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.
Best pho I've had anywhere in the world (including Vietnam). Definitely a place to go for any meal on a cold day, but great during the summer as well. All the soups are similar, just with different toppings. They also serve dishes as well if that's what you're looking for.
The staff are very friendly & serve food quickly & efficiently. The soup sizes are great, & very cheap for a meal in Montreal. They also can give extra bowls as well as fresh chillies if requested. One thing to remember is that it is CASH ONLY (they do have an ATM).
The reason only con for atmosphere is depending on where you are seated, sometimes cold air rushes in when people enter/exit in the winter (which is pretty often), but the smell as you walk in makes you instantly crave pho.
The best pho in mtl. Even though I'm mostly vegan, I often make the exception at this restaurant & get the rare beef & extra veggies when just veggies won't cut it on those days. These are the rare times (pun unintended) i eat red meat. Just don't try to show up on a tuesday because they're closed
2026: I had the weekend special soup that has a spicy broth, beef & pork & round slurpy noodles & I really enjoyed it. The place has been renovated to look more modern & the service is really human, polite & chill
I got the large veggie pho but I think it's enough to get the S/M because they give a lot of broth if you get the large but not more of the other stuff. Good soup :)
I came back & got the L chicken pho & it tasted great but I found it has so many noodles & not much chicken or broth.. I don't think more broth than the small, just more noodles. If you're hoping to get more broth instead of noodles, it's best to ask for it when placing your order. It's kind of annoying that they struggle to get the ratio right or stay consistent so you know what to expect lol. This day I wanted broth so I got large because the last time they gave a lot of broth for large.. I don't know why they changed, haha
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
