Phở Bánh Cuốn 14 (PHO 14 Opéra) — Restaurant in Paris

WORST VIETNAMESE FOOD AND SERVICE. 1) THE “OWNER” IS UNPROFESSIONAL AND VERBALLY ATTACKED ME 2) FOOD IS NOT AUTHENTIC AND IS DISGUSTING. *ANY VIET BROTHERS AND SISTERS OUT THERE WHO KNOW WHAT REAL PHO AND VIET FOOD TASTES LIKE, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY AND ENERGY COMING HERE.

I was born and raised in Vietnam. This was not pho or authentic Vietnamese food. I came here because of the questionably good reviews from “local guides”. Also not cheap. I ordered pho and che dau. The sauce and food had a weird chemical/acidic flavor and strange smell. The meat didn’t taste or feel like real meat, rather like plastic or crumbled up notebook paper. The broth was extremely salty and strangely flavored, like packet ramen pho or low quality beef broth with tons os salt. I couldn’t even eat it the pho or che dau, so I requested to speak to someone about it.

I WISH I RECORDED THIS. I’VE NEVER HAD THIS EXPERIENCE BEFORE. The “owner” stormed to my table and immediately said, “you have problem!?”. I told him that I couldn’t finish my food, and I didn’t even finish my sentence before he interrupted me SCREAMING, “my food is famous all over; people come here for pho; something wrong with you; you don’t like that’s you’re problem!” I then asked him, “why are you so angry?” and he responded by telling me I had to pay in full and said his wife IS Vietnamese (he’s Cambodian), then said he goes to Vietnam 3/4 times a year, then flashed me his cell phone wallpaper and said his son is half Vietnamese and they live in Vietnam. I don’t know how any of that was relevant nor the fact that he thinks his restaurant is famous and is the best in Paris. I didn’t intend to take my hard earned money to pay for horrible food and get verbally attacked by a stranger.

I wanted to remove myself from his negativity and toxicity so I just paid for the food and tried to get out of there as soon as possible. He tried to be over the top nice after I paid and continued to brag about how amazing his restaurant is and how people come from all over...

The owner’s reply just consolidated my view point about the card situation. it was a cash card, not a credit card. so rude in the reply. also didn’t address the seating situation I mentioned. 1 star.

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Was the pho good? Absolutely. Was the location convenient, I guess so. Then why 1 star? There were lot of empty seats but they wanted to make sure the large tables are used by large groups so slotted me and my pregnant wife in the middle of two couples. Our jackets and bags alone meant we literally cannot fit in!

The fact that they don’t let me use my bank card also pisses me off. As I told them it’s not a “credit” card but just a cash/charge card so it is effectively cash spend. It annoys me that they kept saying it’s a foreign card so I’m not allowed to use it. Don’t be stupid - as long as it’s chip and pin it’s safe and the bank won’t take the money back - because it’s a bloody CASH card (debit card)!

Separately - it was hot in side. The heater was on full blast so everyone were sweating like a bit. It was just properly hot!

So food aside, the experience annoyed me enough to take all...

The environment is cozy, making it a charming spot to enjoy a meal, even if the seating is on the snug side.

The portions of Pho are undeniably generous, ensuring that you won't leave hungry. The broth is rich and flavorful, though it leans towards a sweetness that might not suit everyone's palate. The meat slices and meatballs are decent, providing a solid foundation but lacking the unforgettable punch you might crave.

What truly shines here are the fresh vegetables, especially the basil leaves that add a vibrant touch to the dish. Each bite bursts with freshness, enhancing the overall experience. To round off the meal, a chilled Singha beer from Thailand perfectly complements the flavors, elevating the dining experience to another level.

In a city known for its culinary delights, this Pho shop stands out as a cozy yet slightly imperfect gem. With the right tweaks, it could transform into a must-visit destination for those seeking a flavorful bowl in an...