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Thai Son Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
373 Broadway EVancouver, BC V5T 1W6
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 875-6436
- 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:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Thai Son Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The non pho dishes are always usually good as well."
(in 14 reviews)
"And don't forget, cash only."
(in 6 reviews)
"...of pho that hits the spot and freshly fried spring rolls."
(in 4 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from geoff a.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2012
Thai Son is definitely a favourite amongst my friends and myself to meet up for a fast, cheap and tasty meal.
I usually find myself ordering by number.
No. 2 (Great Pho), No. 57 (Tasty Beef Ribs), or No. 42 (Satisfies my Pork Chop craving) -
Review from patricia l.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is definitely a solidly good Vietnamese restaurant, in fact it used to be one of my favourite places. However, after rediscovering Joyeaux Restaurant downtown, Thai Son has taken a serious back seat.
Of late, their beef broth has been inconsistent in taste. One time it was kind of bland and the last time I checked in here it was too salty.
Their salad rolls are alright, but their deep fried rolls are not my favorite. They are more like Chinese egg rolls. Vina Vietnamese still stands as the winner for me whenever I get a roll dip craving.
Their Lemongrass Porkchop with Fried Egg on broken rice is still uber yummy and is really a big enough winner here to give them a 4 star rating. Overall, Thai Son is authentic and good enough for a happily decent meal. -
Review from Eric B.
Vancouver, BC
1/18/2012
Not a bad place for a good thai meal. Not as good as other places around but a relatively decent place. Might go back later so I can write something more deep about it :)
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Review from Karilyn K.
Vancouver, BC
1/16/2012
I LOVE this place. When I visit Vancouver I eat here at least once per trip, and usually twice. The number 34 (vermicelli with grilled pork and deep fried spring rolls) is the best I've ever had. Their pho is consistently amazing, and the restaurant is generally full of Vietnamese people.
Cash only, but it's an incredible value for money. Two can stuff themselves for $30. -
Review from Kathleen L.
Vancouver, BC
10/23/2011
Stellar pho broth. Best Pho I have had in Vancouver. Super cheap and fast. The non pho dishes are always usually good as well.
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Review from Edward L.
One of my favourite Thai Son locations (the other being in Richmond).
Parking is a bit lacking, but fortunately there is space on the street a block or 2 north.
My favourite group dish is their hot + sour soup with prawns. You can also pick between pork and fish as a side dish. The soup is awesome, and is nothing like the thick brown stuff you get in Chinese restuarants. The soup is clear and is more sour than hot, thanks to the tangy vegetables in the mix such as bamboo (huge cooked slices) and pineapple. As for the fish, it was a bit salty, but came in a hot metal pot with a huge (communal) pot of rice. The fish on rice is awesome.
We also ordered some other items such as BBQ short ribs. The ribs were hot and fresh, and the meat came off the bone without too much difficulty. It came with a bit too much vegetables (basil leaves and cilantro and other good stuff), but this was exactly the way they also do it in Vietnam, so if if anything, the restaurant was just being authentic.
We also ordered the pancake. This one also came with a huge side of vegetables. The pancake itself was quite dry and crispy. It wasn't bad, but the beansprouts inside made it very difficult to cut up and eat. The filling spilled everywhere.
As for the salad roll, it was quite large, and the shrimp were fresh. No fishy taste here.
Just to be adventurous, I also tried the hot egg yolk + condensed milk in soda. This tastes exactly like what it's called. Actually it tasted like sweetened soda. The only indicator that there was an egg yolk mixed in there somewhere was then I would get the occasional mouthful of membrane.
The place looks dirty as hell but it's good. Recommended. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2011 3 photos
* Old dog *
Inspired by Nikki W's strong recommendation of this spot I had to go check it out and see how it compared to my longtime favourite pho spot Hai Phong (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...).
I ordered pho tai gan (rare beef and tendon), which are my two favourite toppings for beef pho.
The waitress brought me the standard sides of sprouts, chili, basil, and citrus. The sprouts were fresh, although I saw several other tables get blanched sprouts. I guess I looked like I like them raw! The basil was mostly good, with a few leaves that had significant black spotting. The chili was jalapeno, and the citrus was lemon. I prefer lime. But at this time of year lots of places seem to be giving lemon instead for some reason. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
When the pho arrived I was a bit confused as it seemed like they gave me pho tai nam with brisket instead of tendon. I asked the waitress and she told me to look underneath to find the tendon. It wasn't there - at all. So she went and came back with a small bowl of a single tendon which was cold from the fridge. Oh well. The rare beef (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) was nice and rare and a decent quality cut. The noodles were cooked nicely - but it was not an overly generous portion of noodles. They could have definitely given more.
But the true downfall was the broth. It was truly lacking. It didn't have a rich complex flavour. It was mostly just salty (perhaps too much MSG added?) and was overly oily with a significant number of particles floating on top as if it hasn't been skimmed properly. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
I guess I'm like an old reliable loyal dog. For my pho fixes I'll be sticking to Hai Phong until a new trick comes along which wows me.Listed in: Vanoodle, Vancouver Vietnamese/Cambodian…
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Review from Nikki W.
Vancouver, BC
12/11/2010
Decent Vietnamese food that satisfies the cravings for a great price. Note that it's cash only.
I used to frequent the Thai Son location on Renfrew and 1st, since my ex lived right in the area. Both places have comparable food quality and efficient service, but the staff at the Renfrew/1st location were friendlier. Maybe because I was in at least 1-2x a week? What can I say, I love me some pho!
Their pho is great here: flavourful broth, perfectly cooked noodles in generous portions, and they always have very fresh basil. My only criticisms are that they serve lemon wedges with pho instead of lime, and when I order a rare beef/tendon/tripe pho, it's mostly beef with only a few pieces of the other stuff.
Their non-pho dishes here are consistently good as well. The #31 lemongrass chicken cold noodle bowl is a favourite. I always ask for extra sauce with this - it's that fish sauce-based dipping sauce that's also served with spring rolls.The bun bo hue is tasty as well, although I don't have good spice tolerance, so I have trouble getting through an entire bowl.
Try it, and I promise you'll be back again. -
Review from Yoony P.
1/29/2011
Bowl of pho that hits the spot and freshly fried spring rolls. Great combo.
I was surprised at how quickly the place went from empty to full during weekday lunch hour.
Definitely my new neighbourhood go-to Vietnamese noodle joint.
Yum... -
Review from Justin M.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2011
I was initially attracted to the Thai Son because of the cool neon font - not the best reason to choose a restaurant I admit, but it's busy most times I pass which is always a good sign. Well we finally tried it out for lunch today and really enjoyed it. The food was tasty and great value. A bowl of vermicelli with crispy spring roll and pork skewer was just $7.25. Super satisfying.
Don't go for the decor now, and certainly not on a date, but do try this neighborhood gem sometime. I hear the pho is bang up to scratch. -
Review from Carly B.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2011
I'm not a huge Pho expert or anything, but hot damn is this place amazing.
I usually get the # 2, the rare beef slices. Maybe I'm just a huge dork, but I find it fun to watch them cook up in the hot broth.
The broth is so flavorful and I have no qualms bout the extras they give you like some of the other peeps.
Service is bare bones but I'm cool with that. You get your tea and your food and then they leave you to slurp in peace.
And don't forget, cash only. -
Review from Lucy B.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2011
Greasy and somewhat satisfying in the moment but I don't think I'll be back. I was super sorry that this place is not going to be my local Vietnamese fix. The search continues...
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Review from Alex B.
East York, ON
Updated - 11/9/2010
Good place, shame they only do cash but I can live with it.
Their soup and noodles are good and their lemon grass chicken is good, the rolls were great too.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/1/2010
Mmmm noodles in soup, chilis, limes, bean sprouts, lemon chicken, rice, vermicilli, shrimp ...
Ok im… Read more »
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2010
It was very coincidental that a couple of days ago, a thread showed up on yelp asking whether anyone "really enjoyed pho?"
My Answer is YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know that some people may turn to it for a cheap meal, filled with msg, and good meat to compliment, but I love the texture of the noodles, the richness of the broth, the ability to load my bowl up with bean sprouts, and the sarachi and hoisin sauce I can drizzle to add additional flavours. It happened to be pretty chilly last Sunday and it seemed like everyone had been out golfing for a chilly 4 hours... so I suggest Pho :)
Going to Thai Son - I knew to check out the House Special Pho because it is on the LIST!~
Vancouver's 101 Best Eats Before you Die:
Item: House Special Pho
Contents: a good portion of noodles with a variety of meat including: raw beef, brisket, tendon, beef balls, and flank. It was definitely more than I had expected, but that didn't stop me. The noodles were soft but not overdone, I just couldn't stop eating!
Cost: $5.95 for Small, $6.75 for Large, Cash Only!
Broth: Super tasty, very rich, and very satisfying. Definitely warmed my tummy right up!
Service was minimal, and tea was definitely not hot enough, but I came for the pho and I got good pho!Listed in: Vancouver Magazine's 101 Best…
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Review from Leroy L.
3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was craving Lemon Grass Chicken, so we thought we would give Thai Son a try. I ordered the #50 Lemon Grass Chicken and Shredded Pork with Egg on Broken Rice and my partner ordered the #43 Grilled Pork Chop with Egg on Broken Rice. We also shared an order of Spring Rolls. I would have given Thai Son *3 stars* if the following things did not happen. Firstly, the table behind us got their food before us when we were seated and ordered ahead of them. Secondly, although we enjoyed our entrees, the Spring Rolls were disappointing. They were of poor quality and cheaply made. Thirdly and most importantly, a cockroach or some other type of disgusting bug crawled across the table in front of me onto the wall when we were just about to leave. I was thoroughly grossed out and will never come back to Thai Son ever again!!!!!
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Review from Nam N.
Vancouver, BC
10/28/2010
I've moved now so I don't drop in here as often but I used to come in here at least once a month. I find all their food to be pretty good, from the Pho to the Rice dishes and the Crepe!
I do a rotation of various foods here depending on my mood and the weather. It is one of the better managed Vietnamese places and they've been around forever. You can tell by the traffic, its usually packed around dinner time.
This place is so busy that your food and ingredients stay fresh!
PRICE: Cheap! You can keep coming here all through college and survive.
SERVICE: Very good, I've come to know the workers here and they are great servers. Lots of smiles and happy to help feeling all around.
SUGGEST: Make it a regular joint to eat at. The food is great and you can try all of it! I love the rice dishes here, probably my fav place to have Lemongrass chicken on rice or the Lemongrass pork chop on rice. The Pho is pretty good here too, really freshly cut beef slices and awesome broth. Wanna use your hands? Order the Crepe and wrap it in fresh lettuce to dip in fish sauce, yum! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2009 1 photo
**Quick tip** This place is Cashola only!
I was first brought to this restaurant by a Vietnamese couple (star 1) who came all the way from Abbotsford (star 2) to have Pho here. The restaurant was crowded (star 3).
I'm a simple pho lover. Pho tai and a salad roll and I'm happy as Larry. Having been here a number of times over the course of a few years, I was well prepared to give them 4 stars. (4th star for the fact that it's consistently good)
But then they put a piping hot plate of bean sprouts in front of me which had lost all of their crispiness --which is my whole reason for loving bean sprouts -- and I had to wonder - what happened? Did I miss the memo - do bean sprouts come cooked now?
As I was leaving, I saw the most beautiful plate of food. It was the Bun Bo Nuong, Rau Song (grilled beef ribs) served with lots of sauces and whole lettuce leaves for wrapping, rolling and dipping. There were also crepes on their plates. I know exactly what I want next time! -
Review from Robert C.
Vancouver, BC
7/8/2010
This place just rules. Great prices on everything, in fact try finding better for what they serve. You can't.
Even better is it's 1/2 block from my house...so the wife & I go far too often.
No HST is going to deter me from returning. Try it...seriously. -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
3/31/2010
Forget the rest, this is the Vietnamese restaurant to go to. Why? Because there are Vietnamese people eating here. This is not some Westernized watered down version of such. Plus the prices are right. Cash only though.
Place is quite big so bring friends, family and enemies!
They have another one in Richmond with same although I think this one is slightly better. -
Review from derek s.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2010
Just grabbed takeout from here, having just moved into the neighborhood for a few month sublease, and the Pho was delicious. I had well done and rare beef, both were delicious. Lots of food...I'll have some for lunch tomorrow too.
The place was very busy around 7pm on a Saturday, although still had room for walk-ins.
CASH ONLY. -
Review from kath r.
3/5/2010
Can you tell I'm on a Vietnamese kick?
I pass by Thai Son all the time and it's always packed, so with yet another craving...my Pho love gets the better of me and here I am enjoying #13 - Rare beef, well done flank and beef balls. A small portion was the right size and I gobbled it up heartily. $5.65 is a GREAT DEAL. Lots of sprouts, extra peppers and plenty of basil. My only complaints? I like my soup steaming hot and I love limes and not lemons accompanying my Pho.
The place was packed with a solid motley mix of people (couples, families, old and young, Asian and Caucasian) - you get the picture; a good sign.
Service was awesome! I mean, really good awesome. As in: smiles all round, refills on tea, quick clearing, boxes to go and offering to split the bill/charges for us. As i type this I'm surprised, bc really, this is a server's job description (and I should know bc I've been a lifelong server) but clearly, there have been more than enough days and dinners when job descriptions have been waylaid and I'm left holding a to go box, cash in hand, searching for a server! confused.
Like my fave Governor said: I'll be back! -
Review from Kim L.
Vancouver, BC
3/31/2011
I love Thai Son because they have the best rice platters of all the places I've tried thus far. And though their pho is good, I keep coming back for their variation of Hu Tieu Bo Kho (thin rice noodle with beef brisket in special vietnames stew). It's hearty goodness that warms my belly and makes me smile when I'm feeling down--yes, it's THAT good. Even though the service isn't overly friendly or welcoming, it isn't rude or slow either--which means it's neutral and I can come back without feeling like I shouldn't be there! Score!!
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Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2009
I usually order #56 a combo plate of delight. Two sticks of pork satay, vermicelli flats, prawnball grilled with a sugarcane skewer, fresh vegetables, and pickled vegetables. I like to order some spring rolls and side of grilled ribs. Tonight I was so hungry, did't eat all day so I ordered a large beef Pho after eating all that. Finished it off with a dessert drink that has coconut milk, jellies, red bean, crushed ice and something else I am not sure of. Yes I am satisfied.
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Review from Phil S.
Vancouver, BC
6/24/2009 1 photo
Yep, I cannot think of a place that makes better dry noodles with meat or seafood + prawn fritter in a special sauce, Thai Son is not only a good place for Pho but they make this noodles in a sauce, no soup, similar to Cambodian or Singapore version of dry noodles, and you get the choice of meat or seafood and there's lot of deep fried onion bits which kicks the taste up 4 notches! Trust me on this one. I stopped in for a bite and service was super fast, in and out in less than half hour. Oh, the dish also came with a piping hot bowl of broth. So good! For Hu Tieu Mi Kho (dry noodles with seafood) no place comes close, no, not even Phnon Penh. But diner beware as Crystal yelped, cash only so come prepared or you're gonna have to run across to the Royal Bank at Kingsgate Mall, yah I said Kingsgate Mall.
