Chan Thai & Pho 88 — Restaurant in Dallas

I hate to admit it but now that the Asian folks that used to run this place are gone it's went completely downhill! You only get good service here now if you're Hispanic. I really used to love this place! As a matter of fact when I found them some many years back I gave them 5 stars. This was before they moved to their new location on Davis. Anyway, the problem here is the service (if you're not Hispanic) and food. I have went several times over the last year and the service has been so rude. No one greets you. No one says you're welcome or thank you.

Yesterday I went with my family. There were 6 of us. Two of us ordered Thai tea, which we have had at many locations including this one and NEVER had an issue. I took a drink of mine and a large black particle was left in my mouth. I spit out and stirred the tea and found that at the bottom there were many clumps of black matter that didn't look like tea leaves but plastic. I called the young female, unresponsive waitress over and she instantly got an attitude when I asked why that was in my tea. No response and she walked off. I looked in the other tea we had ordered, same thing... black crap at the bottom of the cup.

I called the waitress back over and she said it's just how their tea is. I told her we don’t want it and to take it off. She took the two glasses which I had to hand to her physically for her to actually take. Then 5 minutes later the heavy set, older female manager comes over and asked me what the problem was. I said no problem we just don't want the tea. She snapped back with it's just tea leaves. I responded that we always get the Thai tea and that it never contains large black clumps that look like plastic. She gets defensive and and I told her either way I don't want them and I've drank Thai tea for 30 years and it NEVER had large particle of ANYTHING in it. To which she responded they likely didn't strain it correctly! DUH LADY! The correct approach should have been "I'M SORRY LET ME FIX THIS FOR YOU MA'AM" but again, the last few times I've come to this place it has a very "you're kind are not welcome here" energy. The female staff glare and don't smile at us but the rest of the Hispanic filled tables get smiles and thank you's! I hate to admit it but now that the Asian folks that used to run this place are gone it's went...

If you like bland food this is your spot. My daughter is picky but the one thing she does love is Vietnamese food. She will finish her whole bowl and have a spring roll.

This is one of those the situations where, you leave so unsatisfied that you would rather eat again. That’s exactly what we are doing.

I tried to give it so many tries since it’s close to where I work but I’m always feeling unhappy with what I had.

Chicken spring roll - dry, seems like it was boiled? No flavor.

Crab potstickers , little to no filling, too fishy of a taste and I love seafood.

Tom Kha- not even hot, shrimp overcooked, but decent flavor, not even spicy even though it says it is.

Pho tai(beef) - not hot, bland my daughter couldn’t finish because she was unhappy with it.

Banh mi - dry bread - little to no filling , more bread than anything, small for the price

It’s truly disappointing all around

We eat Vietnamese regularly and often that we are regulars at a few spots.

The dining experience falls short of the comforting embrace one expects from authentic Asian cuisine. The flavors lack the depth and richness that define true comfort food, leaving a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. It's hard to believe the dishes are crafted authentically, as they miss the nuanced balance and cultural essence that make Asian comfort foods a source of joy. The lackluster culinary execution fails to evoke the familiar warmth and satisfaction associated with genuine comfort Asian cuisine, leaving diners yearning for a more genuine and...

This place is such a gem. The atmosphere had a very chill evening date night vibe. It is also a cute spot for brunch. While outdoor seating may provide a more open and airy setting, the indoor seating options offer an intimate and cozy atmosphere. They also had a bar close to the rear of the restaurant.

Here are the menu items we tried:

Tom Kha Gai: This one was the winner of the night for me. The soup broth was deliciously seasoned and perfectly spiced as desired. It had a hint of sweetness, but had tomatoes which made it unusually more red than the standard Thai Tom Kha Gai soup. A reminder to the kitchen to make sure to keep unwanted tiny proteins from landing on dishes. Was still good though :)

Citrus Beef: Delicious standard beef plate. Well seasoned, marinaded, and served.

Thai Dumplings (Shumai): Pork was a little hard to chew. I would say it should have been a bit more tender. They are called Thai dumplings, but look similar to Chinese/Filipino Shumai, the taste is different however.

Pho 88 Spring Rolls: Peanut sauce was a bit spicy. Rolls were still delicious. It is a Thai place after all, so come here if your tolerance for spice is higher than average.

Pho Meatballs (P2): Broth was light and delicious :)

Can't wait to try their Pad Thai...