Phở Tươi — Restaurant in Gladstone

Disappointing Experience – Service Needs Improvement

I really wanted to enjoy my visit here, but unfortunately, the service and food quality fell short.

The staff was warm and welcoming, but they didn't use notepads to take orders, which led to multiple mistakes. We ordered shrimp fried rice, a medium pho combo, and sweet potatoes with shrimp. After waiting about 20-25 minutes, we noticed that other guests who arrived after us were receiving their food first. When our order finally came, it was incorrect—we received a small pho combo, sweet potatoes, and fried shrimp rolls (which we never ordered), but our shrimp fried rice never arrived. By the time we realized, we were already halfway through our meal, so we didn’t bother mentioning it.

As for the food: Sweet potatoes with shrimp – 7/10. The fries were good, but they should peel the shrimp before frying it, as it was difficult to tell the shells were still on. Pho – 1/10. Extremely bland, light broth, and the seasonings on the side didn’t help. On top of that, because our order was delayed, the pho was already cooling down, and the noodles didn’t seem fully cooked. Fried shrimp rolls (which we didn’t order) – 2/10. The only filling was shrimp and green onions, with sauce on the side. Total cost – About $34 for a disappointing meal.

The restaurant itself is spacious and has a nice atmosphere, but the service really needs improvement. The server should write down orders to ensure accuracy, and customers should receive their food in the order they arrived. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this place based on...

Restaurant: Pho Tuoi (KC, MO)

Summary This restaurant was recommend by a local Vietnamese person on the Facebook page Pho is Life. From the Google review pictures the Pho looks amazing. When the Pho arrived, I didn't notice much aroma coming from the bowl but it was hot. My first sip was disappointing. Broth tasted light, lack of any aromas but if you like a lighter broth this is the place for you. Fresh noodles were good but not California fresh noodle greatness. My Bun Bao was cold in the middle… They must had not microwaved it long enough. Too much breading but the innards would had been fire if it wasn't for it still being cold… Would I eat here again. No. Everything I got was average and most importantly the Pho lacked flavor. My party was the last customers for the night.

Spring rolls: 7/10. Dipping sauce was good. Thai Tea: 7/10. Nice tea flavor and not overly sweet. Sugar cane juice: 9/10. Really rich cane sweetness and addicting. Love the orange slices. Bun Bao: 4/10. Too much breading and not enough meat. The meat tasted great but a third of it was still cold from not being fully heated.

Pho Score (max 100 points) Price (5): 3.5 Bowl size (5): 4 Presentation (5): 3.5 Herbs (5): 3 Noodles (5): 4 Meat A.      Quality (5): 4 B.      Portion (5): 4 C.      Bonus meats (5): 3 Broth quality A.      Clearness (5): 4.5 B.      Spices (5): 1 C.      Depth (5): 2 D.     Balance (20): 10 E.      Richness (20): 10 F.       MSG aftertaste (-3): 0 G.     Secret special factor (5):...

Pleasant casual atmosphere with lots of room. The service was very friendly and helpful. They had clearly labeled strictly vegetarian or vegan options and the staff seemed knowledgeable about them.

The Pho Chay - Vegan Pho was great, the large was more than most people could reasonably eat in a sitting, although probably not two full servings. Broccoli, carrots, some sort of white root vegetable (parsnip?), noodles, fried tofu, and the usual basil, cilantro, lime, fried onion. A tasty slightly sweet broth. Definitely on par compared to other great Vietnamese places.

The Mi Xao Chay - Stir Fried Vegan Noodle was good, simple with a light flavor. Stir fried thin noodles, fried tofu, and a little bit of broccoli. Maybe a hint of sweet and slightly salty, stir fried in an oil so it is slightly oily, but good.

Bún Chay or Vermicelli, sadly they didn't have a cold vegetable Bún which you could order with peanut sauce instead of fish sauce - kind of a Vietnamese staple so hopefully they add an option one of these days.

Located in an aging strip mall that could use some TLC, in Gladstone, but lots of space inside setup fairly nicely.

Definitely worth visiting if you are...