Pho Hoai — Restaurant in Calgary

I rarely write restaurant reviews, but this one is worth the time. 3 others and I were visiting Calgary from out of province, and a friend had recommended this place for authentic Vietnamese food. We were very excited to eat here as we have been eating all around Calgary to find the best spots, and this restaurant had been around for a long time with apparently a reputation for good food. Sometimes, when I go to “authentic” restaurants, they might be a hole-in-the-wall type where food quality far outweighs customer service, which to me is a fair trade off. However, I was appalled by a gentleman who was working here. He was so rude I was shocked. 3 of us ordered food as 1 of us was too horrified to eat after being mistreated by this gentleman. We tried to not to let this one gentleman ruin our experience, and I was hopeful that maybe this gentleman felt the audacity to be so rude because their food was amazing and it would be worth the verbal abuse, but the food didn’t taste very good - it was definitely not worth it. We’ve had better Vietnamese food elsewhere. Towards the end of the day, 3 of us had upset stomach except for the one friend who didn’t eat there; not sure if it’s just a coincidence. Our experience was soured and while this restaurant has a long-standing history, we do...

For more Calgary soup reviews, check out @therealsoupnation on Instagram. There was once a man who was caught in the rain. It was cold out and he was shivering heavily. It was to the point where hypothermia was setting in. He would die if he could not seek refuge soon. At a point where he had lost all hope, he saw in the distance, something flashing. Every now and then windswept rain would fully obscure the light making it hard to follow. As the man got closer, a delicious smell wafted through the air, hidden within the dewy petrichor of some recently soaked rock under a nearby broad leafed tree. The heavenly smell grew stronger, and this filled the man with hope. His dreary, nearly frozen traipse hastened. Nearly there now, the outline of a cart with a sloping hide roof began to render with red lettering painted on that read "Pho Hoai", with smaller italic font underneath "The best beef noodle house in the world". As the half frozen man reached the cart, a jolly fellow with a cheerful smile appeared holding a bowl of soup. With outstretched arms, and a nod of confirmation, the jolly fellow handed the now thawing man the bowl....

My Absolute FAVE in Calgary. Granted I have only tried 5 now. But at least a decent amount from one super well known or voted for....to a new one in University and others less known. The broth here for ME is the BEST! It actually has colour but the flavor for me is amazing ..light but not clear like I found others to be translucent clear and almost tasteless. Like needing the sauces etc.

Speaking of sauces I love Pho Haoi's taste more authentic than just brand Sriracha ..though dont get me wrong that is tasty and has its place... I just enjoy the home made. And they keep their sauces clean and have fish sauce! I enjoy #1 .. I had a number 2 but enjoy the rare beef more. Served with tea as well which is so lovely and appreciated.

I ❤️ Pho Hoai definitely recommend. 🙏🏻

PS green juice was tasty tons of health benefits. Wasn't bad but I definitely had only ordered it based on the picture of a fresh juice cup. My bad I didn't ask lol I assumed they were making it in house. But totally fine. Was still good. Only for those who really can handle true green juice.. lol which is...