Pho Chef — Restaurant in Columbus

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5) Pho Chef – 1186 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH

Quick Summary for First-Timers: • Dishes ordered: – S7 Curry Chicken Rice Noodles – $13 – B1 Grilled Pork Sandwich – $7.50 • Parking: Free lot • Noise level: Low • Wait time: ~10 min • Kid-friendly: Yes • Vegetarian options: Available • Wheelchair accessible: Yes • Ordering: Kiosk and counter; delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Chowbus

📝 My Take: This is a solid casual option if you’re local to the area and want something technically pho-adjacent, affordable, and easy. The staff is kind and helpful — great with first-timers or anyone who needs help understanding the menu. It’s a good choice for kids, picky eaters, or someone who thinks spicy chipotle ranch is adventurous.

That said, I personally wouldn’t return. The drive was long, and I know there are more flavorful options in Columbus within the same price range (or slightly higher, which I’d gladly pay).

⸻

🥢 What I Ordered:

B1 Grilled Pork Sandwich – Fresh veggies on top, thin but seasoned pork. Downside: Bread was cold and flavorless, and the sauce was oddly sweet — gave off hibachi yum yum energy that didn’t fit. I wouldn’t order again.

S7 Curry Chicken Rice Noodles – The better of the two. The broth was curry-forward, like a pho/ramen/Indian hybrid. Real chicken breast, solid heat level, and served hot. Noodles were a little overcooked (think childhood Maruchan flashbacks), and the jalapeños looked like someone chopped them without love — but it was flavorful and comforting. Wouldn’t reorder, but glad I took the risk. It was more interesting than any of the safer options likely would’ve been.

⸻

🪑 The Space: Clean interior with booths, a claw machine, self-serve sauces, and plenty of signage. Digital ordering is available, and you’ll see multiple delivery services posted at the door.

⸻

📣 Final Thoughts: Not the Pho Chef I thought I was headed to (my cousin’s rec was clearly another location), but it worked for what it was. If you’re nearby and want something warm, cheap, and easy — it’s worth trying once. If you’re after bold flavor or variety,...

Usually go to the one on Granville rd but was eagerly waiting for the on Kenny to finally open! I finally dined there and it was great! Definitely some noticeable changes from the bowl sizes to the prices. Nevertheless it was still a great experience as the server was kind and attentive. I got the S16 and my wife had the normal phone bowl. The broth was fantastic! The food came out almost instantly! I was very pleased with the server knowing it was really spicy and asking if I wanted it adjusted! The restaurant was extremely clean and the music was great and not too loud....

We tried some non-pho dishes. This is not authentic vietnamese food. I think the food is more vietnamese-chinese made.

If you want an introduction to vietnamese food, you can try this place. If you want authentic, this place is not for you.

I ordered the Beef Stew with bread. The broth base was very oily and cloudy. Lots of chopped smashed lemongrass floating around. I had only a small beef chunk and 2 large carrot chunks. Very disappointing.

I can not recommend this place if you are looking for real vietnamese food. Hard pass for me.

It's not worth...