T-ZO Vietnamese Meals-Mart — Restaurant in Lorton

You put another big soy sauce for vermicelli (salad noodle). I also felt uncomfortable when you said, "I will just give it to you." over non toxic containers, which I paid at least twice for hot food you didn't charge this time, which is supposed to like that for all customer. Do not call or comment if you don't not appreciate honest feedback.

(Update) you just respond my review and made yourself the worst and again read what I said and you said. Now your less than mediocre food below 2 stars. Read yourself and try to understand what I said in comment. Since you don't understand what it meant or you tried not to understand so I copy and paste your comment again here. (I also felt uncomfortable when you said, "I will just give it to you." over non toxic containers, which I paid at least twice for hot food you didn't charge this time, which is supposed to like that for all customer.) Your food is so bland anyway I won't spend another 30 dollarswith your promotion of 2.70 dollars which it could go up to 30 dollars for small portion of burnt fried rice, bot so much noodle with frozen taste like spring roll pieces and the worst of all, 2 of your wrap that crunch thing made us so sick cost over 7 dollars. Be careful for all of the consumers.

You used nontoxic containers for us that you didn't charge which was supposed be like that anyway and you said it to me, "I will just give it to you (containers are supposed to be free.)".

Anyway good luck to you. I hope you learn while you try so hard to make sense...

I've had a complicated history with pho. From thinking I didn't like it from the one Vietnamese restaurant in my hometown, to moving to Alexandria with its range of Vietnamese restaurants, and progressing from finding good pho, to developing favorites.

T-ZO is a bit different, and while the store sounds like and implements itself like a well-imagined restaurant chain, down to digital ordering kiosks when you walk in, that's not what's special about it.

First time I walked in, with an online order no less -- expecting the usual 'grab the bag and go', I received a full rundown at the counter on what would be different with north Vietnamese pho as a first-time customer, versus what I am accustomed to elsewhere.

I'll avoid spoiling 'the briefing' for those who are new to it and would like to visit, and will keep my review specific to the food.

True to what I was told on pickup (the briefing), T-ZO's pho is a bit stronger than what you would be accustomed to, but mostly in the broth. What you get in a chicken order or a beef order is different in how it''s made, not just in the final result -- a typical order just includes garlic vinegar for additional flavor (something I haven't felt the need to add myself), and hoisin and fish sauce would be excessive. End of the day, the pho broth is flavorful in a unique way, with just enough toppings to make it a proper meal.

I recommend giving it a try, and if you're caught as a new visitor, take a...

A bit pricey but the food was enjoyable. The owner explained the Northern Style Pho to us and the popular dishes. I had the Hanoi Style Stir Fried Beef Pho and a bunch of various rolls (avocado summer roll, shrimp/pork summer rolls, crispy spring rolls, another roll with yellow crispy stuff inside). A platter of bean sprouts, basil, Jalapeño slices did not accompany the soup (might be a Southern Style thing). However, there was a good amount of onions, scallion (green onion), and cilantro which made the broth tastier. The noodles are slightly wider and lighter... which I definitely enjoyed. It didn't seem all clumped together under the meat...rather it was evenly sitting underneath. My sis had requested Hoisin sauce which other Pho places usually have. This one does not, which I don't mind because I don't care for the sauce. They also have a pickled sliced garlic condiment which I enjoy. Caphe Banh Mi is the only other pho place I know of that provides this as well. Also checked out their Vietnamese coffee. One hot one with condensed milk, and another hot one with a whipped egg. Made it nice and frothy. The frothy egg coffee drink was at a 75% sweetness level (you can adjust the amount of condensed milk you'd like). It was definitely desserty. Overall, I intend on coming back for their other non soup dishes and other appetizers/sides....