Nestled in the heart of the Junction is Pho Huong – one of the newer establishments and only Vietnamese restaurant in the neighbourhood. The Junction enjoys a wealth of various cuisines from Italian to Indian to Thai that there was no doubt that a Vietnamese restaurant was bound to flourish along with the neighbourhood. Pho Huong has become hub for locals to grab a bite and enjoy a hearty bowl of the increasingly popular Pho. What sets Pho Huong apart from many of the local Vietnamese restaurants is the clean interior design – so spotless it practically sparkles. With a large glass window at the front, dark sleek wood accents and a wealth of pot lights in the store, the ambiance is very warm and inviting. Although being the only Vietnamese restaurant on the strip of Dundas, it does not fail to please.
Like any other traditional Vietnamese restaurant, shortly upon arrival we’re greeted with a warm pot of Jasmine tea as we sift through the usual extensive menu. I opt for the Lemongrass Chicken on Rice ($7.50) as well as a Mango Milkshake ($3.50). Curious as to the ubiquitous Passion fruit drink ad in almost every Vietnamese restaurant we visit, my brother decides to try his luck with it. Shortly after we scribble down our orders (which is a common practice in Vietnamese restaurants from verbal orders), our drinks arrive in style.
The passion fruit drink is more transparent than the ad leads to believe but still refreshing and pleasantly sweet and tangy. On my side, the mango milkshake was one of the best and smoothest I’ve had anywhere, it served as a perfect companion to my lunch even on a brisk fall day like today.
Not too long after I’ve indulged in a few sips of the milkshake, my lemongrass chicken and rice arrives, steaming and fresh. The dish arrives stylishly plated with the rice formed in a perfect mound alongside a generous amount of chicken garnished with a few strands of green onion. The chicken was well-seasoned but served to be a little dry where my mango shake came to assistance in between the last few bites. The only improvement I would have made would be an extra side or sauce to add a little contrast and colour to the dish which seemed to be lacking in both areas.
All-in-all a lovely establishment and cute little place definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Pho Huong is also licensed if you enjoy a refreshing beer with your meal, an addition to the evening/night crowd that the Junction is trying to bring to life after it had been dry for almost a century up until a decade ago – the last area to lift the prohibition. Wonderful service, great food and a welcoming atmosphere, not to mention (again) the great decor!
Pho Huong
394 Pacific Ave.
(647) 430-3909
Delivery Available (min $25)
