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Pho Tan
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
4598 Main StVancouver, BC V5V 3R5
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
(604) 873-3345
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for Pho Tan
Review Highlights
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"The curry beef brisket melted in my mouth." In 2 reviews -
"The Satay Beef Pho is my favourite dish here." In 3 reviews -
"delicious meats, beautiful presentation, awesome broth." In 4 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Josh L.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Outrageously good. Food was quickly whipped up and piping hot--and one massive bowl of pho or vermicelli is all you need, even for the most hungry. My #75 bowl--sliced beef with spring rolls was paired with vermicelli and melted in my mouth. The $8 price tag didn't hurt either.
Spice it up with chili-garlic paste, sweeten it with fish sauce, or let it stand as is: absolutely decadent. -
Review from Matthew P.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2012
So after reading many reviews and also being a fan of two other Pho restaurants in the area I finally decided to pop in.
I'll keep it simple... I ordered the Pho tai with brisket and an order of spring rolls. In the future if I come back, I'd defiantly order the Pho Tai without brisket. Their brisket tasted old... Way too chewy or perhaps not cooked correctly. Their broth was pretty good and spring rolls were delicious! Cash only.
3 stars, neither great or bad... Decent. -
Review from Phil K.
Burnaby, BC
5/5/2012
Seriously? Five stars for this place? Josh...what are you thinking buddy? This place used to be decent when they first opened. Now the owner is trying to get away with putting the smallest pieces of rare beef in the pho. It's not even pieces. They are like shreds of beef. The meat in the rice dishes are pretty skimpy too, sometimes burnt. And $8 for average pho? Go to Bao Chau - $6.50 for a large pho filled with rare beef, beef flank and beef balls and no skimping on service or meat.
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Review from Helaine C.
Marpole, Vancouver, BC
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Decided to try this place because my mom bought a coupon book from someone we knew and this place was one of the restaurants inside. The restaurant doesn't look that decent on the outside and inside as well. It looked pretty dark inside since they didn't turn on the lights and just the sunlight (not much) from outside. I noticed the cups had stains when we sat down at the table. Cleanliness.... not much. The noodles were okay, nothing really special. The only thing that sparked was the Vietnamese Spring Rolls!!! FINALLY, a Vietnamese restaurant with authentic spring rolls!!! The other places I've been just look like regular chinese spring rolls :( except for the one in Chinatown which closed down long ago :(
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Review from Houng T.
Sunset, Vancouver, BC
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been here numerous times and it has always been a great experience. The outside is not the most appealing piece of architecture but when you walk inside the decor is nice and clean. The staff is quick to take your order and the food comes out fast. My favorite is the house special, pho dac biet. The spring rolls are pretty good and fairly decent portions. I would stick with the pho options unless you really want some rice. Not your typical ghetto pho place.
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Review from Realtor Darius D.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
From the outside this place looks slightly scarey, but once inside it's actually not so bad. I ordered a chicken and rice dish which was on my table in less than 10 minutes. At first glance it looked pretty basic, rice and grilled chicken on top, no sauce or other condiments - other than a very basic looking salad. I topped it with a little chili garlic sauce. WOW! I was pretty surprised that such a basic looking dish could pack such flavour. As I was leaving one of the servers, who I presume was an owner, was excited to get me to try the "10 hour stock" and noodles the next time I come in.....that I WILL fine sir! Service was great. Don't expect a fine dining establishment....but expect great flavours!
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Review from Cathy S.
9/21/2011
This particular afternoon the restaurant was at capacity, and the staff was hustling to keep the food coming out of the kitchen, bussing the tables and moving people in and out. The hustling service equated to perfunctory courtesy which didn't bother me too much since we weren't there for the "experience", but an acknowledgement once in a while probably wouldn't kill them. In one situation a cup of tea was placed awkwardly on the corner of the table without even a pause before the server took off so we weren't sure if the tea belonged to us or it was just set down to be delivered to a different table.
We started off with the salad rolls. Overall they were quite good, larger than you will see at other places, accompanied with a delicious peanut dipping sauce but the meat component was so minuscule, for all means and purposes they might as well have been vegetarian.
Hai Phong has ruined me for pho ga anywhere else. Although Pho Tan has a respectable pho, plentiful chewy noodles, a tasty broth sans excessive msg, and a generous plate of vegetables to add in, the anemic looking, bland chicken in the pho left me cold and wishing that I had driven the extra 10 minutes to get the really good stuff.
If I'm in the area I might be willing to return to check out other menu items. -
Review from Edward L.
You generally can't go wrong with pho in Vancouver. However, some are definitely better than others. Pho Tan would be an example. You KNOW it's good when there's a lineup outside on a Thursday night.
Today I was unsure what to eat. I wanted both chicken and beef on rice, but all of their rice dishes had other combos (such as chicken and pork, beef and pork etc. The waitress was kind enough to arrange a custom dish for me.
Fish sauce here is served in a tiny cup that looks suspiciously similar to the same cup the tea is served in. Be sure not to destroy your kidneys by accident.
The food was fresh and hot. My only complaint was that the beef short ribs were unusually tough. Normally I eat everything around the bone (literally), but this time I actually had quite a bit of trouble.
The last thing to mention is that the portions are a bit smaller than the competition, but it does taste better.
A great place to bring friends if they've never tried pho before, or even if they have. Recommended.Listed in: 2011 Cheap & Tasty, 2011 Ed's Picks
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Review from Justin L.
8/7/2011
So, I'm one of those people who thinks that all Pho restaurants are about the same. So while I'm not saying that this is the best out there, I will just say that it's better than your average about-the-same Vietnamese establishments.
In fact, Pho Tan is really good. The place is clean and cozy; it doesn't have the bleach-cleaner sterility of the Pho Hua chains. We mostly ordered noodle soups or vermicelli with grilled meats. An order of deep fried shrimp cakes were gladly shared by all.
But we noticed that there were other tables sharing large family-style platters of food. Will have to investigate next time! -
Review from Vincci L.
Came here with a large group on Sunday night. The place was quite busy, and we had to wait a short while. Decor is simple, with a few homestyle touches.
A typical Vietnamese menu, with lots of choices. I got a dish with a 'webbed' type of vermicelli, with lemongrass chicken and spring rolls. This was the perfect portion, and their chicken is flavorful and juicy. THe spring rolls have the nice crunch to them.
Service is a it slow, but I wasn't expecting very much. I keep on hearing about these special dishes that you have to pre order because it's not on their regular menu. Beer crab, oxtail stew, lamb chops?! I think I need to come back.. -
Review from Joyce P.
Vancouver, BC
1/18/2011
Yummy.
My super picky it's so freaking annoying friend only goes to this pho joint. And so I followed along.
Pho Tan is much nicer than the average Vietnamese restaurant. It's much cleaner, friendlier and overall 'nicer' looking.
It is run by Chinese speaking Vietnamese people, or was it the other way around?
Anyways, I ordered their special noodles and it was delicious. Came with a deep fried prawn cake thing. Yummy.
As we were eating, we saw plates of spectacular food come out. Curry looking crab, mystery goodness steaming inside clay pots, lamb racks!! and etc etc. WTF?? It's not on the menu and I want a piece of that!
I will be back. Who wants to join in me in ordering all those family style dishes?!? -
Review from Zee K.
Vancouver, BC
This place is pretty great. Very quick service, but not incredibly attentive once the food has arrived (both times I've been here it was under 10 minutes).
I had the chicken satay Pho (in peanutty coconut milk broth!) and my friend had the BBQ chicken with broken rice. I will be back quite regularly.
Pricing is about standard for Pho in Vancouver. -
Review from beki L.
Vancouver, BC
11/30/2010 1 photo
Delicious great pho!!
super busy with all diff. types of ethnics so you know its a definite crowd pleasure.
absolutely, LOVE the decor inside here...it always impresses me when vietnamese restaurants take the time to add some authentic flare to the decor. (instead of the usual sticky floors, white walls, dirty aquarium and plastic flowers amidst all the neon??!)
i had the rare beef, brisket, and tendon....delicious meats, beautiful presentation, awesome broth!!!!!!
the only problem? they steam their sprouts... that is weird to me..is it just me? i have never had pho with already steamed sprouts..i dont like it-- it loses the crunchy texture of the vegetable..anyway--it could just be me.Listed in: My MAIN finds, So Pho-licious!
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Review from Westcoast D.
Vancouver, BC
1/5/2011
Our new Pho spot!!! The couple that were working were very attentive and very nice. Food was delish, hot and fast.
We had salad rolls to start. They were very good with a lighter rich peanut sauce:)
For the main my hubby had chicken w/ rice with side porkchop and an egg on top. I had the seafood noodle soup and a coconut juice. The coconut juice came in the coconut itself which was very cute. Both dishes were awesome and the broth was light and clear (but I make mine red with hot sauce/oil anyways). -
Review from Sophia C.
Vancouver, BC
5/5/2011
Pho Tan has now become one of my go-to pho places in Vancouver, mostly because it's close to my work place and so consistent.
My favourite dishes are the pho with beef and beef balls, pho with beef balls and beef briskets, the peanut sauce noodles, and the delicious fish cakes. The cost of a small bowl of pho is $5.99, which is a very affordable price.
Nothing too fancy or unique, but a great place for pho. I've never had to wait for a table here, and the service is pretty good. Like many other pho restaurants, cash only! -
Review from Lillie G.
Vancouver, BC
5/31/2011
I love love love love love this place!!
Since moving to Vancouver about 4 years ago, I have been searching high and low for amazing pho- and here it is. This little assuming joint at 30th and Main.
My only problem is that I can't seem to get out of my ordering rut, the house special pho is so good that I have a hard time convincing myself to try anything else. Although I have managed to, and everything I've tried has been top notch.
Its quick, super tasty, inexpensive and the service is usually good, which is a welcome change from a lot of pho places. One of the male servers (possibly the owner?) even let me in as they were closing one night, gave me tea and insisted that I grab a table while I waited for my take away. Even though they were all ready to go home for the night and I stated I would come back another time, he was chatty and genuinely friendly.
It gets pretty packed so don't be surprised if you are asked to share a table with another party. -
Review from Kristina C.
Vancouver, BC
1/21/2011
Very yummy pho. It's super speedy so if you're hungry and need food NOW, this is a good joint to hit up (as long as you don't run into any crowds!)
Portions are generous and are the standard pho prices. I wasn't too crazy about their fried chicken wings, which are actually stuffed with similar filling as found in the spring rolls.
I've already been back several times and I'm sure I'll be back in the future. -
Review from Hipster C.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 10/30/2011
The Satay Beef Pho is my favourite dish here. So richly aromatic with lemon grass and coconut milk. A must try for Vancouver's dark and damp Fall/Winter days!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/30/2011
This is truly the *Pho-gotten gem, that I must have passed over a zillion times by car. It's a bit… Read more »
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Review from Tae K.
Vancouver, BC
7/12/2009 ROTD 9/17/2009
When I traveled in Vietnam, I left with the belief that there are few things better than a good bowl of pho. It's such a simple dish - of noodles, soup, meat, and bean sprouts - yet at the same time so delicious and filling.
Pho Tan serves authentic Vietnamese dishes, including the all-important pho. The cheap and fast meal (you'll be served your $6-for-a-large bowl within 2 minutes of your ordering) definitely brought back memories of Vietnam... sure, I wasn't sitting on the sidewalk on foot-high stools in sweltering humidity, but the pho... oh, the pho!
This place also serves Cambodian dishes, which also looked very good. Beware, though: it's cash-only. -
Review from Dani B.
4/16/2009
This is one of my favorite Pho spots in the city. Even though I'm a vegetarian and I can only get one or two items here, I still love it. The staff if nice and friendly, the food is fresh and arrives lightning fast.
They don't just serve pho either, they have lots of meaty options that will satisfy anyone's taste buds (from what i've heard).
Their avocado shake is the best i've had in the city and I highly recommend it to share because you will be so full from pho you will probably won't be able to finish one on your own.
This place is the best during the winter but I love pho so much I come here whenever i'm on main st.Listed in: Cheap and fast, just how I…
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Review from Colene C.
5/12/2010 6 Check-ins Here
This is a regular lunchtime spot for me and my co-workers. Choose from a variety of solid pho options or branch out and get a bún.
My recommendations? Pho with beef balls & beef brisket or bún with grilled pork & spring rolls. Their spring rolls are extra crispy with just the right amount of grease to make you satisfied.
This place is a popular spot and is usually bustling with people. At lunch I've never had a problem getting a table, even with upwards of 5 people in tow. -
Review from Eric B.
Victoria, BC
10/17/2010
Ever since my old haunt, Pho Thang Long, closed up I've been searching for a great Pho place. Pho Tan comes close - the food is good from top to bottom and the service is speedy and friendly but the biggest thing is that it's actually clean (except for the washrooms). How often do you find clean Pho places? Never?
This place is packed regularly now because it's good - whether it's Pho or one of the rice or vermicelli dishes it's all good stuff. For working class folks, eating here is a nice a treat. -
Review from Louise G.
2/27/2010 5 photos
Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and friendly, quick service.
Both the pho and the curries are absolutely delicous. The curry beef brisket melted in my mouth.
Looking forward to returning to Pho Tan.Listed in: Mainly Main
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Review from Ernesto G.
3/8/2010 5 photos
Always good.
What's better than a hot bowl of pho on a cold wet Sunday nite. Just finished having dinner here and I have to say, the soup here is consistently good. No need to drink a gallon of water after dinner like some other pho places.
Great for large parties too since they have a couple of big round tables in the back.
Taste = good
Food Presentation = great
Bang for the buck = yes
Would I go again = definitely -
Review from Chris W.
Vancouver, BC
1/16/2011
Went to Pho Tan for dinner tonight and was not impressed at all. The food was ok.
The pho was average. The egg crepe/lettuce wrap was greasy and bland.
But the worst part was that our order of steamed crepes came out with a hair on it! Ok fine, it happens. We sent it back and we could hear the kitchen staff asking the manager if we expected the dish to be remade??!? What? Isn't that kind of obvious. I heard the manger say yes, remake it. However when it came back out again, there was ANOTHER HAIR in the dish!!!!
When we showed it to the manager again, he did not look pleased... with us!! Not even an apology! He took the dish and returned later and threw the bill on the table. The offending item was crossed off.
I've had better Vietnamese (hair-free) food and I have certainly had better service. I won't be returning to Pho Tan! -
Review from Ken K.
Vancouver, BC
12/2/2011
Good food. Nice staff. What more do you need in a restaurant. The Pho was average.
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Review from Peter B.
7/16/2010
It's like I collect places I wish would move, by king size teleporter, to a block from my apartment. Here's another one: popular but not packed, terrific atmosphere and service, and superb pho in big fat bowls that makes the regular you into a satisfied and happier version of you.
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Review from May C.
Vancouver, BC
9/15/2010
I went with an intimate group of six. Here's a tip, we ordered a couple of items that are not on the menu & must be pre-ordered at least 24 hrs. in advance. We had dungeness crab, hot pot style marinated in a delicious concoction. Hey guys listen up! Beer is one of the ingredients in this tasty dish. Their shrimp cakes are the best I have ever tasted in an oriental restaurant. It has an almost melt in your mouth quality to them. The other off the menu item is their jumbo size grilled prawns. They are devilishly good! We ordered ox tail with five spice powder. The meat was tender & tasty though too salty for my taste. The ambiance is rather nice, softly lit and unpretentious. Service was friendly & very swift (we went on a Thurs evening). Remember to bring cash. This place is a hidden gem amongst all the 'award winning' restaurants in the lower mainland. You will be amazed.
