Saskatoon’s Pho Phenomenon:

Saskatoon’s Pho Phenomenon: Thien Vietnam – A Noodle Lover’s Deep Dive When the prairie winds howl through Saskatoon, few comforts rival a steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho. Thien Vietnam, with three locations across the city, has become a local institution for noodle cravings. But does this ubiquitous chain deliver authentic flavors or merely fill a culinary void? After methodically working through their menu, here’s the definitive assessment of Saskatoon’s most accessible Vietnamese dining experience. The Thien Vietnam Experience: Humble Bowls, Hearty Portions Walking into any Thien Vietnam location reveals a no-frills, functional aesthetic that prioritizes substance over style: • Fluorescent-lit dining rooms with laminate tables bearing the scars of countless broth spills • Wall murals of Ha Long Bay fading under Saskatchewan’s harsh sunlight • The perpetual hum of exhaust fans battling aromatic star anise clouds Service Style: • Counter-order system with buzzer pickup (efficient but impersonal) • Staff fluent in both Vietnamese and prairie-friendly English • Water stations with self-serve condiment caddies (essential for pho customization) Pro Tip: The 8th Street location tends to have the most consistent broth quality, while the Preston Avenue spot offers quicker lunch service. The Broth Breakdown: 18-Hour Alchemy What separates memorable pho from mediocre comes down to bone broth craftsmanship. Thien Vietnam’s signature broth undergoes: Simmering Process: • Beef knuckles and oxtail roasted before boiling • Charred onion and ginger for depth • Cinnamon stick and black cardamom in the spice sachet Texture Analysis: • Body: Medium viscosity (lighter than Saigon-style, heavier than Hanoi) • Fat Cap: 1/8" layer (indicates proper collagen extraction) • Clarity: Slight cloudiness from marrow (a positive sign) Menu Navigation: Must-Orders & Misses 1. #19 Beef Stew Pho ($14.50) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A French-influenced hybrid perfect for Saskatchewan winters: • Protein Components: • 5 oz braised chuck (fork-tender, slightly dry edges) • Carrot coins stewed in lemongrass-infused jus • Hidden tendon cubes (texture litmus test for pho novices) • Broth Profile: • Tomato-based with noticeable five-spice warmth • 30% less sweet than Ho Chi Minh City versions 2. #21 Thien’s Special ($15.75) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ The "everything but the butcher’s block" bowl: • Protein Orchestra: • Rare flank (cooks to medium in broth) • Brisket (sometimes overdone - request "pink" if preferred) • Meatballs (pleasantly springy, lacking expected coriander punch) • Noodle Integrity: • Flat rice noodles maintain perfect chew through entire meal • Portion size could feed two light eaters 3. Daily Special Dry Noodles ($13.99) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ A curveball for soup traditionalists: • Composition: • Vermicelli nest with grilled pork shreds • Fish sauce dressing leans heavy on sugar • Crushed peanut garnish adds needed texture • Cultural Context: • Represents central Vietnam’s noodle salad tradition • Lacks the fresh herb abundance of authentic bún thịt nướng The Condiment Game: Flavor Customization Thien Vietnam’s DIY approach empowers diners: Optimal Sriracha-Hoisin Ratio: • Pho: 1:3 (one part chili, three parts hoisin) • Bun: 1:1 with lime wedge squeeze Herb Freshness Scale: • Mint: Consistently vibrant • Bean Sprouts: Sometimes limp - check before loading up • Basil: Occasionally substituted with Italian sweet basil The Verdict: Prairie-Approved Pho Scoring (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Broth Depth 8.5 Lacks some collagen richness Meat Quality 7 Brisket inconsistency noted Value 9 Portions defy Saskatchewan cheapness stereotypes Authenticity 6.5 Adjusted for prairie palates Who Will Love It: • U of S students needing affordable comfort food • Healthcare workers on quick lunch breaks • Vietnamese expats craving taste of home (with managed expectations) Who Might Not: • Pho purists seeking exact Saigon replication • Vegetarians (their tofu pho uses same beef broth base) Final Tip: Ask for broth served extra hot - their standard serving temp cools quickly in prairie air. 📍 Locations: • 8th Street (Flagship) • Preston Avenue (Quick Lunch) • Circle Drive (Most Parking) SaskatoonEats #VietnameseFood #PhoLovers #NoodleNation #CanadianDining