With colder weather fast approaching, one of the things we love best in Vancouver is to warm up with a steamy bowl of pho. Phở (as most Vancouverites know, pronounced “fuh” not “fo”) is a dish generally made up of noodles, meat, and herbs piled into a big bowl of piping hot soup. With so many Vietnamese restaurant options around town, it can be hard to decide where to go. We’re making it easier to find these gems, with the help of our trusty network of Vietnamese foodies. You’ll also find recommendations for other noodle dishes, banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and other faves. Note: we know everyone is particular to their own neighbourhood go-to spots – feel free to throw down in the comments!
Best Phở
Pho Duy This place focuses on two things: beef pho and chicken pho, and they do it well. The broth is rich and flavourful, meat is fresh, brisket is perfectly cooked. Note: Limited hours, 11am – 2:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. 1996 Kingsway, Vancouver
Le Petit Saigon The pho is great and spring rolls get a thumbs up (with the chewy, rice paper skin – very key). The vermicelli bowls come highly recommended, and we love their blueberry smoothies in the summer. 2783 Hastings Street, Vancouver
Thai Son Consistently tasty pho and vermicelli bowls, and great grilled meat and rice plates. Locations have grown over the years, but the Main and Broadway location is our fave go-to. 373 E. Broadway, Vancouver
My Chau Best chicken pho in town. Number 3 comes with a light, tasty bowl of noodles and a crispy fried chicken leg on the side. 1715 Kingsway, Vancouver
Delicious Noodles Other than Pho
Bun Cha Ca Hoang Yen Widely regarded as the best fish cake soup in the city (it can be quite dill-iciously fragrant, fair warning). Expect a queue here at all times, try your luck during more off-peak hours. 5083 Victoria Drive, Vancouver.
Café Xu Hue The best bowl of bún bò huế in town. It’s spicy noodle soup, so if you can’t take the heat, ask for no spice to take it down a notch (read: it’ll still be spicy, but you won’t feel the burn.) 2226 Kingsway, Vancouver
Pho Hue Specialty duck noodle dish with green papaya salad comes in two parts and is seriously delicious. 5497 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Song Huong Best known for the Beef Seven Ways, a deal of a set menu good for 2-3 people: rice wraps, beef congee, grilled beef, meatballs, and more. The #1 Special, bún bò huế, is also a trusted staple. 1613 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver
Thanh Xuan Café This little hole in the wall serves up incredible banh cuon, steamed pork and shrimp rice rolls that are wide and paper thin. Freshly handmade on the spot. 2261 Kingsway, Vancouver
Best Banh Mi
Au Petit Café Buns are made fresh in-house; get them early in the day though – they sell out quickly. Favourites include the special, meatball, and chicken. 4851 Main Street, Vancouver
Banh Mi Saigon All their flaky fresh subs are popular, but give their fishcake subs a try, which are unique to them. Easily one of our faves. 5397 Victoria Drive
Ba-Le Deli & Bakery This Vancouver original has been around as long as we can remember. Pro-tip: If you order a dozen, you’re likely to walk away with a baker’s dozen. 701 Kingsway Vancouver. Their new second location: 691 East Broadway, Vancouver.
Other Vietnamese Restaurants
Mr. Red Café While most Vietnamese restaurants in Vancouver lean to Southern Vietnamese fare, the menu at Mr. Red is distinctly Northern. Notable hits: the refreshing crunch of the green papaya salad with a hint of heat, and nicely executed Vietnamese crepes and spring rolls. 2131 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver | 2680 W. Broadway, Vancouver
Anh and Chi This second-generation, second-iteration of a family restaurant is crushing it on the modern Vietnamese dining scene. We love the banh xeo crepe and lemongrass chicken rice. 3388 Main Street, Vancouver
Have other favourites to add?
If you haven’t already, give these places a try. With so many great food options in Vancouver, it’s hard to decide! Let us know if we’ve missed any in the comments below.