For someone who didn’t grow up with Vietnamese food, discovering a cuisine so flavorful and fresh, so exotic yet so accessible, (not to mention so cheap!) is a gift. When you first stumble upon pho, you can be seduced by it’s savory broth, delicious noodles and tasty garnishes, such you are rarely tempted to branch out and order something different, other than maybe a salad roll on the side. Who could blame you? Pho is delicious and as the title of this blog states, ‘broth don’t lie’—a well-made broth is probably the most reliable indicator of the overall quality of a Vietnamese restaurant. But there are 100+ items on every Vietnamese menu in Toronto for a reason—Vietnamese cuisine has much more to offer than just pho.
Bun combo
Bun (vermicelli) combos are the perfect next step for someone learning about Vietnamese cuisine. The combos offer a chance to try a wide variety of different meats, rolls, and learn the joys of nuoc cham, all while still being anchored by friendly and familiar rice noodles. Having spent the last 7 blog entries exploring the bun on offer in Toronto’s west end restos, I’ve expanded my own horizons and hopefully encouraged others to do the same. Here are my picks for Best in the West:
1. Pho My Duyen [1208 Bloor st w]
More stylish than your average noodle house, yet an equal amount of care is lavished on exquisitely fresh ingredients. Many of the more unusual menu items illustrate the French colonial influence on Vietnamese cuisine. For the bun, try B19 Char-grilled Shrimps on Vermicelli.
2. Pho Phong [1603 Dundas w]
This out of the way spot still manages to lure in a diverse crowd with swanky décor, comfortable booths and consistently high quality food. I suggest #70 Dry Vermicelli with Spring roll, grilled pork and shrimp wrapped sugar cane.
3. Tie: Rua Vang [125 Ossington] and Pho tien Thanh [57 Ossington]
You won’t go wrong at either of these spots on Ossington. The cook at Pho tien Thanh used to work at Rua Vang, so it is hardly a surprise that they offer similar fare. Rua Vang (aka the Golden Turtle) is more well-known, which can mean waiting for a table during busy times, but the smaller, less crowded resto down the street is just a good, if not sometimes better. At the Turtle, go for #93, Vermicelli with Grilled Chicken and Pineapple. Down at Pho tien Thanh, sample #58 Vermicelli with Meatball and Spring roll.
Jennifer: What a great list!
Steve: Best pho I have ever had is here, I prefer the one that is pho ye yong or something. It is a special cut of...
bridget sookma.: i love this site of wines and pictures and info on other restaurants
Asha: This place is so tasty, and such great value. The avocado shake is really good but very filling.