Pho99 Lazimpat — Restaurant in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Disappointed. But I was expecting real Vietnamese like where I lived. This place has 85% Vietnamese, quite high quality too. Elegant surroundings (but too cold - no heating). Comfortable seating. Beautiful ceiling. But I came here for 'chow' down Viet food not to impress my boss with my sophistication. A place for ladies and arty types who can't stand strong flavours? Maybe the problem was that I ordered two vegetarian dishes and both devout Mahayana Vietnamese Buddhists (well, some, a whole detour) and Brahminical Sanatanis do not eat alium - do, they made it bland as a favour. BORING.

Waitresses whisked the menu away and disappeared. She was not easy to find when I wanted a second dish.

Clean but sterile. Nothing like going into a pho restaurant in Hanoi. I had to request garlic (good) and vineagar (horrible commercial white vinegar not even Chinese black vinegar). Even the herbs in the rolls were weak tasting. Why put cut noodles in the rice noodles rolls? Where are the vegetables? Is there no basil in KTM? Mint and lime were good though. All the sauces were lightweight. Why no peanuts in the sauce?

And why no simple glass of water or even cheap hot tea?

Vegetable pho Fresh veg tofu...

Pho99 is a delightful spot in Kathmandu for anyone craving authentic Thai and Vietnamese flavors. During my recent visit, I had the pork pho and shrimp spring rolls, and both dishes left a lasting impression. The pork pho was simply outstanding, with a rich, flavorful broth that tasted truly authentic. It was a comforting bowl that captured the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. The shrimp spring rolls were equally satisfying—fresh, light, and served with a tangy dipping sauce that elevated their flavor. The restaurant’s ambiance is another highlight. With its warm and inviting decor, Pho99 offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for both casual meals and special outings. Adequate parking facilities add a layer of convenience, making it easier for diners to enjoy their visit without the usual hassle. While the service staff were friendly and welcoming, the service itself was a bit slow. It took longer than expected for the food to arrive, which slightly detracted from the otherwise excellent experience. However, the staff’s courteous demeanor helped mitigate this minor drawback. I’ll definitely be returning for another bowl of their...

We went for office lunch. Parking was available and a staff member greeted us and showed us table options.

The menu is overwhelming and would take time to decide if you are not used to Vietnamese dishes. However, friendly staffs will help you by describing the dish (meaning the waiter has sufficient idea of what a particular dish would be like). e.g. we asked to suggest dishes without coconut milk or sweet taste and we were provided with useful suggestions.

The waiting time is around 15 to 20mins. The portion sizes were just enough-not too less not too more (for foodies like us, we would not mind a slight bigger size for the prices). We ordered two dishes again as we still felt hungry after first order (may be because the food was tasty).

The ambience is silent and reflects Vietnamese architecture (I loved the Vietnamese hats on the ceilings) and the word Saigon on menu cover suggested authenticity (which was later proven when we met the friendly owner who us from Ho Chi Min city- had a brief chat about our vietnam trip with her too).

Ps: Dont miss the fried noodles.

We will be back to cover rest...