Pho 37 (Merrion Centre) — Restaurant in Leeds

First time going, and at first I was a little apprehensive because at the front it looks like just a takeaway, but there's comfy seating at the back, and it is a proper restaurant. It's not table service food, you go to the counter knowing your table number when you're ready to order.

It was also my first time having Vietnamese food; most places are too busy and don't bother to explain what everything is, but the staff and manager here are so friendly, warm and hospitable - they took the time to go through each dish and made some great recommendations.

I've never had Pho before, which is what my cousin had (I tasted a bit) so all I can compare it to is ramen, which I know too well.

The chicken wings are amazing, I'd go just for them!

I like hot food, and yep, the items on the menu with 2 chilli symbols have a kick. I can't remember the name, but it was basically a spicy Pho.

The fish sauce accompaniment on the table would probably be lost to a western customer such as myself; I'd have loved some soya sauce or chilli oil, but again, I've never had Vietnamese food, and don't think those are a thing, so I didn't ask. The pickled garlic and chilli was good.

I'm a big eater, and the portion sizes are good. After 2 starters and a main, I was stuffed.

Luckily I'm not allergic to any food, and don't have any strong dislikes but if you're allergic to peanuts and shellfish, or if you don't like coriander, you'll want to go through your choices with the staff to make sure, as I believe they use fish sauce and/or prawn stock in a lot of their food, and there's coriander everywhere.

In summary, I'd say it's comfort food.

Some reviews say it's bland, which to me means a lack of flavours, so I'd personally say "delicate" because there are multiple flavours going on, they're just subtle and don't smack you in the face, which to me says it's all natural ingredients. There's more of a focus on texture and comfort. I felt in my body I'd picked a healthier choice.

Marked the food 4 stars because I've nothing to compare it against. Will revisit as I become more familiar with...

New authentic Vietnamese cuisine that’s just opened in leeds and ohh myyyy… it is a pure taste of delicious vietnamese food!!! The restaurant has a dine in area with beautiful Vietnam inspired decor!! They also serve takeaways and cater a range of dining experiences. Note, the dine in is mostly self serving but they bring out the food your table when it is ready!

So far I have tried a range of what they offer from the flavour rich pho broth… To the contemporary pho curry which absolutely blew my mind and taste buds!

The bbq marinated meats served with rice or noodles is delicious!! Works so well with the sauces that they offer.

Then there’s the banh mi’s. Authentic Vietnamese baguette with bbq meats or vegan alternatives, with pickled vegetables to accomendate them send me back to the streets of Hanoi! 😝

The place is clean and staff are very friendly and accommodating!!

I would highly recommend this to everyone reading this…wether for a nostalgic core memory of Vietnamese comfort food or simply to try new things and...

I have been eating Pho for ages and tried different places. I also proudly learned how to cook it from scratch including the broth and also the easy way to cook it on a late meal so I think I can give this review... Having said that, I felt really disappointed, the summer rolls were presented with housin sauce which I preferred with sweet chilli but none on site. The meat dumplings were good and the spring rolls were very good but again the Nuoc Cham was very bland. We order the special Pho and the prawn one and they tasted both the same, good ratio of noodles to proteins but the taste was just watery. Very disappointed that a place that is called Pho, presents this dish to a customer. It was our first time in this one and last. Place looked tidy but unfortunately the back door had to be open as their cargo was being unloaded mid our meal which made the place cold and the vents...