We went to Pho City specifically to try the peanut sate pho, since we had heard many good things about it.
The restaurant itself is clean, bright and newly renovated - a huge step up from the condition of the restaurant that was located there previously! It is conveniently situated in central Calgary on the edge of Chinatown, right next to the river. There is a paid parking lot just a block away which gives easy access to the restaurant.
The menu has lots of great options, and a gluten free selection. We opted for a large bowl of the special noodle soup (40) as well as the beef and beef ball noodle soup (42), both with peanut sate added. We also got an order of the pork spring rolls (A1).
The spring rolls arrived very quickly, and were piping hot, fresh and crispy. The filling was good (it was a fairly standard flavour in terms of pork spring rolls), with a decent ratio of filling to wrapper.
The bowls of pho also arrived very quickly and were piping hot. The large was massive, and the regular was also a very generous size. We both agreed that the slices of beef were the most tender we had ever had in a bowl of pho - and we have been to a LOT of pho houses! The beef balls were fairly small, but tasted decent - again, a fairly standard flavour comparable to many other places. There was a generous portion of both meat and noodles in both bowls. The noodles were also cooked well and not overdone.
The peanut sate itself was very tasty and already fairly spicy, with some nice chunks of peanuts in it. I found I didn't have to add too much sriracha to get it to my preferred spice level.
The reason why I have rated the restaurant a "4" was the the broth itself was a bit disappointing. Although the peanut sate itself was tasty, we agreed the broth was just missing "something". I found it didn't have the usual dimension of flavour that I am accustomed to at my usual pho spots.
Typically, with peanut sate pho, the broth is richer and almost "thick", however this broth had a bit of a watery feel to it.
Overall it was still a good experience, with decent food and very...
Read moreUpdate April 2, 2022 I was awarded a free meal by one of the fine owners, Peter. So my girlfriend and I visited Pho City today to accept his offer and were treated like royalty. We both ordered the usual meal, the Ultimate, and the staff delivered a heaping bowl full of delightful, palette pleasing food to our table.
The staff of Jofelyn, Ngoc and Priscilla were incredible. They made sure to fill our bowls extra full and were very polite and attentive.
A special Thank You to Peter & his fine staff of Pho City.
We will be back again. There is simply no reason to go elsewhere.
5 * PLUS Initial Visit Hey Calgary! If you have a craving for FINE Vietnamese Cuisine, LOOK OVER HERE! Are you on a quest for fresh and fine tasting Vietnamese food? If this is your passion, do your tastebuds and tummy a huge favor by dining here.
Minh and Zoey are the Masters of preparation and delivery of fresh and tasty Vietnamese style food items that are guaranteed to create an explosion of love inside your mouth and having your taste buds dancing throughout the entire dining experience.
The Pho City management and staff provide friendly and fast service inside a shiny clean restaurant. They even offered my group free spring rolls of their choice as a complementary appetizer. This speaks volumes to their strong desire to deliver high levels of customer satisfaction.
This is my second visit and it won't be my last. I've introduced some friends to this tasty restaurant and they all left with happy tummies and all will be return customers.
You won't regret eating here and most likely will return several times. They deliver quality with a smile without draining your wallet.
Guaranteed to please.
Highly Recommended...
Read morePho City in Calgary offers a delightful Vietnamese dining experience that is hard to beat. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and authentic.
The menu is extensive, featuring a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, but the star of the show is undoubtedly their phở. The broth is rich and flavorful, simmered to perfection, and filled with generous portions of tender meat and fresh herbs. Whether you choose the classic beef phở or one of their many variations, you won't be disappointed.
Beyond the phở, the spring rolls and vermicelli bowls are also standout options. Each dish is prepared with care, using fresh ingredients that make every bite a pleasure. The portions are satisfying, and the presentation is appealing.
The service at Pho City is another highlight. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always ready to provide recommendations if you're unsure what to order. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, making for a comfortable dining environment.
In terms of value, Pho City offers excellent prices for the quality and quantity of food you receive. It's a great spot for both a quick lunch and a relaxed dinner with family or friends.
Overall, Pho City is a must-visit for anyone in Calgary craving authentic and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Highly...
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