Pho Ga Thanh Thanh — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Don't judge a book by its cover. The only reason I found my way into this restaurant was because I was in the area and the reviews on Yelp were quite complementary. I walked up to the door and was going to turn away because it looked like a dump. I ventured in and asked to see a takeout menu. "We don't have one" was the response I got. I asked if they do takeout and the woman explained that they do but have no menu. She had to explain the four different varieties of Pho to me several times (I couldn't shake the idea that they had no menu). I ordered Pho with chicken breast to go.

The broth was the best that I've tasted to date. It came with a container full of noodles, cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, jalapenos, Sriracha/Hoisin sauce, and a huge sliced up chicken breast. The meal was simply outstanding. I was sweating when I finished and feeling like I was treated to an authentic meal.

The next time I'm anywhere near Kensington, I'll venture over to Cafe Pho Ga. If you like Pho, do yourself a favor and check this place out. And don't forget, don't judge a book...

Pho Ga is a different kind of dining experience. You walk in and are seated — sometimes at a community table with a handful of other pho lovers. Request a regular bowl (its very large) or a large bowl (absolutely gigantic). Choose a quarter (rec. serving for 1), half, or whole chicken. Within about 1-2 minutes of placing your order you'll have; a steaming bowl of fragrant soup & rice noodles, a plate of white, dark, & organ meat, as well as all the delicious herbal, earthy, spicy, and sour fixings you need to make a perfect pho bowl. A server will bring out complimentary tea for the table— cold in the warm months and hot in the winter. I've heard a rumor that there is a menu with other items, but I've never seen it and I've never seen or heard anyone order anything besides Pho Ga. Of the half dozen times I've been here it's been the same experience every time — speedy, fresh, and delicious soupy goodness. There's something incredibly special about the predictable and delectable simplicity. Highly recommend...

I've dined here since the first location that opened on Kensington Avenue. Back when the father and the mother ran the business. Today their son manages the business, and the mother still works in the back at the new location.

From then till now, they have been skimming on the amount of chicken they provide.

When I've ordered half a chicken on multiple occasions, I've found that a lot of dark meat has been missing. And when confronted they often said "the chicken is a small chicken". Everyone knows what half a chicken would look like. That excuse doesn't work (especially on multiple occasions)

I'm afraid to order here again. I don't understand why anyone would needlessly skimp on the amount of chicken. Especially when on the menu, you specifically order "half a chicken". You really only get a third of a chicken.

Just so that piece of chicken thigh can be saved for someone else's...