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My Chau Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
1715 KingswayVancouver, BC V5N 2S4
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
(604) 874-6880
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for My Chau Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"the chicken pho is 100% every bit as good as advertised." In 13 reviews -
"A perfect bowl of noodles for me starts with the broth." In 11 reviews -
"The crispy skin chicken was certainly one of the best I've..." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ladies and gents we have a winner! After several several... several... 3-star and 4-star selections, I finally landed on a solid 5-star. And I owe it all to Kwoky and Christian.
We came here for a lunch with the lovely couple, after noticing that the restaurant had top reviews. We arrived around 1:30, but the place was surprisingly still full of diners and we had to wait outside for another 5 minutes. We didn't mind, since it was a beautiful day outside and we enjoyed the sunshine (staying inside was hard, since the smell of pho was mouth-watering).
When we got our seats, the servers were sooooo nice. They always came over with a smile, they didn't try to rush us when we weren't ready with our order yet, and kept refilling our teapot at a decent pace long after we were done eating and were just chatting.
The Pho Ga is amazing. the crispy chicken is devine (I love the crunchy skin), and the soup base is clear (tsing) and still flavourful. But it's not just about the chicken pho people, their regular selections are just as awesome. Husband ordered his regular beef brisket rice noodle stew (he's just not as adventurous), and was thoroughly impressed with the large bowl that came to our table. It was certainly bigger than what we'd find anywhere, and there was so much of everything (noodles, vegetables, brisket) that you can't help but let your jaw drop to the floor.
Despit the distance from our home in downtown, we already declared the second we walked out of the restaurant that if we're to go for pho, this is the place!
Right by the 19 or 25 bus stop, and a short walk to either the 20 or 22 buses. You really have no excuse to not go. Cash only! :)Listed in: 2012 Best Of, Pho Party!
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Review from Kwoky L.
OMG, I thought I knew chicken pho but this is like non other. For my first pho experience in Vancouver, I have asked Christian H, Theresa W, and her hubby to try out My Chau. Yelpers have such great reviews for their chicken pho so we had to come here.
I usually order the special beef pho at Vietnamese restaurants because nothing beats a good bowl of beef soup with all the trimmings. But My Chau's chicken pho was PHENOMENAL! The chicken leg was deep fried and super crispy. The noodles were not overcooked and the broth was clear and flavourful with the addition of herbs and bean sprouts. My only complain is that they need to give us a larger portion of the chicken because I can't get enough of it! Hopefully their large bowl has more chicken, not just noodles.
Now that I had My Chau's chicken pho, I'll be back to try their beef pho and see if it's up to par. The search for the best beef pho in Vancouver continues... -
Review from Christian H.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
After finally deciding to get our new Vancouver friends a call to make lunch plans, my partner and I went for Pho. We have been craving us some good Pho and we may have found one of the best in Vancouver. We took the bus, which is just a couple steps from the restaurant, and sat with our friends at the table next to the door. The waitress came straight to the table with menus and a pot of tea. We began to talk and skim over our menu. The waitress came back to take our orders, but of course we weren't ready. She was happy to come back in a couple. Now, I hate it when you ask for a couple of minutes and they come back after a long wait or almost right away. The waitress gave us a couple minutes and took our orders. I had the beef pho and my partner had the deep fried chicken pho.
Being from Chicago, which has a large Vietnamese population, and having been to one of the best chicken pho restaurant in San Francisco, I know my pho. My beef pho was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The meat was perfectly cooked and the broth was filled with flavor. My partner's deep fried chicken was very crispy and delicious. My Chau Restaurant is one of the best pho restaurants that I have been to in my years of pho.
Notes:
- I know it is tempting to get the large bowl, but they are always way too big for a normal person. Go for the small bowl. It is plenty.
- They give you the plate of basil, peppers and bean sprouts for a reason... Put some in the soup to enhance the soup.
- Drink the soup and enjoy the last bite. The soup is good for your health since most people do not drink enough water and all foodies (especially Asians) know that the last bite of a soup has the best flavor.
- Take the lid and tip it if you want more tea... They will fill it right up...
- And as always, Have Fun!!! -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
Disclaimer: I rank meat in following order (1) beef, (2) pork, (3) poultry and (4) seafood. Wanted to switch up from my usual pho and decided to check out My Chau due to all the acclaims for its' pho ga (chicken).
I was aware that the #3 (deep fried chicken pho) was their specialty - and I was ready to deviate from my usual Vietnamese litmus test -- order menu item #1 (the 'dac biet'/'house special') and I'll learn everything I need to know. However, my dining partner was didn't want us both to order the same thing - yes, one of *those* people. Am I the only person that doesn't see the big deal about the same dish ordered more than once? Yes, I'm aware of the (irrational) argument that ordering the same thing will result in smaller portions. But give me a break - it's usually due to some non-conformist drive. I already have enough of these people in my life - if you are one, I do not want to be friends with you -- stop making life difficult.
I'm usually quite Machiavellian in these situations but I thought I should stick to my 'dac biet' rule. I got the #1 (chicken pho with chicken slices, liver, gizzard, quail egg and chicken balls) and my dining partner got the marquee #3. The dac biet was good - clear Hanoi-style broth and the chicken was good - wasn't a huge fan of the chicken balls though (seriously, beef destroys chicken in ball form). The noodles were cooked well - al dente and retain a good 'ricey' flavour'. The garnishes were very fresh as well. The springs rolls were a tad dry but pretty good.
But really, I spent the meal kicking myself for ordering the wrong item. Had some of the on-the-side fried chicken leg and it was well-seasoned, crispy and juicy. It was good - strange orange colour though. I kept thinking, "WHY DID YOU TURN DOWN FRIED CHICKEN, YOU MORON?!?" Definitely get the #3 -- don't waste your time elsewhere.
So, maybe I'm a sourpuss for missing out on the fried chicken pho. But I generally prefer the heavier, darker beef broth - it's just more flavourful, yo. My chicken pho was solid and probably one of the better ones I've had in Vancouver -- but I'm not going to normalize for it. It's like winning 'Sixth Man of the Year' -- ya, you're the best guy off the bench... but you're still not a starter.
Not my bag, I suppose. But that was so damned good fried chicken. Will come back for that - or combo it with something other than pho ga.
Closes at 6PM.Listed in: East Van Eateries, Nam-couver
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Review from Melissa K.
Vancouver, BC
2/26/2012
It's really important to note that they close at 6pm and don't open on Sundays.
My friend has been talking about My Chau and their chicken pho forever and I finally got a chance to check it out today. We tried coming before but realized they close earlier so went to Hai Phong instead.
Their chicken pho is every bit as good as it is hyped up to be. The broth was clear and not oily and cloudy like most pho restaurants. We got there around noon and a little after that it was packed and there was a line. The spring rolls were also good and nicely fried. Serviced was friendly and food came almost immediately after we ordered. We were in and out in half hour. -
Review from Odette C.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Why is the deep fried chicken skin orange?
Excellent price, value. Less than $7 for a small pho.
#3 you get a big chicken leg, chopped up for you. The chicken in the broth is clear and low msg.
If you want the pho with beef you can add the deep fried chicken leg for extra $4
Comfort food. Wish they had longer hours though. -
Review from Brittany H.
Vancouver, BC
3/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great crispy chicken pho & spring rolls. service took their time, but was friendly. something to note: they only accept cash! Overall yum!
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Review from Linda O.
Granville Island/False Creek, Vancouver, BC
3/12/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Went here after a quick search on Yelp. Living on the westside, I have been making do with ok pho - after today, I think I'll be happy to make the trek east. Light, clear flavorful broth, tender beef and a tasty spring roll on the side.
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Review from Charles K.
Vancouver, BC
12/4/2011 1 photo
I'm the skeptical type so I kept my expectations low. However the chicken pho really is as good as everyone's saying.
The crispy skin chicken was certainly one of the best I've ever had. It was cooked absolutely perfectly. Skin was crunchy while the meat was tender.
Broth was spot on too.
The five stars is for the chicken pho as I didn't try any other dishes. Frankly, I don't think I need to as I'll be coming back just to eat this again. -
Review from Cathy S.
9/24/2011
Hai Phong has been my standard bearer for pholiciousness and My Chau came close to usurping them, but not quite.
My Chau is a small (11 table), clean and friendly establishment. I ordered a Pho Ga Don. In a head to head comparison with Hai Phong, My Chau's broth wins. The amazing smell was realized by an absolutely delicious taste, a nice full chicken flavor and a not too salty broth. They were a little chintzy with the noodles but once I added all of the sprouts etc., my bowl was full enough.
Both Hai Phong and My Chau serve their chicken on the side which I like a lot. My Chau's was a cleaved, deep fried drumstick served with a really tasty dipping sauce. With the small, somewhat sharp pieces of bone in the chicken I didn't consider adding it to the pho but enjoyed eating every moist, crispy skinned morsel on the side. Hai Phong's chicken is a boneless, lemongrass flavored, grilled chicken which is a terrific add to the pho as well as equally delicious on the side. Hai Phong wins this round.
The big differentiator for me is accessibility to My Chau. Restaurant hours Monday-Saturday 9 - 6. Really? I'm happy that they are so successful that they can make a go of it being open only during the day but they are ultimately reducing my convenient access to them to a few hour window on a Saturday afternoon. If that is the exact period that I am craving pho ga then I will go to My Chau, all of the other time I will just head up the road several blocks. -
Review from ANTHONY L.
3/29/2012
Hands down the best Vietnamese place in town. Pho Ga is phenomenal! Friendly and prompt service. I love coming here. Been going here for years. Finally decide to leave a review.
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Review from Kim L.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2011
They weren't kidding when they said best pho ga! The crispy skin chicken leg is the star of the dish. Though the clear chicken soup was tasty and flavorful at first, I did get a sliiiight msg buzz afterwards.
Other than that, friendly service and clean restaurant. Get rid of that msg buzz and this would be a 5 star for their pho ga!!!Listed in: Gimme Mo--Pho!
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 3/28/2011 3 photos
* Still the best pho ga for me in Vancouver *
I always forget how much I like this place, and then I revisit and remember!
I had their pho ga (chicken pho) which is served a bit differently than at many other places. The chicken comes on the side instead of inside the soup. It is fried (but without breading) so that the skin is phenomenally crispy and the meat is perfectly tender inside. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
The soup itself is very clear, so clear that on visual inspection you may not expect much flavour. But that is deceiving as it is a richly flavoured stock without noticeable MSG (although perhaps there is some). The noodles are perfectly al dente, and the green onions and white onions add a pleasant flavour. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
The garnish plate for the soup included very fresh basil, rau ram, bean sprouts, chili, and a slice of lemon. (Why is it that all Vietnamese restaurants lately have switched to lemon instead of lime? Is there a great lime shortage or something?!?!?!) Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Reliable, consistent, delicious, and did I mention that crispy skin on the chicken?!?!?!!Listed in: Vanoodle, Vancouver multicultural fried…, Vancouver Vietnamese/Cambodian…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/21/2009
I hadn't been here for a while, but decided to grab a very early dinner tonight (before their 6pm… Read more »
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Review from Edward L.
Looks like there's a legit reason why this place was completely full on a Saturday morning, while another pho place (literally next door) was completely empty. Oh, and this places doesn't even need to open past 6pm haha. A small lineup formed while we were there.
The food item were among the lowest I've seen around here too, at around $6-7 per item, even for the large.
I didn't go myself, but my friend said this washroom was the nicest washroom in a Pho restaurant he has ever been inside. He said it was so nice that you think you walked into someone's home.
I tried some beef ball and steak (#4), and they were wonderfully done. The meat was literally raw, so you could cook it in the soup.
The fried chicken on rice (#62) was excellent. Crispy orange skin, very moist meat. My only complaint was that the portion of meat seemed a bit smaller than other places. And the salad tasted a bit off.
One nice touch about the white coffee is that they give you the cup of ice some 5 minutes after you first get the coffee drip, so that the ice isn't all melted before your drink goes.
I don't know if it's the BEST place for pho in Vancouver (other places like Thai Son come to mind), but this one definitely gets my approval. Just make sure you go early enough to beat the rush.Listed in: 2011 Cheap & Tasty
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Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
2/18/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Best Chicken Pho!
Feeling like Pho today so checked Yelp and found this place. This place is small but busy even at 2pm unlike the Pho place two doors down which was empty. That tells you something this place is good. My friend ordered the beef with meatball Pho and I ordered their Chicken Pho. One taste of the broth and I knew that this is the place for Pho. Nice clean flavour. Love their chicken too not greasy perfectly seasoned and crispy. Writing about it makes me salivate. -
Review from Joyce P.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2010
Yummy yummy yummy in my tummy. After all the holiday binge eating I was in desperate need of something a little lighter and healthier. I've been to My Chau before but never ordered their special before just because I don't usually like Chicken Pho.
After hearing so many people rave about menu item #1, I decided to try it. A perfect bowl of noodles for me starts with the broth. I'm all about the broth, how clear it is, how flavorful and just generally how warm and cozy it makes me feel inside. =)
I LOVED the broth.
The toppings were good. I'm not a big fan of chicken meat but it was done alright. The highlights of the noodles was the liver and the gizzards. I wonder if I could ask for everything but the chicken meat? I think I'll try that next time. I've also tried the fried chicken leg and it's very delicious.
My dining companion had vermicelli with bbq pork and spring rolls which was also tasty. I think I'll still order the chicken pho though. Oooh yummy yummy in my tummy. I wish they would open for dinnertime!Listed in: Best Cheapy East Van Quick…
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Review from GirlintheCity A.
Montréal, QC
5/31/2011
The chicken pho was not the best I've ever had, but for how cheap it was, it was phenomenal. I had the #3 (chicken pho with fried chicken on the side) and it was good. The chicken and broth were sooo good. I'm usually pretty sensitive to msg and I was able to drink the broth and feel fine after.
You can't go wrong with the prices ($6 sm, $6.50 lrg). For less than a mcdonalds meal you get a good quality meal.
Actually, the whole ranges from $5 - $8 for everything. I've also ordered the hu tieu kho here ... and I would not get it the next time. It was only ok, but seafood isn't this restaurant's specialty so I'm not surprised.
As well, I went around 4pm and the restaurant was almost empty, so it's good to know it isn't full all day long. -
Review from Lisa T.
10/7/2011
i've been frequenting this small, family owned, restaurant the past 3 years. it's a bit of a hole in the wall and if you don't look for the little sign outside the restaurant, you will drive/walk past it (as i have so frequently done). however, having said that, the place (floors, tables, chairs, utensils) is extremely clean. there is free parking all around the restaurant and some parking in the residential area available as well.
the food is always consistently great. the vegetables are fresh. i've tried their pho, their rice plates and their vermicelli plates before, and they are all as good as it gets.
the only downside i would say is their hours. they open for lunch and close quite early. the last time i checked, they still closed at 6pm. even so, if you're in the area to grab some lunch or early dinner, totally recommend! -
Review from Nam N.
Vancouver, BC
9/30/2010
Best Chicken Pho in Vancouver. Its well-known among all the Vietnamese people too. Don't be fooled by how small and secluded it is.
You'll notice how clear the soup is and after the first sip you know you're in for a great lunch. Good Pho has clean and clear broth, a lot of taste but not salty and no or little MSG. They also use quality chicken meat. Don't put any sauce in this soup you'll just ruin the taste! Have it on the side to dip. Throw in your fav veggies which are fresh here, not wet and looks like it has been sitting around for days.
SERVICE: Fast, it takes the waiter longer to bring you the Pho than for it to be prepared. Only reason you'd wait all is if you ordered the fried chicken with Pho. But I prefer the healthier boiled chicken, gizzards, liver which is menu item #1. They are also very friendly, after all business is good.
PRICE: Cheap, its $6 for a small bowl of Pho which is plenty for me at lunch.
SUGGEST: Eat here now. Don't wait. Order menu item #1 and enjoy the best Chicken Pho in Vancouver. Park at the back if none at the front. And its not open on Sundays fyi.Listed in: My Fav Vietnamese Dishes and…
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Review from Natasha L.
1/9/2010
My Chau has one of the best Pho that I have ever tried. As I was in the mood for steaming bowl of goodness, I was delighted to find this place open on New Year's Eve.
As the other reviewers have mentioned, the fried chicken is nicely crispy without being greasy.
We also tried the fresh jackfruit slush, which was delightfully refreshing.
As Christine mentioned, the place are pretty clean, which is not a very common quality for smaller Vietnamese restaurants. -
Review from stan s.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2010
How Pho should be... Very awesome with lots of flavours.
My first choice is the Lemon grass chicken in Pho, its the bomb!!
Rice dishes are good as well...
Enjoy... -
Review from Luke L.
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
just walk on by and see how packed this place, in spite of billions of other viet places all around. the chicken pho is 100% every bit as good as advertised.
super nice family owns the place, if i'm heading from downtown to new west or burnaby i'll take kingsway rather than the highway and endure the traffic and lights, just to drop in here
if you like chicken pho, you've found your new favourite hauntListed in: food
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Review from Emma L.
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
We were in the neighbourhood getting groceries and found ourselves starving, and too lazy to go home and cook. I whipped out my phone and found the awesome reviews for chicken at My Chau. We were not disappointed. My boyfriend loved his fried chicken, and I had a giant plate of some of the best fried rice I've had in a while. Need to come back and try the pho!
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Review from Christine K.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2009
This is my favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver to date! The pho ga here is delicious. It is definitely the best broth I've tasted so far at a Vietnamese place. The fried chicken was delicious that goes with it too - I love crispy chicken skin. We had 2 meals & an appy for $18.50 total. It was a steal! Next visit was even better. Had some pork two ways Bun. Sampled some other appys and was just as enjoyable as the first visit.
The staff was very friendly. The washrooms were very clean and so was the restaurant. We will certainly be back to work through the all of the menu! Wonderful! -
Review from Jeff L.
Vancouver, BC
5/16/2010
i come here for one reason only - Menu item #1
Its pho ga (chicken pho) but with gizzards and a bunch of other chicken goodies you wouldn't find in most other conventional pho ga. I simply love it. The soup base is clear and tastey, which really compliments the noodles and chicken parts. The other items on the menu are good, but like i said i come here for one reason only. happy eatting! -
Review from Jay L.
Vancouver, BC
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
A friend of mine suggested i try this place. A small family run vietnamese place known for their Chicken Pho. They use Free Range chicken (or running chicken) and the broth is very tasty and light. It's good, but i do like their beef pho more and the soup broth is awesome! Maybe it's the same broth? Who knows! Now, if they could just keep this place open after 6pm, I'd definitely come here more often then.
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Review from Phat P.
2/20/2011
A suprisingly excellent mom and pop place, hole in a wall place. Went there and was recommended the chicken pho. I usually much prefer the beef pho but I was not disappointed. The broth was excellent and the meat toppings were really nice, with chicken, gizards, chicken balls, liver, and quail eggs (I recommend asking for extras :))
Good price and big portions as well, so what not to love.
We also ordered some spring rolls (shrimp and chicken) which were nice and fresh.
Excellent experience, highly recommended! -
Review from lafawnduh e.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2010
my chau has the best pho ga. nuff said.
i dont even dare to try pho ga at other vietnamese joints because i dont wanna be disappointed! -
Review from Joseph S.
Vancouver, BC
4/14/2011 1 photo
Amazing. Clear soul, not too salty, and refreshing. Although it's the first time I tried chicken pho, I love it!!!
