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Bao Chau Vietnamese Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
2717 Hastings St EVancouver, BC V5K 1Z8
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
(604) 251-6956
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Bao Chau Vietnamese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"It's truly the best spring rolls in town." In 5 reviews -
"The pho is always fresh, tasty and served steaming hot." In 22 reviews -
"...cucumbers, lettuce, and choice of rice or vermicelli." In 5 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Phil K.
Burnaby, BC
No gimmicks. Just good pho. What I love about this place:
Price - $6.50 for a large bowl of pho, can't beat that.
Sauces - hoisin, chili oil, and chili sauce on the table ready to go AND they have the small little dipping dish on the table for the sauces. Me likey mixing hoisin / chili oil.
Extras - lots of bean sprouts, lime, chili pepper and basil. I always hate asking for more lime or sprouts at other places because they were too cheap to give you enough in the first place.
Scissors - yes SCISSORS! They leave you a pair if you have the little ones at the table and you need to cut up the noodles.
Meat - lots of it...when you order beef balls, you get BEEF BALLS!
Spring roll - authentic viet ROLL DIPS, not chinese spring rolls as it should be!
Two things they could improve and they are minor:
Slightly hotter soup base and make the peanut sauce a little more interesting. Otherwise, one of the better pho places around. -
Review from Florence C.
Vancouver, BC
4/29/2012
Not the cleanest restaurant, table feels sticky but the food is quite decent.
Their spring rolls are good, just blot some grease off. The pho is also good.
Very generous portion at quite low price. Great for take-out too. -
Review from Allen C.
3/12/2012
Getting my chow down at Bao Chau has never been a disappointment. Same owner, same place, and same good viet food. Their menu combo selection hasn't changed but why change a good thing anyway? The combo A (spring roll, vermicelli, chicken skewer, and salad roll) has been my staple item for years.
Their portion size has never dwindled over time and their commitment in keeping the quality of food great is one perfect reason this place has customers returning time and time again. Don't ever change on me Bao Chau! -
Review from Patricia L.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Honest-to-goodness, great eats here. One of the most well-rounded Vietnamese
places in the city. Everything is good here. From the Pho to the Spring Rolls to the Iced Coffee, you can get everything here and feel satisfied. Other places usually only specialize in one thing or another, but Bao Chau covers all the bases with simple, good food.Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from Rob C.
North Vancouver, BC
5/4/2012
Boa Chau has been a long time favorite stop for one of my favorite lunches - Pho. I often try other place but I just keep returning. The main reason for returning is it is consistent. Many other places I have tried the Pho, the quality is on one day and off the next. Boa Chau is not a place for a quiet lunch. It is a busy place. The price is right.
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Review from Stephan M.
Vancouver, BC
3/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I went here on a whim with my wife and a friend, as we had passed it about a week before. We had the spring rolls and different types of Pho.
The broth was good and the meat had a good quality. It is one of the better broths in the area and definitely an above average Pho for Vancouver.
The spring rolls were good, not amazing.
I look forward to going back and trying other types of Pho. -
Review from Amy T.
1/21/2012
I'm surprised that after all these years, Bao Chau is still an excellent place for pho.
Yesterday some friends and I decided to have a late night supper. We came in 45 minutes before closing and they were happy to serve us. The prices have remained the same or lower than other pho restaurants. A small bowl of pho is around $6 and a large is around $7. The combos are quite a steal at $9 - $10 and come with 2 spring rolls, 1 salad roll, 1 skewer of meat, and either rice or vermicelli.
I wanted the combo, but since I have a cold, I went with the noodle soup instead. I wish the broth was a little hotter, but it was still delicious. You can tell the beef bones were cooked for a long time and yes there was a small hint of MSG, but it wasn't as bad as other pho places. I know I wasn't suppose to eat the spring roll, but how can I resist? They have one of the best Vietnamese spring rolls I've ever eaten. Sure, my throat is more sore this morning, but it was worth it!
By the time we were finished, a group of 20 teenagers came in. By that time, they were about to close, but they sat the group anyway. The staff didn't give any attitude or show hesitation.
It's great to see small mom and pop shops like this last in Vancouver.Listed in: Pho-nomenal!
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Review from Wendy Y.
1/23/2012
I have to agree with Amy T's recent review on this place. The soup wasn't hot and you can taste MSG in the broth. Boo....
I'd really like to give this place a 4 out of 5 but I just can't. I had a bowl of Bun Bo Hue which should have at least a chunk of pork feet but I couldn't find ANY in my bowl. Not even a piece of pork bone!! It's like ordering Porchetta at Meat and Bread but there is no meat. I didn't bring "the absence of pork feet" to the attention of my waitress which on hind-sight I really should have. The restaurant was packed with a big group of teenagers who just came in and I think that's why I didn't bother.
The rice noodle was over-cooked so it was soft and limpy.
I still give this place a 3 because overall the flavor hit home run. The combination of broth, rice noodle, and sliced beef and Viet ham come together as "one".
I'd give this place another try with deep fried spring roll a must have on my table. -
Review from Joshua N.
1/6/2012
My house special pho was loaded with stuff (meatballs, brisket, beef, tripe, tendon and way lots of noodles). This is unfortunately rare these days when most Vietnamese places are skimping on the meat and charging extra for tendon.
For the two of us, our two large soups left us completely full but did not deplete my wallet: the total was $17.21 incl tax and tip. -
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
Ok, Comb A for 9.95
You get 2 spring rolls, grilled chicken skewer, and a huge ass salad roll.... FTW!
This is a huge plate of food to get for 1 person, unless you got a big appetite. I just came back from there and I feel a food coma coming on now.
The chicken skewer somewhat reminds me of char siu, but using dark chicken meat instead of pork lol. I mean that would explain the red colour in the meat! haha The spring roll is mighty tasty and crisp, but what I don't understand is why Vietnamese spring rolls stick to your teeth and the Chinese ones don't.
Funny how they leave the saran wrap on the salad roll. I guess that makes it easier to take it on the go! lol
This combo also comes with bean sprouts, cucumbers, lettuce, and choice of rice or vermicelli.
For under $10 bucks, it's quite a deal, but I'll suggest ordering this with a friend and a smaller dish or appy to go with this. But if you got a larger stomach then this is probably perfect for you!Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge., Hastings Chow Down, Pho 'eva!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/15/2011
I grew up eating their bowl o' pho!
Ah, was it sweet yet salty of a first love here. It was a… Read more »
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Review from Russell J.
Vancouver, BC
3/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great spring rolls. Huge bowls and super cheap.
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Review from Colin B.
White Rock, BC
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
First time here. 2nd time eating at a Pho shop. A tour guide would speed this menu up for sure. Had combo B. It was pretty good. A bit greaser than I was expecting.
Have to say the weird deep-fried pork ball with a prawn center was not very apatizong presentation-wise.
I will come back for Pho for sure. -
Review from Niko D.
12/15/2011
I ordered item number 53, 2 spring rolls.
The flavors and textures were awesome. I'd have to say one of the best spring rolls I have ever eaten! Good size portion and
I ordered the Pho with rare beef and Beef Ball. Item number 7.
The meat and veggies looked fresh and tasty. The rare beef was surprisingly lean and the veggies were crunchy. Just by looking at it made you want to dive in!
All round I would give this place 3.5 stars. 5 for the spring rolls 2 for the broth and 4 for the meat and veggies. I know it seems a bit anal..but Pho should be Photastic! ha ha.
Happy Eating! -
Review from Nancy V.
Vancouver, BC
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here since I wanted to try a place close to PNE and Yelp suggested this place.
The service was all right, they were busy so I didn't expect great service. They advertised that they have the best spring rolls in town so obviously I had to try those.
Spring Rolls: I didn't really like the spring rolls. Its a bit too sticky for me, I dont like that. But they were really big so I guess quantity is good. I don't really like Vietnamese spring rolls at restaurants anyway due to the sticking on your teeth problem.
The Pho Special: I am harsh towards judging Pho since I get to have home made ones every so often. The Pho here was flavourful; however, I was able to taste the MSG. The toppings were good but I didn't like the broth that much.
Rice Dish with Chicken and Nem (I don't really know what it is called in English because English translation is inconsistant): This was the dish that saved it for me. Like I mention before I get home made pho so I usually don't order the Pho dishes instead I always go for the chicken rice dish. This was AMAZING. The chicken was flavourful, tender and Oh so good. As for the Nem, you can never go wrong with it, its sweet and just the way I like it.
Overall, I would recommend this place. I know a lot of people who love it but I am just more harsh when it comes to Viet food. I probably would only go here if I was in the area but I'll probably try Le Petit Saigon first. -
Review from Dru C.
4/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM... Is the sound I make when I eat their special spring rolls... :P I love this place the most when I am in the area! I have to come here at least once a month because of their amazing food.
This is a perfect place to bring large groups too! I enjoy just sitting in a round table with a bunch of my friends or family and eating a bowl of pho noodles, or vermicelli with plates of spring rolls in the middle!
I only love the food here though. The service is very mediocre. Not up to my standards, but as usual that is what makes a good Vietnamese restaurant though. This is my regular stable place when I need a safety net from here and then.
I can say this an A-Okay place as I have seen better for a Vietnamese restaurant, but I would say come here for a great time!Listed in: Pho Food
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Review from Kim L.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2011
I'm always hesitant to try a new Vietnamese restaurant when I'm craving for pho, but since my dining partner wanted to try somewhere new, we looked to other Yelpers for recommendations. Sadly, although the service was really great (all servers who came to the table were attentive and *drum roll please* came and left with a smile!), I had a faint feel of msg syndrome afterwards. I REALLY wanted to love this place since the people working and running the restaurant were so welcoming. Sigh...the quest continues for the best bowl of pho (that doesn't give me the msg zing) where I don't fee like I'm going to get scolded if I ask for water or even manage to look at the server wrong.
CASH ONLY. There are a few banks at the intersection of Penticton (which is about a block away) in case you had to work a little like me, to eat. -
Review from Jasmine T.
Burnaby, BC
Updated - 1/22/2011
Okay, so tonight wasn't as busy as the last time we went, but this time it was my fiance that was sick and needed soup.
I added a star... it used to be four, but now it is five because stacked up high behind the register are many, many twenty four packs of cans of coke. Yesssssssssssss-ah! Now I can enjoy the best pho an spring rolls with the dark caramel-y sweet taste of coke. Ahhhhhh. I love coke in a can. Don't look at me like that. I said I can drink it on the weekends.
So I got the same thing again, a number 7, but this time it was a small instead of a large. I used to love to put the jalepenos and lime in, but now I am all about the Sriracha Sauce. I also ordered one spring roll instead of two because last time I had to bring the second one home. Eating a cold spring roll is not great. I mean, I still ate it, but I neglected to warm it and it was hard... I still ate it though because it is a Bao Chau spring roll and you do not waste that.
Yippee. So worth the drive.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2011
Since the beginning of time (by that, I mean since I started working), my friends and I have been… Read more »
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Review from Kristina C.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2011
Pretend that says 3 1/2 stars.
I ordered the rare beef/well-done beef brisket pho, (no cilantro please!) and my family also shared the spring rolls and hash pork & grilled chicken on vermicelli. Tasty broth and more meat than I could handle; I did find the meat to be a little bit tougher than other pho places I have been to.
The spring rolls were probably the best I have had before, and larger than most places. I only had a sample of the hash pork & grilled chicken dish, but I can say that the meat was quite flavourful. Four bowls of pho plus two extra dishes came out to be $40 before tip.
Friendly service with a smile, and although it was busy, they managed to bring us water and extra bowls promptly and didn't forget about us.
The decor is a little shabby looking but the tables and chairs are clean. Cash only. -
Review from L K.
Burnaby, BC
8/2/2011
We just moved in the area and have been trying the numerous Pho places along Hastings. This one is the best so far. Great broth, big portions, amazing staff. I've been to many vietnamese places, and they generally just slam down food and walk away, no eye contact or anything. They were very sweet and even laughed at a stupid joke :)
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Review from Benson H.
Vancouver, BC
11/16/2011
For whatever craving for Vietnamese food you have, this long time PNE area eatery will surely satisfy you.
Personally I come here for the PHO beef noodles in both because the portions are good and the broth is comforting without too much MSG. The owner has assured me that he tries to minimize MSG while using the best beef bones to make the broth. You can tell because the broth isn't too opaque like other places. Also he skims off the fat from the broth to keep the broth healthier and less oily. However, if you prefer the beef fat/oil, you can ask for it to be added back in or as I like it - "on the side". This is the more traditional way for those who are more used to the tastiness from the fat. But as I mentioned before, he uses the best bones he can so the broth is fairly tasty already!
The spring rolls are also a must because for a very reasonable price (cheapest and biggest in town in my opinion) they are tasty, crispy and filling. They're not the small spring rolls the size of your finger, they're the big ones even bigger than the fattest felt marker you could find. They double wrap them in the rice skin to ensure they don't fall apart considering the amount of filling.
If you're looking for a dry ie non-broth dish, the vermicelli bowls are refreshing and not overly filling. The BBQ meats are quite good with the vermicelli. Or have it on rice.
All in all, it is the MOST solid and consistent Vietnamese restaurant I have found in Vancouver. And the owner rarely ups the price because he wants to keep everyone happy. And if you ask any of the regulars there (which is pretty much everyone), the place is like an institution to go there every weekend for lunch is like a ritual and you'll bump to everyone you know like at church. -
Review from Jenny K.
Burnaby, BC
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really wanted to have their subs but not available anymore :(
Food & service were not bad. -
Review from tee a.
The dirtier the place, the more authentic... thoughts?
This place always brings back memories. I've been dining here for years. They've recently renovated and the place looks decent. Bao Chau has the best Vietnamese spring rolls in town. The pho is always fresh, tasty and served steaming hot. My favorites include the combos on the last page of the menu. Meat skewer, spring roll, salad roll and noodles.. all for approx $9. I always share this with my sister.
Yum.... -
Review from Jasmine L.
Port Moody, BC
9/20/2009 1 Check-in Here
I'm happy to let Emily C. know that Bao Chau recently re-did their restaurant. It's not 5-star by any stretch, but at least the chairs are new and the floors are clean! I didn't feel the need to wipe down the table before I ate, either -- a major improvement!
I am a Vietnamese spring roll addict. When I have a serious craving, I try to go to Bao Chau. The food is always great, and the service is somewhat better than what you'd expect at a pho joint. My biggest complaint about Bao Chau is the hours -- I often find myself craving Vietnamese food as "second dinner", and they close a bit early for that -- 9pm.
The most recent time I was a couple of weeks ago. It was toward the end of the night, but the service was still super fast, but they didn't rush us out the door. In fact, they seemed to be extra friendly. Not only was the food great (as usual), but our total bill for two people came to $11. Plus, they let us leave our car in their parking lot while we went to the PNE! Sweet deal.
I think that Bao Chau still has the best Vietnamese spring rolls in town. I certainly haven't found anything better. That said, if you think you've found something better, please let me know. That's certainly a competition I'd be willing to judge!
I would give Bao Chau 3.5 stars -- 4 for food, 3 for everything else, But really, the food is what matters so I'm rounding up. -
Review from Tanya N.
11/7/2009
Plain and simple, you go to Bao Chau for the food not the decor and b'c it's a cheap eat. Service is sufficient.
The various variations of pho are all fantastic. I personally like tripe so I usually ordered that. The spring rolls are great - crispy, stuffed with meat & veggies and served with fish sauce. Yes, it's a bit greasy but it's deliciously greasy.
You also can't forget to get your java jolt with the Vietnamese iced coffee. Helps wash down everything and gives you a good kick like none other.
This place is great with a big group of friends who just want good simple Vietnamese pho comfort (like after a dragon boat practice!).Listed in: A Quarter of Me Craves Pho
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Review from Emily C.
9/20/2009
Bao Chau deserves some positive reviews. It's truly the best spring rolls in town. Granted, I haven't been here for years but memories of chomping on greasy Vietnamese spring rolls still come to mind.
Pho ain't bad either. The setting is a little weird, going into a place with funky carpet always is. But what can you do? It's a typical Vietnamese restaurant and this place always delivers.Listed in: The neighbourhood I grew up…
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Review from Billy L.
Port Coquitlam, BC
Updated - 7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have to say that this place is no longer the best. We went there recently before an event and the soup was bland and the portions got a lot smaller. Overall pretty disappointed with the quality and quantity.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/17/2011
The soup here tastes very pure and without a whole lot of msg. I've been coming here since my high… Read more »
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Review from Cindy S.
Vancouver, BC
4/10/2010
I love Pho and the place i was eating at on Kingsway next to the Green Cross closed and so did JR's place on Robson so i went onto Yelp and found myself a new place to eat. I just had lunch there today and it was terrific. I was able to park my Harley right in front and when i looked at the Pho everyone was eating i was in heaven.
The Pho was great, it came with lots of meat that looked like roast beef instead of old tire cords, both pink rare and brisket, beef balls and great noodles, of course they serve it with basil, lime and bean sprouts. It was inexpensive and cooked to perfection. The spring rolls were huge, crispy, not burned and i got two for only $7.98 in a combo with a shrimp roll and chicken skewer and the pho was only $8. Two spring rolls alone are only $3,00, Lunch for two people was only $20. and we could finish it all. Lots of people were eating there including many Vietnamese. I've traveled all over the world with work, I've been to Vietnam and this was comparable only better.
I highly recommend this place, great food, low prices and good service.
A Cindy favorite. -
Review from T N.
10/10/2011
can't really comment on the Pho, since I had the rice dish was I was there. If you are like me and a visitor to Vancouver looking for a good Viet restaurant to eat at, this is the place. The spring rolls are really good and the com tam bi thit nuong was awesome. Even the veg soup that comes with the rice was perfect.
Compared to Seattle restaurants, this one blows them all away. Take the best Viet restaurant from little Saigon in LA and compare with this one, it'll be a tough choice.
Parking may be a problem at peak times, there's a parking lot in the back but the spaces are really small, you may not be able to open ur door after you park.... -
Review from Luisa D.
7/4/2010
Large Rare Beef Noodle Soup ( $6.50) and Spring Rolls ($3.50). Inexpensive and tasty. Service was ok - they were very busy. The place seemed clean enough although I never checked the toilets. Decor - if you seriously expect anything other than neon lights promoting their spring rolls then you should go elsewhere.
The only problem is I got the typical telltale sign of MSG afterwards (kind of like a clamp tightening on the forehead). It's not painful or anything, just weird and I've never had it after other Pho meals.
So I won't race back here but if that's where my friends are meeting then I'll still join 'em. -
Review from Maya M.
North Vancouver, BC
7/8/2010
Bao Chau is hands down the best pho place in Vancouver.
If you are looking for 5-star ambiance you probably have not had pho before. The best pho is served at family-owned establishments and this one keeps the price of the food down by sacrificing the interior. That said, it's clean enough.
I have only eaten pho and spring rolls (double-deep fried) off the menu but two people can eat for $15 and the service is quick and friendly. It is the best pho I've had and the spring rolls are to die for!
Another tell-tale sign of excellent pho - the restaurant is usually full of Vietnamese people. -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
4/13/2010
Dropped by here before a Giants game based on the reviews here on Yelp*. This place is fantastic!
Full of Vietnamese customers (good sign), portions are large and great value (we paid $7, no GST for vermicelli noodle w/ pork dish with spring rolls).
Despite having to deal with the usual panhandlers at the BC Liquor store in the same block, make the trek here. It's worth it. -
Review from Simon R.
BC
12/2/2008 1 photo
While the Vietnamese food is delicious, having been perfected at this location for over 10 years, it is the spring rolls that stand out as being some of the best that Vancouver has to offer. They are phenomenal, crisp and chewy on the outside, and soft and gooey on the inside. All the food is very inexpensive, with the option to make dishes larger for only 50 cents.
Full of lengthwise mirrors and a vast array of plants that are of course fake, the ambiance is set up nicely, and the restaurant is frequented by a large variety of regulars, from large Vietnamese families to hipster couples. They offer great combos too, so make sure you check the big yellow sign for whatever daily deals they're offering on grilled chicken and pork hash.
The plate glass window at the front used to be a nice place to sit, but has kind of been spoiled by the gaudy new Sign-a-Rama store (actual name) across the street that constantly flashes inane neon messages through the plate glass windows all night long. -
Review from Mabel L.
Vancouver, BC
7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favorite Vietnamese rest. Love the rice noodles with spring rolls and pork. The only item I have memorized in Vietnamese and of the ice coffee. Yum
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Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
This is a sentimental favourite of mine as I live a block away from Bao Chau and for everyone in the area - it's a no-brainer for a quick, cheap and good meal. And it clearly shows with as the restaurant is at capacity almost anytime you walk in.
As the other reviews say, this is probably the best place for Vietnamese spring rolls in Vancouver. The pho is always loaded up with the toppings of your choosing and are excellent bang for your buck. Everything here definitely has a heartier, heavier feel than other Vietnamese restaurants - from the larger, oily delicious spring rolls to the heavy beef broth.
The restaurant recently got a face lift with some hardwood flooring and new paint. It's nice - but part of me prefers the old grundgy, gaudy feel of the place. Somehow, it felt more genuine that way. But the food hasn't changed (a good thing!) and the service has always been prompt and courteous.
All around a neighbourhood favourite that deserves its cult following. -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
11/8/2008
They say: Pho served with the best Spring Rolls in town.
I say: I stopped going because the quality began to die.
Atmosphere: Take out / quick bite / none.
Food: Used to have the best spring rolls but not anymore. I really do miss them though =( -
Review from Soda B.
Vancouver, BC
11/29/2010
The first thing I noticed when I tasted the Pho is that they completely neglected to add any suck to it.
I was like "wait a second, where is the wackness in the broth?"
Alas, I did not find any. It was belly warming and excellent.
My 3 favorite things about my first meal there however are not the broth.
1 - The meat balls in the pho. Im not sure what is that little extra step they take but its soooo good. Im usually a fan of the combo, but next time I think Im going meatballs all the way.
2 - The lemon grass chicken they have on one of their bun plates. Man was it good. It was reddish so Im not sure what else is in there but you could just taste the fresh lemongrass in every bite. Even the rice noodles directly underneath chicken would get infused with the flavor.
3 - Spring Rolls. Ive had spring rolls in probably 200+ different restaurants in my life and this is probably one of the top 10. Im also including the 2 dozen asian mothers that Ive met over they years who have served me their versions. Im guessing by the look of the place there is some motherly love that goes in the food anyways. -
Review from Alejandro E.
Vancouver, BC
Good spring rolls, bad ambiance. cash only.
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Review from Jordan H.
4/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
I said this about Golden Garden when I first started going there, and I think it's a toss-up now between the two, but i'll say it again anyway: Favourite pho in Vancouver. If you're in the hood, skip Le Do, skip Petit Saigon, and go to Bao Chau. I've only had the pho and spring rolls, haven't gotten to the pork chops, viet ham, etc, yet, but that's because the pho is just so good. I barely even pour any fish sauce or hot sauce in, the broth is so good on its own. Meat and noodles are also done perfectly.
