Turtle Tower SF – A Disappointing Bowl of Vietnamese Noodles? 🍜

📍 220 California St, San Francisco Turtle Tower is often talked about in local food circles, especially for its famed "Train Pho" — a Northern Vietnamese-style pho that promises purity and depth of flavor. Sadly, my visit left me underwhelmed. The broth was clear and light, as expected for Hanoi-style pho, but it lacked the aromatic depth and rich savoriness I was hoping for. 🍲❌ There were hardly any extra herbs, lime, or sauces provided — just a simple bowl of noodles with minimal toppings. If you're someone who loves customizing your pho with fresh basil, bean sprouts, or a squeeze of lime, you might find this experience a bit limiting. I’d rate the taste a 5/10 — not terrible, but certainly not worth the hype or the price. That said, the space is clean, minimalist, and has a calm vibe. It’s the kind of place you might visit more for the atmosphere than the food — especially if you're looking for a quiet lunch spot in the Financial District. 🏙️📸 While it didn’t win me over with flavor, I appreciate what Turtle Tower represents: a commitment to a specific regional style of pho. Maybe it’s just not the bowl for me — but if you’re curious, go and judge for yourself! #BayAreaEats #VietnameseFood #SanFranciscoFood #SFPho#FinancialDistrictEats #HanoiStylePho #FoodReview #OverhypedFood #KeepItSimple