Pho Lien propose une cuisine vietnamienne authentique axée sur les préparations traditionnelles de soupes de nouilles. Le menu met en avant des bols de bouillon aromatique mijoté avec de l'anis étoilé, de la cannelle et du gingembre, servis avec des herbes fraîches, des germes de soja et des protéines finement tranchées. Les clients choisissent parmi des épaisseurs de nouilles de riz variées et différentes coupes de viande pour personnaliser chaque bol. Au-delà des soupes emblématiques, la cuisine prépare des rouleaux classiques enveloppés dans du papier de riz translucide avec des sauces assorties. L'aménagement privilégie une approche fonctionnelle et directe des bases culinaires asiatiques. Les ingrédients sont préparés quotidiennement pour garantir des profils de saveurs constants dans chaque portion de bouillon fumant. Cet établissement livre des bols standardisés reflétant des techniques éprouvées pour créer des assemblages savoureux.
Pho Lien est largement considéré comme une destination de choix pour savourer un pho authentique et savoureux à Montréal, de nombreux clients louant la qualité exceptionnelle du bouillon et la générosité des portions. Les habitués soulignent souvent la gentillesse et l efficacité du personnel, notant que l établissement offre une atmosphère accueillante et réconfortante. Bien que la majorité des avis soient élogieux, certains clients étant fidèles depuis plus de dix ans, il existe des critiques occasionnelles concernant la disposition serrée des tables, l absence d options de paiement par carte puisque le restaurant n accepte que l argent comptant, ainsi que des expériences variées sur la constance des plats. Malgré ces petits inconvénients et la nécessité de prévoir des espèces, la popularité constante et la clientèle fidèle démontrent que cet endroit demeure une référence incontournable pour ceux qui recherchent un repas délicieux et satisfaisant.
Sadly incredibly mid. This place gets recommended constantly, & I'd heard people were excited when it reopened after the fire, so I really wanted it to be good. Sadly, it was a huge letdown.
The broth tasted almost entirely like MSG. MSG itself isn't the problem, but here it felt like the only flavour, flat & one dimensional. The noodles were thin & broken apart, the meat portions were tiny, & the rolls were mushy & completely forgettable.
It's also more expensive than most pho spots, which makes it harder to justify. The service was slow & disorganized, the room was cold, & the music was loud, horrible radio slop that made the whole place feel even more unpleasant. They even charge for tea, which came in a tiny teapot & tasted extremely bitter. The atmosphere feels sterile, like sitting in a suburban boomer kitchen, & they don't accept cards.
If you're nearby, just go to Nguyen Phi down the street instead. The staff there are warm & funny, the service is genuinely welcoming, & the pho is excellent, deep, clear, aromatic broth with generous, well prepared toppings. The vibe is great, the decor is awesome, & the music is weird & cool, it actually feels like a place with personality.
My daughter wanted to warm up on a cold February day & try Pho Lien, a restaurant I loved during my medical residency (it's right across from the Jewish Hospital & around St. Mary's).
I'm ecstatic to report that the deliciousness lives on. She nearly finished her large chicken pho & I dug right into my XL well done beef (my infectious disease & medical microbiology colleagues recommend well done). Add a shot of hot sauce & hoisin, & I could eat that broth all day. My husband would've picked the spicy pho, available only on weekends. My father was the only person I ever met who could finish the extra large size without blinking.
The bean sprouts, herbs, & lime slices were extra fresh. It was served so fast that Anastasia was eating before I got back from the bathroom.
Small notes: I had recommended the beef or chicken combo also, & we ordered the beef rice combo on the side to taste & bring home. The waiter pointed out that we already had soup & suggested we trade the included soup for a second roll, which I happily accepted. Anastasia said it was cold, but I'm not sure how promptly she sampled it. It was cold by the time I tried it ten minutes later, since I'd prioritized eating my pho, which is at peak perfection while hot. The combo was still delicious cold. Environmental note: we bring our own containers to reduce waste.
I tried the hot coffee with condensed milk because it was freezing outside, but it turns out I prefer the iced coffee. I used to drink the iced coffee while pregnant with my kids, & this is a happy memory. I added a few ice cubes from my drink. All good.
The bathrooms are not fancy, which doesn't bother me. I will always pick a mom & pop joint with excellent food over a place where looks are more important than taste.
Pho is about $20, tax already included. Cash only. Closed Tuesdays. I hope to bring my kids sometime in the summer to try the patio, which was wonderful.
The best, most authentic pho outside of Vietnam! this is really an institution. the service is speedy, friendly & warm & the food is so so excellent. The broth is rich, deep & perfectly seasoned & full of flavour. The noodles are fresh & bouncy & the beef is excellent quality. Hands down the best pho I've had! Service Dine in Meal type Dinner Price per person $10-20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes Pho Soup Raw Beef Pho
Ordered stir fried beef & grilled chicken vermicelli bowls to enjoy. Service was friendly, quick, & enjoyed our meal on patio. Each bowl currently priced at $18 CDN when we dined there in September 2024. I would recommend this place to family & friends. Cash payment taken, no cards unless it's debit.
Had a chance to try their number 1 pho dac biet special & shrimp fresh rolls. Although the items had good flavour, I would say it's good in general & a decent spot for a pho craving. Outside of that, would recommend only if your around the area. Service is awesome!
I've had Pho in many countries but no where can beat Pho Lien. The best Pho ever! The soup gives you perfect combination of gentle saltiness, sweetness from onion & bone marrow & herbal scents of spices. Highly recommend you to try, & this place only serves impressive & flavorful foods!
Love this place! My girlfriend has been going to this place for almost 20+ years. & for the past 7 years or so, it is one of our most common restaurant destination. Food is great, tasty & fresh. I recommend the "Soup Tonki" (chicken or beef "well cooked"). Their spring rolls & imperial rolls are also delicious. Love ending super with their traditional cold coffee (strong coffee, slowly dripped into condensed milk). What a great finish to an amazing meal. Whole family loves this place. Service is nice. Only (small) complaint about this place is that parking is sometimes difficult to find, & depending on time, paid for. As for the place, it is absolutely tiny. & usually quite busy. So you are sometimes "crammed" (if you will). When we see that it is too packed & we have the whole family, we just decide to take it out instead. Prices are very decent & affordable. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!
