District 1 — Restaurant in Medellín

I gave this spot a second try after seeing positive feedback online, but it’s not authentic. The pho broth lacked depth, the noodles weren’t authentic vermicelli, and the beef slices were too thick. Even the pad Thai, though not Vietnamese, was overly sweet and missed the tangy richness of a proper version. Growing up around Vietnamese community and owning a restaurant I can give you a fair critique. Also, I felt like it was overpriced, similar to the US, but not at that level yet.

*Response to owners reply, I appreciate the effort you put into explaining the limitations your restaurant faces, but unfortunately, that doesn't change my dining experience.

I understand the broth regulations, but the lack of depth in flavor was still disappointing. If lunch service starts before the broth develops, maybe it would be better to adjust the preparation timing so customers get the best version of it regardless of when they dine.

As for the rice vermicelli, while I respect that it's imported, authenticity isn’t just about sourcing, it’s also about how it’s prepared and served. And not about Mount Tai; it’s about taste and texture, which didn’t hit the mark for me.

Regarding the pad Thai, I understand it’s subjective, but if it’s going to be on the menu, I’d expect it to stand up to the same standards as a Thai restaurant serving it. Having it as an add-on to cater to demand is fine, but it still needs to deliver. (waaaay to sweet).

I wasn’t comparing it to US standards because I wanted it to be “cheap.” My point was about value for money. I’ve eaten at places with similar challenges (imported ingredients, currency fluctuations), but their execution made the price feel worth it. That just wasn’t the case here.

I appreciate that you’re passionate about what you do, and I hope my feedback helps. I’d love to see improvements in the future, but for now, I can’t say I’ll be rushing back....

Updated Review The food is much better now. I am glad that I returned to give them another chance. The flavors and freshness is better.

I would like more choices for vegans: vegan banh mi, vegan lumpia, lemongrass tofu, etc. Brown rice would also be appreciated. Also, please put tofu in the spring roll.

I like the service as well. There is a large improvement in the wait staff. They definitely earn their service payments now.

Thank you for fixing the problems.

Original Review This restaurant was MUCH better when it first opened. Now, my husband and I have been there four times, and each time it is worse. The owner used to come around to manage the business, but now he is rarely at the restaurant. And it shows. The last time we went, we ordered the vegetarian pho and the tofu smelled ROTTEN. Maybe they wanted to save money by not throwing away tofu. The soup also had very few vegetables now. I enjoyed the pho when the restaurant started, but now it is not edible. With limited vegetarian options on the menu, I would think the owner would ensure that the ones available are high quality. I guess I am wrong.

The vegetarian spring rolls had mushrooms and noodles. They used to have tofu and other vegetables. Maybe they are changing ingredients to save money.

All in all, I am saddened. It seems like many non-Colombian, exotic restaurants start well in Medellin, but after the initial success, the food worsens. Maybe the owner needs to come around more and check the quality of the food his employees are serving. As nice as it was to have a good Vietnamese restaurant in Medellin, I don't think I will ever return again, even though I live in Medellin. It is now...

I am visiting Medellin, to treat my people to something I really enjoy at home I looked for a decent, I didn’t expect much, Pho (Vietnamese) restaurant. After reading reviews I settled on trying District 1. The waiter Saul was an absolute delight, my Spanish is bad at best. My lady and her daughter are the same with English. Saul spoke both, the girls tried the broth. They decided to have soup, pad tai noodles I ordered soup, the fried rice and some egg rolls. The drinks were delivered and perfect, I love my Vietnamese Iced coffee, the food was brought. The girls were getting some chopstick practice in using for the 1st time in their lives. Q, the owner came to introduce himself. Very personable, a man that takes pride in his establishment. The staff is fantastic to say the least. The soup, noodles, rice and egg rolls were fantastic. We ordered way more food that necessary, it was all so good the wasn’t much left!! I will say I am happy we arrived shortly after opening as the tables filled quickly. I am very happy to have a little taste of Pho in Medellin. Thank you Q for being so personable, and Saul for the service! I can see why this establishment is...