If Pho Tam wasn't packed, I would've tried it out. I don't know about you, but I hate lineups and I also hate circling for parking. This time, I was lucky that the place wasn't too busy and there plenty of parking. With my choice of any seat in the house, I went for the one near the window and in a corner. That way, they really can't see what I'm doing. Without even looking at the menu, there were a few specials that caught my eye. Special A was any choice of a large Pho with spring roll for $8.95 and Special B was any choice of a large Pho with salad roll for $9.25. I decided
Before I even got to eat the Shrimp Salad Roll, I was already impressed. Big, fresh-looking shrimp halves resided under the thin rice wrapper. One dip into the thick peanut sauce and crunch! The roll was fresh with crunchy lettuce and sprouts surrounding the rice noodles. I know it is only a salad roll; but this one was good. If you know me by now, there is only one Pho I would choose - the one with the most stuff! I got the Phở Dặc Biệt which consists of well done beef, brisket, tendon and tripe. It is one of the biggest

On a subsequent visit, I decided to go for the Special A which started with a Spring Roll. Unlike so many "Vietnamese" restaurants in the GVRD, they do not use wheat wrappers here. It totally baffles me why they don't use rice


I just can't get enough of this place and to prove it, I went back again with some friends and had the Grilled Shortribs on Rice. Much like all their other dishes, this was huge. Lots of tender, meaty ribs over chewy rice. There was a good char which helped heighten the flavours. I was really stuff after this. It's too bad that I don't live closer, I'd come here every week. Probably the best all around bowls of Pho I've had in awhile. I just have to remember to not circle the block more than a few times. Otherwise, the police will come after me.
The Good:
- Inexpensive
- Big bowl of Pho full of noodles and meat
- Quality ingredients and great tasting broth
The Bad:
- Very little parking available; but they do validate the adjacent pay lot
- Much like all Pho places, there is no ambiance whatsoever (who really cares?)
14 comments:
Next time let us know how is the jailhouse's bread and water!
The food actually looks quite good! The bean sprouts almost pearly white; the broth partially transparent and decent portion of tripe. Looks like a winner! Now, if it wasn't because it is located in Whalley...
Yah, if you weren't in the neighbourhood, it's not worth the drive.
Oh the jail adventures. I would definitely subscribe to that blog!!
I agree with Kim, it's good to see a decent portion of tripe. I feel ripped off more than not, when it comes to the amount of tripe and tendon in my bowls around here.
Chris, there was definitely a good amount of tripe. I wonder if they allow blogging in jail? LOL...
My friend used to work at Pho Tam. The owner throws away all the unsold fresh meat every night to ensure the best quality. All the beef they use is fresh.
They are probably one of the only Vietnamese Restaurants who offer their employees medical benefits. Staff turnover is low and staff morale is high. Staff morale is high = good service for customer.
blythe, totally agree on the meat. I could tell it was fresh. I just couldn't believe the amount they gave me!
My sister woke me up this morning just to rave about this restaurant.
She said that their grilled ribs meal was so huge my nephew, who is a meat monster, couldn't even finish it. It was a good deal at only $9.
I want to try that plus the pho,
She woke you up to tell you that? I guess she's really enthusiastic about the food eh? It is pretty darn good!
Sherman, next time you're there, try the bun bo hue (spicy beef soup). It is VERY good, and you like spicy...
Thanks Mary! I will!
I had an unbelievable bowl of Pho in Ho Chi Min a few years ago and I have been searching for a great bowl of Pho since then. I will definitely try Pho Tam out!
Hi Michelle! Boy, I'm not sure any of the Pho joints in town could probably top your sample in Ho Chi Min, but I do like Pho Tam a lot though!
I live in the neighbourhood, so I eat at Pho Tam around twice a week when I have classes. I've been eating there for about 5 years now, and I keep going back because relative to most dine out joints, Pho Tam provides excellent food quality as well as value. And of course, I <3 my pho~
I'll say it again, Pho Tam is my fav!
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