Pho Lien est l'un de ces restaurants vietnamiens qui propose une cuisine familiale ayant le mérite d'être à la fois de qualité et abordable. Ici, on ne s'en cache pas, on vise à ce que vous puissiez manger vite et bien. Le menu est donc typique du genre d'endroit : beaucoup de bouillons et soupes, quelques plats complets à base de nouilles, rouleaux impériaux et grillades aux parfums de citronnelle ou de sésame.
Les avis sur Pho Lien présentent une image variée: certains saluent un bouillon riche et aromatique, des nouilles bien cuites et des portions généreuses, ainsi que l'authenticité vietnamienne et une ambiance chaleureuse, tandis que d'autres critiquent une expérience inégale avec un service parfois lent ou désorganisé et des prix jugés élevés par rapport à d'autres options. Le point récurrent reste le paiement en espèces uniquement, avec la présence d'un distributeur sur place, ce qui peut compliquer les visites pour ceux qui n'ont pas de liquide sur eux. Beaucoup considèrent le plat vedette comme l'un des meilleurs pho de Montréal, tandis que d'autres estiment que le goût peut manquer de complexité ou que certains plats manquent de saveur ou de consistance. Malgré ces nuances, la réputation persiste chez les fidèles qui louent la constance du plat malgré le temps, l'histoire du lieu et un service rapide et efficace; la réouverture après les interruptions est perçue comme un signe d'engagement envers une cuisine vietnamienne authentique dans la ville.
So far it has been the best Phô i have found.
Reasonably priced with reasonable portions.
It's nice that you can sit down & just eat Phô & get out.
My biggest drawback is the''cash only'' rule.
Honestly, if i have to choose between paying 5$ of fees for withdrawing cash in their machine or paying 5% (50¢ per 10$) of my transaction to credit card companies, i know it is much cheaper for me to use my credit card...
I imagine there is a reason why they don't have credit cards but i would give 5 stars if they can manage to enter the 21st century & modernize their payment options. Because honestly, when i'm in the area i always think twice before going because i never have cash on me (as many younger generations do). Do that & i'll change my review for sure !
I had the beef pho, i dont like bloody so i get mine cooked real well!! The imperial rolls were not my fave but the Pho TOP QUALITY! So damn good! I crave it so much 😩!! So so so good! The service is so fast & thorough, the broth is the BEST in Montreal. Keep in mind it's cash only! They have an atm in the restaurant tho!
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.
Service is very fast. One of the best phos I've had. The place is kind of tight but it's ok. Only down side is they don't take credit cards so you have to pay cash. They have an ATM machine inside that charges $2.75 fee for withdrawals. Bathroom was good & clean.
