Reviews of Pho Hao show a mixed picture: some diners praise the beef pho and the Tonkinese beef soup for a rich, flavorful broth and good value, calling it among the best they’ve had, while others find the broth lacking depth and the overall pho just average. The spring rolls and dipping sauces get varied reactions, with some noting decent rice noodles and bland sauce, and others praising different items like the sandwiches and other Vietnamese staples. The atmosphere is frequently described as bleak or subdued and service as unfriendly by some, though a few visitors regard the place as a hidden gem on repeat visits. In short, Pho Hao can deliver standout flavors and affordability on several dishes, but experiences vary and the ambiance or service may not meet every expectation.
I finally had time to write this. Since I really liked the seafood dish with crispy noodless from Nguyen Phi on CDN, that unfortunately was closed, we decided to go in & try it here, thinking that the experience could be similar. We were 3 at the table. We also ordered a third dish with shrimps, beef & chicken. Without a doubt, the seafood, with noodless, as a whole, was better in the Nguyen Phi. There, the sauce was more flavorful, well seasoned. Richer & thicker. Here, it was like water. As for the other dish, it was generally good, but according to my table companion, the shrimps were dry. So much so that he had a hard time removing them from the toothpick. The service time was average. Nice atmosphere & clean place. Next time, I might try their Pho.
While the pho soup was very tasty & the service efficient, the experience was dulled by the lack of cleanliness in the restaurant...especially the washroom. One can not properly enjoy a meal if they are preoccupied by the unsanitary conditions. A proper deep clean would bring the restaurant up to the level of their food.
The food is delicious so I gave it a 5 stars. I recently started to go there & I think I will be a regular soon. The price is reasonable. I tried the number 11 on the menu.
Aug 16, 2024
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Excellent resto Viet authentique & sans prétention. La décoration & les meubles datent d'une autre époque mais on y va pour la bouffe Viet. Le Bun Bo hue est excellent mais c'est seulement les nouilles le bouillon (qui est excellent) & la viande de boeuf au tendon bien cuit. Leur pho Dac Biet, le spécial tout inclus, est succulent. Essayez aussi le Nem Nuong mmmmm Sinon le smoothie au Durian est délicieux & frais aussi. Je conseille fortement ce restaurant.
Coming here for years, always a delicious soup & lovely owners, I don't understand these bad reviews. If you want delicious pho this is the best place in town!
May 11, 2024
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Order #13 Phở Tái Gân Sách, size large. Nice tasting broth, fresh basil, lean portion on the tripe & tendon - thin pieces, which is fine, but far too few of both the tripe & the tendon. Less of the rare beef than other restaurants as well but quantity there perfect for my preferences. I will return, though perhaps try ordering my pho with their a la carte option in the hopes of getting a bit more. Dinning partner ordered the Phở Gà (chicken), large with a mango bubble tea. Pho was enjoyed with good amount of chicken. Service fast & attentive. Space standard clean & comfortable. Parking, if needed, easily found (metered in front, free available around corner.)
I was a little let down by the flavor of their broth. It's not as deep & rich as the broth of some of the other restaurants in the area. Just generally kinda bland. I will say that their spring rolls were some of the largest I've ever had. They tasted a little too strongly of fish sauce for my liking. For less money, you can head slightly up the street & get tastier pho.
My parents started bringing me here when I was a baby, 28 years later still amazing. I drive here from the West Island. Good food, good service, good location.
