Pho Le Nguyen — Restaurant in Portland

Pho Le Nguyen is a hidden gem in the world of Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its authentic flavors and incredibly affordable prices, this restaurant has quickly become a go-to for food lovers seeking fresh, delicious meals. Located in a cozy corner of town, the restaurant may not be flashy, but its simple and inviting ambiance allows the food to take center stage. The aroma of simmering pho broth and the vibrant colors of fresh herbs immediately welcome you as you step inside, promising a meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.

The menu at Pho Le Nguyen boasts an impressive selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes, all made from the freshest ingredients. Their pho, the restaurant’s namesake dish, is a particular standout. The rich, slow-cooked broth, paired with tender cuts of meat and crisp herbs, delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Alongside the pho, dishes like banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and spring rolls are crafted with care, each bite bursting with the vibrant, refreshing flavors that define Vietnamese cooking. It's a feast for the senses that keeps patrons coming back for more.

What truly sets Pho Le Nguyen apart is the quality of the food at such a reasonable price. Despite the premium ingredients and meticulous preparation that goes into each dish, the prices remain budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. Whether you're a college student looking for a hearty meal on a budget or a family wanting to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine without breaking the bank, Pho Le Nguyen delivers on both taste and value.

The commitment to freshness is another hallmark of this restaurant. Every dish is made to order, with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender meats that showcase the best of Vietnamese cooking. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients, ensuring that each bite is as fresh and flavorful as the last. This dedication to freshness extends to their takeout options as well, with meals arriving just as vibrant and well-prepared as they would be in the restaurant.

In summary, Pho Le Nguyen is a true standout in the local dining scene. Offering authentic Vietnamese flavors, fresh ingredients, and an unbeatable price point, it’s the kind of restaurant that quickly turns first-time visitors into regulars. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of pho or a light,...

It was like finding a rose in the desert, a warm lit window in a dark lost wilderness of night! This is not the kind of place you expect to find in the far wastelands of Sandy Boulevard, where the traffic rushes by like an apocalyptic nightmare and the vibe can only be described as hopeless bleak. And then suddenly, right there like a honeydew melon growing in a thistle patch is Pho Le Nguyen! And not only is it a charming port in the storm, not only are the ladies kind hearted and welcoming, but the food is absolutely first class!

Pho is a mysterious and wonderful thing. When done right, it is a broth that can speak is some way to your spirit, it can be so deep that it brings a new definition to the concept of comfort food. For me, often that means straight from the bowl just a long draught of savory broth full spices and far off lands and long simmered bones and it infused into my body like nothing else.

Pho Le Nguyen does a perfect Pho. The noodles had a perfect lift, the broth was absolutely piping hot and had all the depth that long simmering produces. The meat was tender, the condiments were available, even the fixings (the sprouts and basil) were artfully arranged, a touch I had never seen before. The whole meal was absolutely a class act! And on top of that, I was made to feel welcomed, really welcomed, not just as a customer, but like a weary traveler that they were excited to see!

This place is off the beaten path, not really Cole to anywhere, but more importantly, on the way to a lot of places. For me it is on the way home. As I finish my wild days of yard sales and find myself tired and hungry and full of bargains and great conversations and amazing meetings with interesting people, it is fantastic to know there is s refuge with friendly people who will welcome me and feed me and keep me safe for a little while before I strike out for dogs and home. And did I mention they have their own parking behind the restaurant?!?

Thank you Pho Le Nguyen for a...

My wife and I have tried many different Pho places in Portland, but only a handful of them have stood out as being exceptional: Pho Hung at 47th & Powell, and Pho Oregon on 82nd. After this weekend, we're adding Pho Le Nguyen to our list, which makes us very happy, because it's practically right in our own backyard!

Since it was a lazy Sunday, we placed our order to go, and as I was the only one dressed in house, I was tasked with picking it up (quoted to be ready 15 minutes after ordering). I was warmly greeted upon entry, offered tea during my wait (which lasted less than a minute), and was engaged in friendly conversation by the woman I'm assuming was the manager or owner. Although I didn't spend much time inside, the interior is clean, simply yet warmly adorned; it feels like a small, charming, mom-and-pop place.

We'd ordered egg rolls, tau hu ky (fried tofu skin filled with shrimp), and the P2 Tai soup (eye of round steak). The egg rolls were crisp, juicy and fresh - definitely home made, not frozen; similarly, the fried tofu skin was moist and almost buttery; and both of these appetizers among the best iterations we've had of either dish.

As for the pho itself: when it comes to the broth, my wife is rather picky. The difference between one restaurant's broth and another may be only a subtle one, but it is a make-or-break affair. Fortunately, Pho Le Nguyen is no slouch: it's strong, savory, meaty, hearty, salty and oily, without being too much of any one taste or sensation - a fantastic blend of all good things.

The Pho Queen has spoken! In her esteem, it's on par with her other favorite restaurants, meaning that with their close proximity to home, Pho Le Nguyen will likely become our first choice for all of our beef soup needs in the future. Welcome to the...