Pho Ly Asian Cuisine, Inc — Restaurant in Kalispell

When I moved back to Montana from Seattle, one of my chief foodie despairs was the near complete lack of Vietnamese Restaurants, and of course with that, Pho. Much to my surprise when I moved to Kalispell was the discovery of Pho Ly - and what's more, it's a high ranking, well reviewed establishment; so it goes without saying that I had to come try it out!

The Good:

The Restaurant portion is clean and well organized Extremely friendly and attentive staff. Food came out quick! Within 5 minutes I was introduced to a steaming hot bowl of Pho. They were generous with ingredients, and it was very fresh. Even at some places in Seattle that review high, I've had some tripe that was straight up gross. The cook staff here know how to handle tripe properly! They're not (completely) trying to bend over backwards to a customer base that may be unused to some of the ingredients like fatty beef and tendon, denying us true fanatics our much needed Pho bliss and for that, you have my thanks.

The Bad -

The Broth is underwhelming - I'm used to big bold flavors when it comes to good Pho - and I felt that their broth, while not the blandest I've ever had - does need tweaking.

Where's the Garlic Chili oil and Vietnamese Fish Sauce?

Okay, you had Hoisin Sauce - but please for the love of god give us Pho lovers more than that and Sri Racha. My personal opinion on Sri Racha is that it instantly cheapens any bowl of Pho it's put into.

Summary: I walked in expecting to be disappointed, but I left feeling pretty good about the experience. Was it the best bowl of Pho I've ever had? No. But it's definitely not the worst I've ever had either. If anything, I believe with a bit more testing and feedback, this place could really shine brightly amidst the sad backdrop of a Pho-less wasteland. A sort of beacon for rural Montanans that there is more to food than Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and French Fries - and you don't have to go 500 miles in any direction to get...

Pho ly Moley. It's an unexpected find and I am so happy to have found it.

The minute you open the door you are hit with the smell of goodness that is made of spices and warmth. Get ready to be warmed up from inside out. Service is very welcoming as well.

The menu has something for everyone. There are noodles and rice plates. If you want noodles but don't broth, you can have it too. There are plenty of starters to munch on while you wait for food. The egg rolls are crispy and filled with veggies and meat.

The pho is something that makes you feel like you walked into someone's grandma's kitchen. It's love and care all found in this bowl. There is a balance of spices so nothing is overpowering. The cilantro and other greens add some freshness to the broth. I like to take a sip of the broth before adding basil, jalapenos, bean sprouts and lime to it. The small size is filling and you will just feel satisfied after finishing it.

It's tasty any time but when you are feeling under the weather or it's a bit nippy outside, stop...

I stumbled upon this hidden gem of a Pho restaurant during my visit to Kalispell, and it turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience! From the moment I stepped in, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly staff who treated me like family. The authenticity of the dishes truly transported me to the heart of Vietnam and is comparable to top places in L.A, Seattle, or Ny. The Pho was a masterpiece – the broth was rich and aromatic, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the meat tender and flavorful. What sets this place apart is not just the incredible food, but the evident passion and dedication of the family that runs it. You can feel the love and care they put into every aspect of the restaurant. The cozy atmosphere and charming decor only added to the overall charm. Whether you're a Pho enthusiast or just looking for an exceptional meal, this family-run, restaurant is an absolute must-visit.

I'll be dreaming about that Pho until my next...