Pho King — Restaurant in Amsterdam

I visited this establishment in December of 2023 and had a terrible experience. I DO NOT recommend this place for Black men and women! I discussed my experience on TikTok however, didn’t think to leave a google review sooner. I can’t attest to the taste of the food as I was never served. I took a solo trip as a gift for myself after finishing chemo and my experience at this restaurant was demoralizing and micro aggressive. I went to have some lunch and was completely ignored while waiting to get my order taken however, two sets of white customers one whom walked in at the same time as me and another afterwards we’re both sat and helped while I was looked through as if I was glass. Being that I’m in a new country I stayed very patient as I assumed it was an oversight however, after 10mins and you’re the only person standing it’s quite apparent. Another customer eating with family felt so bad they attempted to help me get service. After a CUSTOMER intervened I was suddenly seen (mind you the restaurant is the size of a bedroom nor was it crowded there’s no way I wasn’t visible. Finally I was able to see the menu but was told they were out of everything….mind you if that was true why wasn’t it stated previously. I was told more food would be ready in 30-45mins I asked if I could wait at the tables outside as the tables inside were occupied and the woman at the counter immediately said NO but a man in the back said it was okay. However, before leaving a white woman and her daughter who came in after me were helped, ordered and even ESCORTED to their table next to me outside. It was a terrible experience and really shifted my view of Amsterdam I cried in the alley due to the treatment I experienced on a trip I worked so hard for in so many ways! Black people do yourself a favor and don’t visit this...

It is a shop quite hidden in an alley, but when you walk towards it you will smile. Where you arrived at is simply the BEST Phỏ of Amsterdam. Now just like I said in the other review, in the Vietnamese culture your mom’s Phỏ is the best. However for this one, Phỏ King is the boss!

Food: They have divided their Vietnamese menu into 3 categories. Phỏ/Rice Noodles Soup, Bún/Vermicelli Noodles and Gỏi Cuốn/Summer Rolls. And those categories are splitted into different proteins or vegetarian options. For me I took the Phở Đặc Biệt. Which means the everything-that’s-supposed-to -be-into-the-bowl-Phở Literally translated into English, it means special Phở. And oh boy it’s very special! The broth is nice and strong, the noodles are perfectly cooked and the meat is done the right way. Just 9/10, not a 10 (more like 9.5) because then there is no room for improvement. But this Phở is the one you need to try!

Service: The store is small, it isn’t a restaurant so don’t imagine it like that. There are a few places outside and some spots at the window where you can sit. How I would describe it, it is just like the Vietnamese stalls in Vietnam. You have to pay at the counter and then you can wait until they bring you the yumyum. These people work very hard, it is hot inside the kitchen and the workplace is quite compact. The staff is just how it should be.

Conclusion: Eventhough the kitchen and shop is tightly equipped it will give you that Vietnamese vibe, and the staff gives you that politeness and beautiful smile through their working day, all the ingredients you need for a nice bowl of warm soup. I would recommend this place to anyone!

Thankyou Phở King! It was Phở King delicious!...

This is THE MOST authentic Vietnamese pho experience you can get in the Netherlands as far as I am aware. I am raised in a Vietnamese household and frequently eat real pho. I've tried pho around the world. So far all pho in the Netherlands was just disappointing sugarwater, but not at Pho King. I knew immediately from the aroma that they sell the real deal, and the taste did not disappoint. If you haven't tried pho yet as a dutch person, then you need to take a trip to this place. I believe that this place should be the standard for Dutch pho.

You even get the authentic Vietnamese streetfood experience. However this may be uncomfortable for some. You sit outside on a low tables with stools, but that is how the Vietnamese eat.

I am also very appreciative of the owner, I messed up my order and despite that they remained very very friendly, fixed my mistake, charged back my money, and gave me extra meat. That is one of the reasons why I am leaving behind this positive review. If they read this, thank you for the experience!

Unfortunately no pictures because I couldn't resist engulving in my pho...