Pho Tau Bay Ltt Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Ana

Be sure to enter “Pho Tau Bay Ltt Restaurant” when you look them up, not just “Pho Tau Bay”, there are a few other restaurants with similar names, and only this one includes “Ltt.” I know what LLC stands for, but to this day, I still have no idea what Ltt means… and forgot to ask.

Need-to-know tips for your first visit: -If you pay cash, leave your tip on the table. -If you pay credit card, they will automatically add a 15% tip to your total (minimum $3), including on to-go orders. -Prices are subject to change without notice.

I came here on Saturday, 7/19, on a mission for good Bánh Cuốn, thanks to my sister’s strong recommendation. According to her, this is the only place she likes to eat it, her favorite, hands down.

My son and I arrived just before 12:30pm and were seated right away. Since we already knew what we wanted, we ordered without needing the menu, $35 (same price $17.50 each) total paid with cash: Two Bánh Cuốn Đặc Biệt, one with everything (including pork floss) for my son, and one without the floss for me. I tend to avoid the usual thịt chà bông since most places don’t season it well; I have a go-to spot in San Jose just for that alone.

The food came out quickly, though it was a bit colder than I prefer. They serve their rice sheets folded flat, not rolled, a style choice that can spark debate, depending on which region of Vietnam you ask. For the record, “cuốn” literally means “coil” or “roll,” but it’s a hill I’m not dying on.

The rice sheets were thinner than the ones we later tried at Bánh Cuốn Thanh Trì. No bells and whistles here, just classic OG bánh cuốn with chả lụan and chả chiên. (Both were sliced super thin, only 3 slices each. I personally preferred the chả chiên for its added flavor.) The dried shallots were reasonable in portion, but the herb plate (bean sprouts, cucumber, and basil) was smaller than what you’d typically expect.

Their sweet fish sauce came in a super shallow, tiny dish, so we asked for more. The filling was standard: ground pork and wood ear mushroom, nothing fancy but traditional.

This is a small, family-run spot, with a really warm, down-to-earth vibe. If you speak Vietnamese, they’re even more talkative, They were super friendly and funny with us once we started chatting. From what I observed, they seem to know many of their regulars by name and face.

Located in a shared strip plaza, so parking can be tight,...

We went there for lunch and I'm glad someone brought me. Their 'banh cuôn dac biet' is simply delicious (#4 on the menu!). I think it's their signature dish, by far. The rice crepes are fresh, soft and hot, obviously steamed to order; the meat & mushroom filing is generous; the shallots and veggies are crispy; the sauce brings a final touch of spicy/salty/sweet. They are also not skimpy on the garnishes (soy beans, herbs, etc) - everything is provided with your meal. They have another type called 'banh uot' - essentially similar rice crepes without filling, and I hear their pho is also very good, but my recommendation is really #4. Now, every time I see 'banh cuon', I'm reminded of this place, which says a lot. You don't come here for the decor; it's all about taste...

Horrible service!!!!!

I ordered 2 plates to go. A woman asked me to come by 2:45 pm. There was an accident close to their place so was got there @ 2:47. The man had called at 2:36 questioning when I would be there. I told him I was close but got delayed due to the accident. He raised his voice and complained that he couldn’t close his register because of me. His tone was condescending and angry. If a family owned restaurant complains when guest is 2 minutes late due to uncontrollable situations, they don’t deserve my business. ...