Phở Băng Restaurant — Restaurant in Garland

TL;DR = 90% of the time is the best phở and egg rolls in D/FW. The other 10% is some of the worst, watered-down phở in the area. Dirty place but food is redeeming factor.

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PROS (1) Phở is one of the best, if not the best, in D/FW — for 90% of the time. The broth is rich, the meat is tender, etc. etc. etc. But the other 10% of the time — see below for CONS. (2) The egg rolls OMG. GET. THE. EGG. ROLLS. These are the BEST egg rolls I've ever had in my entire life. They are huge, deep-fried, filled with meat, and incredibly crispy. I've never ever had a Phở Bang egg roll that wasn't delectable. Honestly I can eat 6 of them. They come with these huge lettuce leaves for wrapping and they're chef's kiss. (3) Prices are affordable, and certainly more affordable than some of the "up-and-coming" phở joints that are albeit cleaner and with better customer service, but most often with worse-quality food. Phở Bang is the best "bang"-for-your-buck (pardon the pun) phở in D/FW.

Okay, now...the CONS (1) The other 10% of the time, the phở is atrocious. We've had this experience multiple times: the broth is very watered down. This typically happens on busier days like weekends, and in the evenings — they probably didn't make enough broth and so you can taste that they literally poured water into the broth to increase the volume, which makes it diluted. Not good. (2) Y'all, the place is dirty. They "recently" renovated/remodeled (maybe in 2017 or 2018) and it got a LOT better since before the renovation, but...let's just say, don't look too closely at the floors. Tables are a little greasy. Wipe down your spoons and chopsticks before you use them. (3) Customer service is...well, it's indicative of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, let's put it at that. It's a little brusque but it's not out of malicious intent; they just want you in and out and for you to enjoy...

Absolutely enjoyed my visit here. If your a fan of Pho, or the Vietnamese cuisine, come try this place out.

Started with Spring rolls with pork skins it came with its very delicious dipping sauce. Followed with a Pho consisting of sausage & beef tripe. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. All while enjoying sips from a large serving of Salty Plum Soda in place of the typical beverage choices I've experienced in the US.

I did save room for dessert and I decided to take my taste buds on an adventure with the Dried Longan in Syrup and Ice.

It's hard to describe something you've never had so the only way to describe it is by comparing it to other things you've tried. To describe it's texture and flavor. It's a bit chewy but breaks down into pieces versus boba (chewy and takes a moment to break down it's gummy texture) and subtly sweet like sweet potato... Overall had a sweetness like Carmel, but it's all subtle. In the end, it just taste like Longan in a light syrup. Definitely amazing all together. Spoonfuls after spoonfuls. I loved the journey I took with Longan.

Definitely will revisit...

Food alone is 5/5. The broth tastes like its been cooked with bone for a long time. I gave 2 stars for the following reasons.

Confusing ordering system. Are we supposed to go directly to the counter to order & pay, or wait at the table and pay later? (I did not see anyone waiting for their checks; they just left after finishing their food) This is partly bc I can't communicate in Vietnamese, but some signs in English would be helpful. I still don't know if we ordered the right way.

Very slow service for a Pho place. The lady did not come to take our order for 15 minutes since we sat down. It took about 30 mins for our food to come out. Table next to us, who sat down when our food came out, still did not have their food when we left.

Not socially distanced, if that's something you care about.

I visited this place on Sunday afternoon for lunch. I live about 30 min away, so probably won't be coming back to this place. If you live in the area, can communicate in Vietnamese, and are OK with waiting, maybe you should try...