO NOT GO THERE

[dragon173]

Happy 7 Vietnamese Restaurant (大七喜)

Middlefield Rd. and Steeles Av. E. (T&T Plaza ... southeast Corner)

Tel: 416-292-3555

ate there yesterday pho sucks big time. bland with a hint of msg. also do not order the curry for 8.99 or is 9.99 it sux bland, tasteless. chicken ings are over battered with feather on it.

[dragon173]

used to be good, they are crap now, their broth is so freaking watery. and noodles almost always so soggy.


i agree too but it only happent when its near closing time and there out of broth so they add more water to it. i

[vaderschariot]

Pho Mi King now Pho Huong Trang Keele/Sheppard is VERY GOOD, fresh noodles

Pho Mi 99 Mississauga near Sq1 off burnhamthorpe is HORRIBLE....watered down broth, crappy noodles

Pho at 4040 Creditview/Burnhamthorpe (same plaza as Sushi Tei) Mississauga, VERY GOOD

[Depeche_Girl]

hey business student/restaurant manager...
the majority of people go to pho restaurants because you can get a satisfying meal for under $10.

unless you've been served by extremely rude waiters/watresses in an unsanitary place, the service is just fine for a $5 bowl of pho. I think most people are happy with what they get. generally, the service is quick and the waiting time is less than 10 minutes. we don't really need a "re-invention" of the pho industry.

have you ever eaten at Spring Rolls? did you really enjoy it that much? it may have 'good service' and a nice atmosphere but the food is extremely mediocre. i wouldn't say it's horrible, because i have tried some of their "Chinese" dishes that were so-so but nothing to write home about. however, i would never ever try the pho in that place. maybe you like the food, but if you've had authentic vietnamese/chinese/thai food chances are you wouldn't care to set foot in there. the design and atmosphere is really nice and the service is good, and I can understand going there for a business meeting or "for fun" on a Friday or Saturday evening, but overall i don't really think Spring Rolls is worth multiple visits. it's not really extraordinary food.

i really dislike pan asian/asian fusion restaurants. they don't really know what they are doing (maybe they know exactly what they're doing), and people believe that they know how to make Vietnamese AND Thai AND Chinese + whatever dishes???

now I don't find Spring Rolls all that bad, but places like Zyng Noodlery and East! have discouraged me from ever trying pan asian restaurants again. their shoddy versions of pho, spring rolls, and pad thai are overpriced crap served on tiny dishes! these places are cashing in on people's ignorance of authentic asian food. THIS is the real mockery!!! like someone said earlier the nice decor is made to draw people in who are too scared to go to an authentic Vietnamese or Thai restaurant. yes service matters to an extent...but I don't understand why on earth you would want to go to a "well serviced" and fancily decorated place only to be served a rubbish imitation of pho, when you can have a tasty and satisfying bowl of authentic pho at a real Vietnamese restaurant for 5 bucks!!!! the people who buy into this are either not comfortable stepping into a real Vietnamese restaurant, unfamiliar with what authentic asian food really is, or prefer service and atmosphere over the quality of their food.

if you can combine excellent food and excellent service, that's a different story. more power to you if you can achieve this. I haven't really seen this myself though. I think most people are happy with the service at Vietnamese Pho restaurants, as long as they walk out with their stomachs full and wallets un-empty, if not quite full.

[nyrz]

The first and original "Springrolls" restaurant was good and that is why it became a success- eventually became a chain restaurant.

i really dislike pan asian/asian fusion restaurants. they don't really know what they are doing (maybe they know exactly what they're doing), and people believe that they know how to make Vietnamese AND Thai AND Chinese + whatever dishes???

Some of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Filipino, Laotian, Cambodian, Burmese, Korean, etc food have similarities. Don't you ever wonder why these different countries have similar food. It's because Chinese immigrants moved to these countries and brought their food (noodle dishes, springrolls, etc) with them. Just look up the history of their food.

[HP_John]

The guy who started the Spring Rolls franchise is the nephew of the lady who owns the Pho 88 in downtown Toronto's Chinatown. I've never eaten pho there, but I assume that if it doesn't taste like pho at a typical Vietnamese restaurant, it's by design (purposely).

[SMARTT]

Pho place at Keele and Major Mackenzie, cheapest and best one!

[EchoAngel911]

I don't agree. There were many health violations against this place.

I had friends finding some interesting flies in the drinks

i like VIP but the soup seems to be more msg based... portions are good though...

i've tried tons downtown and haven't found one i really really like..

pho pastuer is good (but don't like the soup as much)
pho hung is meh..
pho dao bo in sauaga is pretty good...
the old pho 88 in downtown was solid.. the new trendy one sucks...
the train place is meh now too...
the best soup i've had was at Pho Tien Thanh but the portions are sooo small

[Jucius Maximus]

The guy who started the Spring Rolls franchise is the nephew of the lady who owns the Pho 88 in downtown Toronto's Chinatown. I've never eaten pho there, but I assume that if it doesn't taste like pho at a typical Vietnamese restaurant, it's by design (purposely).

Pho at spring rolls tastes very "white" compared to viet places.

[EchoAngel911]

nasty spring rolls, go to saigon place at dundas and college for good spring rolls

Pho at spring rolls tastes very "white" compared to viet places.

[Depeche_Girl]

the best place for Pho right now in my opinion is Pho Linh on College, even if it's not as good as it's used to. i went a couple weeks ago, it has improved a bit from a couple years ago. fresh noodles, good broth, and tender beef. this is why Vietnamese people come here mostly. it's the closest thing to homemade when you're too lazy to cook.
Pho Dau Bo at Dundas in Mississauga is also quite good, Pho Rua Vang in Sauga isn't bad [sometimes the beef is hard].
These are good authentic Vietnamese pho restaurants.

[YoungDr3amer]

hey business student/restaurant manager...
the majority of people go to pho restaurants because you can get a satisfying meal for under $10.

unless you've been served by extremely rude waiters/watresses in an unsanitary place, the service is just fine for a $5 bowl of pho. I think most people are happy with what they get. generally, the service is quick and the waiting time is less than 10 minutes. we don't really need a "re-invention" of the pho industry.

have you ever eaten at Spring Rolls? did you really enjoy it that much? it may have 'good service' and a nice atmosphere but the food is extremely mediocre. i wouldn't say it's horrible, because i have tried some of their "Chinese" dishes that were so-so but nothing to write home about. however, i would never ever try the pho in that place. maybe you like the food, but if you've had authentic vietnamese/chinese/thai food chances are you wouldn't care to set foot in there. the design and atmosphere is really nice and the service is good, and I can understand going there for a business meeting or "for fun" on a Friday or Saturday evening, but overall i don't really think Spring Rolls is worth multiple visits. it's not really extraordinary food.

i really dislike pan asian/asian fusion restaurants. they don't really know what they are doing (maybe they know exactly what they're doing), and people believe that they know how to make Vietnamese AND Thai AND Chinese + whatever dishes???

now I don't find Spring Rolls all that bad, but places like Zyng Noodlery and East! have discouraged me from ever trying pan asian restaurants again. their shoddy versions of pho, spring rolls, and pad thai are overpriced crap served on tiny dishes! these places are cashing in on people's ignorance of authentic asian food. THIS is the real mockery!!! like someone said earlier the nice decor is made to draw people in who are too scared to go to an authentic Vietnamese or Thai restaurant. yes service matters to an extent...but I don't understand why on earth you would want to go to a "well serviced" and fancily decorated place only to be served a rubbish imitation of pho, when you can have a tasty and satisfying bowl of authentic pho at a real Vietnamese restaurant for 5 bucks!!!! the people who buy into this are either not comfortable stepping into a real Vietnamese restaurant, unfamiliar with what authentic asian food really is, or prefer service and atmosphere over the quality of their food.

if you can combine excellent food and excellent service, that's a different story. more power to you if you can achieve this. I haven't really seen this myself though. I think most people are happy with the service at Vietnamese Pho restaurants, as long as they walk out with their stomachs full and wallets un-empty, if not quite full.

I do apologize, my reply is long over-due, however, I've been quite busy throughout the last weeks, as it is our busy season.

To start off, I understand you are able to differentiate between GTA Vietnamese Pho restaurants in terms of "quality ingredients" and value-vs-cost orientation. However, what seperates you and I, would be the fact I am a transcendent thinker, someone who believes in thinking outside the box.

You're not seeing the big picture; clearly you do not have the experience in restaurant management and have not researched all stages of restaurant development. How would one individual, prioritizing the importance of becoming a new successful business owner solely based on your statements. Everything I've bolded is either a misconception, clearly stating the obvious (that offers little importance) or inconclusive in terms of strong argument points.

No modern business investment should be short-term oriented, you cannot start a business and expect to conquer a market share by simply offering "fresher ingredients or larger portions" to any demographic. I can guarantee you, the majority of these franchises or independent owners lack intensive marketing compaigns, latest inventory management tools, updates on workers' equality and equity legislations, non-existance B2B operations, etc. I've worked alongside many owners, managers, and head offices of Cara Operations and Boston Pizza. I can spot the differences and similiarities a mile away.

The reason to bring Spring Rolls into our discussion is to shed light on their continuous efforts to raise market share value. I've come across their circular and VIFs, only to see their strong relations with large food distribution companies and hotel affiliations to dominate an already saturated food sector in the GTA. Their growth is unmatched by any other Vietnamese Pho franchise, it does not take a genius to understand the basic idea of superior quality over quantity (overall combination).

You need further understanding of modern concepts in restaurant functions in terms of its marketability, location, demographics, business-to-business relations, exterior/interior design, supply-chain management and inventory control.

I don't mean to come across as cold-hearted or over-confident, but I know for a fact you're not majoring in business operations/accounting, you have never opened or ran multiple restaurants, you have not comprehended entire menus, therefore unable to create authentic recipes.

I wouldn't mind your attempt at influential ideas on current and future South East Asian restaurants' unique selling points and its competitive efforts. It's captivating and some-what interesting to hear other's perspectives in defining the current state of restaurant USPs. :)

[Dave113]

ive been going to xeulua on hwy7 just eat of bayview for a long time ... always tasty!

My Girlfriend and I where there a few months ago and we found bugs in our soup They then pleaded with us not to tell anybody about it.

[Blue7thGen]

Has anyone tried "Star fruit" at kennedy and Bur Oak?

[ArtVandelay]

This forum has been quite enlightening - I haven't been to too many pho places, and have been sticking with Pho Mi 99 (Mississauga, GrandPark and Burnhamthorpe). It always seems to be quite busy, and packed with Asians, so I thought it was THE place. Now, I"m excited to try Golden Turtle, but have a couple of questions:

i) On the Pho page of the menu, there are a TON of options and combinations which can be a little overwhelming! What type of pho do you recommend?

ii) Bun ho hue .. I don't remember what it's called or how it's spelled.. but someone said it was a spicy broth. It it the exact same as pho, but spicier?

iii) What other dishes do you recommend in a Vietnamese restaurant?

Thanks!

[molala]

Has anyone tried "Star fruit" at kennedy and Bur Oak?

I've been there when they first opened up. Don't recall what exactly was the experience was like but it was a never again kind of deal.

However, things might change now.

[vaderschariot]

This forum has been quite enlightening - I haven't been to too many pho places, and have been sticking with Pho Mi 99 (Mississauga, GrandPark and Burnhamthorpe). It always seems to be quite busy, and packed with Asians, so I thought it was THE place. Now, I"m excited to try Golden Turtle, but have a couple of questions:

i) On the Pho page of the menu, there are a TON of options and combinations which can be a little overwhelming! What type of pho do you recommend?

ii) Bun ho hue .. I don't remember what it's called or how it's spelled.. but someone said it was a spicy broth. It it the exact same as pho, but spicier?

iii) What other dishes do you recommend in a Vietnamese restaurant?

Thanks!

Yeah full of philipinos/chinese who dont know the first thing about good pho.....pho mi 99 is the worst

Try the Pho 888 at Burnhamthorpe/ErindaleStation Rd (Sushi Tei plaza)

Bun Bo Hue has congealed blood+liver in it so be warned

[kleptodathief]

any updates on the pho place at weston and finch near that shell gas station in the plaza there? i always thought that place had the best/sweetest pho broth...hvnt been there in years tho

i usually have bun bo hue, kinda sick of PHO

[andyhkng]

Food Court at First Markham Place, on the left hand corner facing the rear windows.
Good deal on food, environment is so so... remember it is a food court.
No need to pay tips, food comes with a pop.
Average $5 - $6 bucks for a combo with decent portions of ingredients.:!:

[Shinigami]

the best place for Pho right now in my opinion is Pho Linh on College, even if it's not as good as it's used to. i went a couple weeks ago, it has improved a bit from a couple years ago. fresh noodles, good broth, and tender beef. this is why Vietnamese people come here mostly. it's the closest thing to homemade when you're too lazy to cook.
Pho Dau Bo at Dundas in Mississauga is also quite good, Pho Rua Vang in Sauga isn't bad [sometimes the beef is hard].
These are good authentic Vietnamese pho restaurants.

Agree, I always go to Pho Linh. Some other people in this thread also recommend it.

[HP_John]

the best place for Pho right now in my opinion is Pho Linh on College, even if it's not as good as it's used to. i went a couple weeks ago, it has improved a bit from a couple years ago. fresh noodles, good broth, and tender beef. this is why Vietnamese people come here mostly. it's the closest thing to homemade when you're too lazy to cook.
Pho Dau Bo at Dundas in Mississauga is also quite good, Pho Rua Vang in Sauga isn't bad [sometimes the beef is hard].
These are good authentic Vietnamese pho restaurants.

Pho Linh is awesome for Banh Canh Cua & Bun Bo Hue!

[kingfencer]

i'll never go to pho hung again, bug in my soup, they tried to quite us by giving us coupons for our next visit. peach garden lacks taste. pho 88 is ok, i like the pho with the train, they put alot of msg, therefore taste the best.

[slowtyper]

This won't apply to most of you, but for anyone close to O'connor and Coxwell, the Saigon Springroll is my favourite pho in the city so far. Just a small neighborhood restaurant but the broth is flavourful and I love it with the sate which you can put in yourself that is provided on each table. I just hope it gets more business because I don't think that is a very good location for a pho restaurant. So if you are close by, give it a shot and see what you think.

The meat is more on the lean side compared to what I like (I like the fatty pieces, the gristle, the tripe and tendon) but the broth is much better than most pho places in the city IMO and what makes this place good.

I ordered the pho "sate" at the Train place....god..that was not sate....that was the first time in my life I've ever taken a bite of a meal then refused to eat anymore.

[custy]

All this talk about Pho makes we want to have a bowl for breakfast!

Where can I find a 24 hr Pho place in Toronto?

In response to Young Dreamer:

You raised many good points regarding the relationship between service and success in the food industry. I also do believe that a food business needs a combination of service and quality of food. For instance, when we arrive at a table to sit down, first impressions are important. The waiter/waitress needs to be courteous and professional in setting up the table and delivering the menu. If the initial contact is poor and unprofessional, the experience has become sour. Secondly, we eat outside because we are unable/do not want to cook. We eat for taste and also to be full. The food has to he high quality and at the same time, adequate proportion. If the food is **** (ie: In Terms of Pho, broth is cold or luke warm, beef has a weird taste/texture and etc), then what is the point of putting it into our bodies?

However, certain consumers will have different tastes and different budgets. Some consumers may demand superior service and good tasting food, this segment calls for premium pricing. On the other hand, if we have a group of consumers that just wants to eat, be full and move on, pricing will have to be adjusted accordingly.

The food industry is based on repeat customers and this alone should be one of the key performance indicators. High rate of return customers mean that the food is good and pricing is right. Look @ many Pho places in Mississauga and Brampton. The successful ones will always have customers even during non busy hours. What brings them there? I can surely say price, product and presentation. When we move East and North into Markham, Scarborough and other areas, some food places are deserted even during lunch hours! What caused this? Poor food quality and LACK OF SERVICE (In terms of waiting time, initial seating time and response of customer demands). They will often lower their prices but it takes a while for their image to be polished again.

Restaurants open and close every day. However, some manage to be successful and remain operational to this date.

[looking_for_deals_always]

Pho88 @Bamburgh Plaza. Warden and Steeles :) ~~~Y-U-M-M-Y~~~

Pho88 @Chinatown and @Alton Towers doesn't taste as good as the one at Bamburgh Plaza.

[cherylhu]

I second Pho 88, have tried others and they're all garbage compared to Pho 88 (the on in Baburgh Circle, warden and steeles)!!

[CdTriX]

wow a lot of people like 88...

88 is the most horrible pho chain EVAR.. i even knew the owner and i don't even eat there at the mississauga china town.

pho dau bo is the most consistant anywhere i eat at be it sauga, toronto, i will always eat here if i can. I've been going to the dundas one in mississauga for almost 15 years. i remember going to vietnamese school at applewood an going there after class when i was 7.

pho 99 chain is good too. very popular and at lunch time, it's impossible.

pho mi asia is also good.

pho 89 in oakville is where i go to now since it's the closest to me. the guy is really friendly and the food is good. (i don't understand why people order thai food though)

mississauga has the best pho places!

pho hung's noodles are tastless and they are chinese run. i spoke vietnamese to the girl and she shrugged and pointed at the menu. i believe the hype is what made this place popular. will never eat pho there AGAIN.

pho xualue(train) the noodles are is as wide as the 401 and tastes like paste. the soup tastes like soup and again, owned or atleast run by chinese. can't even order in vietnamese. their other stuff is fine, just not pho.

pho 88 is really bland wherever the chain is.

[teoconca]

All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.

+1

North York - Pho Con Bo, Pho Dau Bo (near Finch and Weston), Pho 99 (Finch and Jane). Those are real Pho.
Downtown - Pho Hung

BTW have guys seen this clip about pho, REAL FUNNY...
http://www.asianjoke.com/videos/pho_pho.htm

[vaderschariot]

pho dau bo is the most consistant anywhere i eat at be it sauga, toronto, i will always eat here if i can. I've been going to the dundas one in mississauga for almost 15 years. i remember going to vietnamese school at applewood an going there after class when i was 7.

pho 99 chain is good too. very popular and at lunch time, it's impossible.

mississauga has the best pho places!


.

+1 Pho Dau Bo
-100 pho 99 (Burnhamthorpe is gross)
Downsview has the best pho, Top 3 Pho's are within 5 square blocks (Pho Con Bo, Pho Huong Trang, Pho Dau Bo)

[petey123]

I'm sick of pho. Its all about the spring rolls and grilled chicken/rice plates now baybeee

[HP_John]

pho hung's noodles are tastless and they are chinese run. i spoke vietnamese to the girl and she shrugged and pointed at the menu. i believe the hype is what made this place popular. will never eat pho there AGAIN.

Pho Hung is owned by Viets. They do hire a lot of Chinese workers though. I don't like their pho, but their wings are very good, possibly the best in the city.

[pmc]

I saw one in that plaza at Birchmount and Danforth Road, it use to be a bar before, anyone tried them?

[kingfencer]

I'm sick of pho. Its all about the spring rolls and grilled chicken/rice plates now baybeee

at one time, i was on your boat, but i tried the rice and chicken and i was still starving after eating it...

[at1212b]

Green Bamboo at Midland and Sheppherd (south east corner).

Authentic vietnamese food owned by real vietnamese people.

Pho I find is extra flavourful, noodles really fresh (I find their serving time does take a bit longer, but worth it) and soup flavourful without it being greasy and salty.

Other dishes are good too.

[petey123]

at one time, i was on your boat, but i tried the rice and chicken and i was still starving after eating it...

Fa sho, depending on the store... I remember one time the rice they gave me was the size of a small pot flipped upside down, looked like a cute little mound/grave of rice. At another place though they gave me a bathtub of rice and two big juicy hand sized pieces of chicken. Most of the times now I find it pretty satisfying though.

[Jucius Maximus]

I have been craving pho so much lately that I changed my avatar in honour of this fantastic soup!

[jimmyjamez]

pho 88 warden and steeles

:cheesygri

[UrbanPoet]

Who has the best
Bun bo Hue!?

[keanefan]

Cooking ingredients used in pho, such as spices also seen in Chinese cooking (Chinese five-spice and red cooking), as well as the use of rice noodles, are all Chinese influences.

There are several regional variants of pho in Vietnam, particularly divided between northern (Hanoi, called pho bac or "northern pho"; or pho Hà Noi), central (Hue) and southern (Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon). One regional pho may be sweeter, and another variation may emphasize a bolder and spicier flavor. "Northern pho" tends to use somewhat wider noodles and green onions. On the other hand, southern Vietnamese generally use thinner noodles(approximately the width of pad Thai or linguine noodles), and add bean sprouts and a greater variety of fresh herbs to their pho instead.


http://current.com/items/89005523_pho-vietnam.htm (http://current.com/items/89005523_pho-vietnam.htm)

Some of the people who immigrated from Vietnam are of Chinese ethnicity:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoa

Indeed, noodle cookery in most Southeast Asian countries was introduced by the wave of immigrants from southern China settling in the region the past century. They brought with them rice noodles and their ways of cooking them.

http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/padthai.html

-

[elmst200]

Could anybody please recommend /rate Pho restaurants in Durham region (Pickering, Ajax and whitby)? Thanks.

[JLunar]

+1 Pho Linh on College

[Vi3tnamm3r]

Iunno About All These. But My Fave Place Is Pho Dau Bo In Mississauga. Haven't Been There In Over 3 Years. Prolly Changed?

[laser7500]

This thread is making me realize how many people went to highschool at Bethune C.I... dropping into Pho 88 for lunch at bamburgh :P

[Troodon]

Example, upon entering the door, you are briefly welcomed with a hello and shown a hand gesture suggesting your table. Then you are brought tea and cups for your delight while you look over the already table-set menus. Upon deciding, you solely complete your order on small piece of paper and eventually wait until your meal comes. Upon finishing up your meals, you ask politely for the cheque and you're way out the door. Sound like your typical Pho dining experience? Well it should, because this is the standard experience that all people expect and have grown accustomed to.
.

I'm just curious about the problem this brings. People go there to eat food and this seems efficient. What do you think should be done to change this then?

[greenkiwee]

wow a lot of people like 88...

88 is the most horrible pho chain EVAR.. i even knew the owner and i don't even eat there at the mississauga china town.

pho dau bo is the most consistant anywhere i eat at be it sauga, toronto, i will always eat here if i can. I've been going to the dundas one in mississauga for almost 15 years. i remember going to vietnamese school at applewood an going there after class when i was 7.

pho 99 chain is good too. very popular and at lunch time, it's impossible.

pho mi asia is also good.

pho 89 in oakville is where i go to now since it's the closest to me. the guy is really friendly and the food is good. (i don't understand why people order thai food though)

mississauga has the best pho places!

pho hung's noodles are tastless and they are chinese run. i spoke vietnamese to the girl and she shrugged and pointed at the menu. i believe the hype is what made this place popular. will never eat pho there AGAIN.

pho xualue(train) the noodles are is as wide as the 401 and tastes like paste. the soup tastes like soup and again, owned or atleast run by chinese. can't even order in vietnamese. their other stuff is fine, just not pho.

pho 88 is really bland wherever the chain is.

haha
pho xua lue (train)
im pretty sure its pho xe lua, and you take vietschool.

+1 Pho Dau Bo
-100 pho 99 (Burnhamthorpe is gross)
Downsview has the best pho, Top 3 Pho's are within 5 square blocks (Pho Con Bo, Pho Huong Trang, Pho Dau Bo)

Downsview's Pho is the best.

[canadien99]

most of the pho restaurant in markham are UNBELIEVABLY HORRIBLE, most of them are chinese owned, like a few people have said. especially the asian fusion types, theyre not as focused on the authentic vietnamese food. i like pho vietnam because of its true authentic vietnamese food, i am pretty sure there are more authentic vietnamese restaurant in scarborough that are also good but so far i like pho vietnam. if your in Pickering theres also a Pho Saigon there too, on liverpool rd facing pickering town centre.

Pho Saigon in Pickering !?

I ate there once and to all who live in Pickering, I feel sorry for you people.

[canadien99]

+1 Pho Dau Bo
-100 pho 99 (Burnhamthorpe is gross)
Downsview has the best pho, Top 3 Pho's are within 5 square blocks (Pho Con Bo, Pho Huong Trang, Pho Dau Bo)

+1 Pho Dau Bo (big Cow Head)

very cute...

[canadien99]

And for God sakes, don't call it Chinese Pho, the Chinese did not come up with Pho, they have no freakin' idea how to make pho, using all the wrong ingredients, not allowing the soup to simmer to gain flavor.

Again, do not call it Chinese Pho, its blasphemy to put Chinese and Pho together!

People up there have this brain washed notion of what pho should be, eating out at all these chinese own places who most likely make their Pho from instant powder flavor packs! What a disgrace to the real taste of Pho!

Agreed ...
The chinese owned pho, when you taste their soup ... seems like they didn't cook it long enough ... compared to real Pho at authentic vietnamese restaurants like Pho Dau Bo.

The flavour at chinese owned places are very weak ... almost tastes like water. I think they intend for you to add sauces and stuff.

[dragon_drift]

Agreed ...
The chinese owned pho, when you taste their soup ... seems like they didn't cook it long enough ... compared to real Pho at authentic vietnamese restaurants like Pho Dau Bo.

The flavour at chinese owned places are very weak ... almost tastes like water. I think they intend for you to add sauces and stuff.

I agree. I went to one a few days ago, it was horrible. I believe it was at Midland/Shepard.

But the one at Midland/Finch is pretty good imo.

[jimmy-j]

All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.


that's a great place! i used to go all the time... i also head up to weston & jane. can't remember the name but it's good there too.

[pmc]

The one down on Dundas and Spadina where all the gangstas use to hang out :D

[Marturbator]

Tien than @ Osington and Queen street

[re3291]

I've tried temptation tea shop in one of the plazas just outside of the Vaughan Mills Mall... I really enjoyed it!

[windforcexx28]

pho 88 is ok... but I don't really get the hype for it.

I like the one with the green sign and train on the sign.. can't recall the name for it.

[Ducky]

pho dau bo all the way....

the location i go to is vietnamese owned...

they don't know chinese as far as i remember...

[HP_John]

Tien than @ Osington and Queen street

This place has great food, especially rice & bun dishes.

[kleptodathief]

Who has the best
Bun bo Hue!?

the corner pho shop across from PHO LINH near ossington/college

[Stryker]

It's been around a few years now, and we didn't like it much back then, but recently my wife and I keep returning to Pho 777 at North York Sheridan Mall, 1700 Wilson Avenue, with their own outside entrance nearest the Beer Store. I usually eat the vermicelli dishes, while my wife likes Pho. Find the food very fresh and they know how to cook.

[at1212b]

Hanoi 3 Seasons (a bit more premium) but good. Definitely more fresh and not as oily or greasy

2 locations, one at Broadview and the other on Queen East (near Leslie I think)

[Rocketo]

All the pho in markham is chinese-owned. It isn't even considered pho, it's chinese noodles. You guys don't even know what pho is. If you want real pho, go to Jane and Wilson, Pho Con Bo, right behind burger king. This is the real deal.

i go there all the time i refuse to eat at any other viet place outside of my parents house if it's not there

[scratchieepants]

The Jane/Wilson Area is great.

Finch/Weston has two good restaurants I think...

My favourite for non pho related eating (though their pho is excellent too) is Temptation Tea Shop by Vaughan Mills Mall (plaza area).

[Zvroomer]

Another vote for Tien at Ossington and Queen from me. They have this special meat thingy that you can get with your pho, ye yong or something (my Viet sucks) but its definitely a specialty that I get whenever I'm there.

[Lovable]

All Pho generally tastes the same to me and I can't really tell any major differences between the soup base. If I had to pick it would probably be Pho Dau Bo though.

[CSAgent]

I think I've posted at least 3-4 times in this thread about how Chinese people can't make pho...it's true, please leave the making of the pho to Vietnamese people! You don't see them making sushi restaurants, or Szechuan restaurants, or Congee what-have-you restaurants! Stick to making Lo Bat Ko, Ho Fan and Char Siu Pao and pirated DVDs...:lol:

[Ducky]

that's why i give thumbs up to pho dau bo...the location i go to is run by vietnamese ppl...=)

I think I've posted at least 3-4 times in this thread about how Chinese people can't make pho...it's true, please leave the making of the pho to Vietnamese people! You don't see them making sushi restaurants, or Szechuan restaurants, or Congee what-have-you restaurants! Stick to making Lo Bat Ko, Ho Fan and Char Siu Pao and pirated DVDs...:lol:

[Stryker]

I think I've posted at least 3-4 times in this thread about how Chinese people can't make pho...it's true, please leave the making of the pho to Vietnamese people! You don't see them making sushi restaurants, or Szechuan restaurants, or Congee what-have-you restaurants! Stick to making Lo Bat Ko, Ho Fan and Char Siu Pao and pirated DVDs...:lol:

I'm trying to figure out where I've been in the last quarter century. I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants in that time, some great, others bad, but can't remember even one of them being run by Chinese. As far as I know, and I'm sure someone here will tell me if I'm wrong, many of the Vietnamese who emigrated to Canada, were originally of Chinese descent. Not only that, but I'm sure there must have been some cooking influence obtained from the French, as well. The only thing I care about when I go to any restaurant is can he or she cook, and what is the service like. If they fail on either one of these points, it may be my last visit to that restaurant. There's plenty of competition out there.

[CSAgent]

many of the Vietnamese who emigrated to Canada, were originally of Chinese descent. Not only that, but I'm sure there must have been some cooking influence obtained from the French, as well.

You're right about the French influence, but only in the aspect that the French brought cattle to Vietnam for consumption purposes - up until then, in North Vietnam used cows/ox as beasts of burden.

About 100,000 Vietnamese in Canada, not all are of Chinese descent..where'd you hear that? The most numerous type of Viet people are from the South (which has Thailand, Laos, Cambodian heritage somewhere in there too), they escaped the country after the civil war ended in 1975.

There's a large community of Southern Vietnamese in the Los Angeles' Westminster area called Little Saigon that's even bigger than the Chinese community combined here in Richmond Hill, Markham, Scarborough! They really dislike Northern Vietnamese people, much in the same way that South Koreans dislike Northern Koreans, or how Cantonese/HK Chinese people generally dislike mainland Chinese. Afterall, it was the North Vietnamese that started the civil war that killed millions of Southern Vietnamese civilians.

But digressing from this topic.....

[Stryker]

You're right about the French influence, but only in the aspect that the French brought cattle to Vietnam for consumption purposes - up until then, in North Vietnam used cows/ox as beasts of burden.

But digressing from this topic.....

Sorry, if I seem to be digressing, but just want to stick with the food topic. I'm not ignoring the rest of what you said, but didn't the French also bring their bread making skills to Vietnam. At least that's what I thought when my wife and I bought some bread from Vietnamese vendors in the north of Thailand many years ago. It's also what i think when I see the Vietnamese sandwich shops on Spadina, or am I wrong?

[scratchieepants]

I'm trying to figure out where I've been in the last quarter century. I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants in that time, some great, others bad, but can't remember even one of them being run by Chinese. As far as I know, and I'm sure someone here will tell me if I'm wrong, many of the Vietnamese who emigrated to Canada, were originally of Chinese descent. Not only that, but I'm sure there must have been some cooking influence obtained from the French, as well. The only thing I care about when I go to any restaurant is can he or she cook, and what is the service like. If they fail on either one of these points, it may be my last visit to that restaurant. There's plenty of competition out there.

If you've had pho in Markham, I'm astonished that you haven't come across a "chinese" pho restaurant.

And pretty much all of the pho restaurants in Markham suck.

Of course anyone can learn to do it 'right', it's just that the chinese/hk style ones all suck if you've had vietnamese pho before.


^^ also a viet owned/run place doesn't guarantee great tasting pho either (it generally helps though), Pho Viet or whatever at Warden and Steeles sucks, probably sucks worse than a lot of other Pho restaurants in Markham.

[darkz]

I was taken to eat pho at First Markham Place and it was just wrong to me.
The shop seemed too clean :lol: if anything.

I'm surprised a lot of people are recommending Pho Dau Bo (Finch/Weston, Mississauga) and Pho Con Bo (Jane/Wilson). I was going to do the same.

Looks like I've been eating at the right pho place then !

Matter of fact, I think I'll go there tonight!

[Stryker]

If you've had pho in Markham, I'm astonished that you haven't come across a "chinese" pho restaurant.

And pretty much all of the pho restaurants in Markham suck.

Of course anyone can learn to do it 'right', it's just that the chinese/hk style ones all suck if you've had vietnamese pho before.

No, I've never been to a pho restaurant in Markham. Used to go to the Vietnamese restaurants in the Spadina Dundas area, but that was years ago. Lately, it's either around Jane & Wilson, or in Mississauga in the Dixie & Dundas area, mostly. All Vietnamese staff, in all of the ones we've been in.

[Matrixvibe]

for the record, pho 88 @ bamburgh:razz:

[CSR]

for the record, pho 88 @ bamburgh:razz:

yes!

[victong]

Pho Hung @ Spadina. (yellow sign with a cow on it)

I agreed with YOU. Love the PHO in this place!

[BadAim]

Downtown: Pho Hung
Markham: Pho Viet

[Keitho]

I'd have to say VIP at First Markham Place. After finding VIP its the only place i go to eat pho. They have quality meat that is actually rare... not all cooked and dryed out by the time it reaches your table, the soup is very good as well.

[figment]

Here are my experience with Pho, mind you I'm Chinese and not Vietnamese since this seems to have come up a lot in the thread and I didn't go to all these restaurants overnight my combined experiences over the last 3 years when I started getting into Pho/Viet food.

I tried the Bamburgh Circle one 2 weeks ago, my friend had vermicelli w/ chicken and a deep fried roll and I had a side dish of the deep fried rolls and a medium soup w/ flank, steak and some other stuff. Parts of meat stayed pink tiny pieces of it and that's never happened to me before. I didn't like the soup at all but the rolls we're decent and the cost was about $20 for both of us. Doubt I'd go back again not to mention fighting for parking I'm surprised no one gets in an accident in that parking lot.

I agree with Pho Viet being expensive compared to the portions, the one in Pmall upstairs (I assume that's peach garden) is nice but it always has kids there. I used to go to Golden elephant (silver star/steeles east of kennedy) a lot they had decent food. Lemon grass (Across the street from Golden elephant) had nice decor but the soup wasn't that great.

Xe lua in woodside is absolutely horrible, they served us a rotten prawn once and the soup is like dishwater

There's a food court vietnamese resturant at chartwell plaza (Brimley/huntingwood near Finch) the soup is good imo and cheap don't need to tip or anything

Sometimes I'm out in sauga and the one at hurontario/eglington I think it's a pho 88/99 or whatever is decent. I really like golden turtle and there's another one that's in a plaza with winners and other stores forgot it's name

Anyway, I'm probably gonna try Pho Linh sometime when I have a reason to go downtown and maybe some of the others that we're suggested in the thread. I'm afraid of eating at Pho Vietnam on Kennedy tbh, it looks pretty shabby and I have a gut feeling that I'd get sick if I were to eat there

[shaolinmonk]

just got back from pho linh... have to say i was pretty happy with it... 4 stars

[Nakuruin]

any decent places near UTSG? i only know of Ginger... didn't try their pho though.

[kingfencer]

not all of these places offer you the choice of thick or thin noodles right? i like thick ones alot more. only reason i like the train, they serve thick noodles. never eat pho hung anymore, the one on jane st had bugs in it.

[kingfencer]

actually, i'm not even 100% sure, have you guys ever seen those small black circles in your soup before? looked like it had legs... i'm hoping its not a bug... and just some ingredient.

[HP_John]

Places that serve the thick noodles are because it's usually preferred by Chinese customers. Most Vietnamese customers prefer the thin noodles

[legendofxix]

Places that serve the thick noodles are because it's usually preferred by Chinese customers. Most Vietnamese customers prefer the thin noodles

You mean the thick/thin Rice noods or the vermicelli noodles?
I personally love the vermicelli.

[winstona]

for the record, pho 88 @ bamburgh:razz:

Regardless of time, this place is always packed! I always wonder why...Don't get me wrong, I like visiting this place. However, is their pho really that much better than the ones served at other places?

[kingfencer]

i don't think bamburg is any better than any place else, i think bamburg just has a excellent location. surrounded by 20 floor apartments, therefore a lot more customers.

[duyh]

New restaurant in Woodbridge

Dong Nai River
7887 Weston Rd. Unit 21
905 - 264 - 8811

Great food, clean environment, good service. They have daily lunch combos and such as well.

[apetimberlake]

Pho Dau Bo. (mississauga, north york)
Golden Turtle. (ossington and Queen)
Pho Hung. (downtown)
Pho Bo To. (Black Creek and Lawrence)

All in that order

[OwedALife]

Kim Po (sp?) on Dundas is pretty good. I think they have another location in markham as well.

[ceecee101]

Only really go to the Midland/Finch one. It's pretty good. The only otehr one I remember going to is McNicoll/Midland. It's in that new plaza. I think it's pretty good put kinda expensive & small. Tempted to try the ones at pmall... Oh and that VIB at FMP, it tastes like nothing :S

[HP_John]

Downtown Toronto, on Ossington, just north of Queen is Tien Thanh, the place has tons of Vietnamese people who love it.

In Vaughan, at the Vaughan Mills mall plaza (3175 Rutherford, don't remember the unit #) is a place called Bun Pho Phu Hai, very authentic & delicious.

[Howard]

In Vaughan, at the Vaughan Mills mall plaza (3175 Rutherford, don't remember the unit #) is a place called Bun Pho Phu Hai, very authentic & delicious.
I've eaten at Pho Mi which is in a different "square" across from Vaughan Mills. Good food and decent service.

[HP_John]

I've eaten at Pho Mi which is in a different "square" across from Vaughan Mills. Good food and decent service.

I've eaten there too, although I didn't remember the name (I assume we're thinking of the same place). IMO, Bun Pho Phu Hai was better