Pho Yum — Restaurant in Town of Colonie

I hope this message finds you well. I am penning down my thoughts and experiences as a recent patron of your establishment with the hope of providing constructive feedback that might enhance the customer experience.

Firstly, it's essential to understand the value-for-money perception surrounding your offering of Pho soup. It seems incongruous that a traditionally homely and comfort-laden Vietnamese dish such as Pho is being sold at a premium rate of $50, whereas, across the States, the average price hovers around $13. This disparity is conspicuous and calls into question the pricing methodology adopted by your establishment.

Furthermore, the use of plastic serving ware exacerbates the disappointment regarding the pricing. Utilizing disposable plates and cups not only has environmental implications but also, from a consumer's standpoint, it diminishes the dining experience considerably, particularly given the premium pricing.

Adding to the aforementioned, the digitalized ordering system using iPads at tables creates a prepayment-like experience which is more commonly associated with fast-food outlets, rather than a restaurant charging premium rates. A more personalized approach towards customer service would go a long way in justifying your pricing.

The quality of your Pho soup, while satisfactory, did not reflect the expected high standards associated with your pricing model. Moreover, the portions were underwhelming and could be improved for a more satisfying dining experience.

Regarding the condiments, traditionally, Pho is served with Sriracha and Hoisin sauce, which wasn't the case during my visit. The sauces provided seemed indeterminate and did not enhance the flavors of the dish. A return to authenticity might be advisable here.

For a meaningful way forward, the following suggestions are offered:

Re-evaluate your current pricing and ordering model, ensuring it offers fair value and doesn't come off as trying to maximize profits at the cost of customer satisfaction.

Transition to using non-disposable, quality dishware. This enhances the overall dining experience and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.

Maintain impeccable cleanliness within the restaurant premises. This is not just a regulatory requirement but also a fundamental expectation of any dining customer.

Lastly, the key principle of the hospitality sector is to provide a service that corresponds to the price point. If you wish to charge a premium, then the services, amenities, and overall experience should be reflective of that. If such high standards cannot be met, it might be advisable to revisit your pricing strategy.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my feedback. I genuinely hope these points provide valuable insights that can improve the restaurant's practices moving forward.

FYI: WILL NEVER...

Today we stopped by this rest. Pho Yum on Central Ave. because it was close to where we were. Both of us were disappointed at the first sight with the encounter of the owner lady. My impression was that she might think that our english was poor that she could not understand. Next, we ordered a rice plate with grilled beef and a pho with beef. Tips were asked to be added to the final bill in order to conclude ordering which is odd in that tip is usually given according to the whole experience at the end of the meal when paying bill. We usually give 15-20% tip based on pre-tax expense, mostly 20%. I do not know whether the asked tip was based on before or after tax. I'd have given only 10% if were to pay at the end.

The following points that make us nebver again to this eatery : (1). Paper container for rice plate, paper bowel & plastic plate & plastic spoons for pho (2). Very very very small portion for either meal for the price, when comparing with other eateries for the same price, hard to describe with words, I wish I had taken a picture to demonstrate. (3). The rice plate came with thin small flat square slices of "something" that looked grilled with grill marks, were red in color, not only not looking like beef, also did not taste like beef at all and it was firm. When asked, the lady owner said it was marinated with tomatoes to look red, strange .. how long marinated and with how much tomatoes to look red??? Very few rice granules, few slices of iceberg lettuce, the only thing "richly provided" was the sauce which was not the main ingredient however. (4). The pho soup was tasted like heavy MSG. (5). My wife on the way to restroom noticed the lady was literally the ONLY "worker" there doing everything. At the end, I did not receive printed receipt as requested. I forgot to ask for it again with disappointment. The overall experience was very much displeased with the service and whole experience. I have to wonder how authentic the dishes could be, could be, esp with my firm small thin so called beef or the likes at the very best. Go figure! I have never written such a negative review. But I have to do that honestly for the benefit of both the owner (hope for opportunity to rectify and improve) and other potential customers (something to watch...

Okay, let’s talk about the ipad , easy ordering—genius move on their part. Seriously, it made ordering so easy, and you didn’t have to flag down a server every five minutes. Just tap, select, and pay boom—done. So smooth. But here’s the twist: we ended up waiting quite a while for the food, so it kind of made the whole ordering thing feel... a little pointless? Like, sure, I can order with a click, but if my meal takes forever to come out.

Now, about the water. Look, I’m all for hydration, but the water was a little off—and by “off,” I mean it tasted like it was marinated in the flavor of disposable cups. Not exactly refreshing. So, here’s a tip: skip the water and order a drink, because your taste buds will thank you.

And finally, the portions. Okay, we’re in a bit of a weird territory here. The food is really good, but it’s a bit on the smaller side for what you’re paying. I turned to my partner and said, “Is this tapas, or is this my main dish?”

Listen, I don’t know if they were rationing the meat for the Bánh mì or if the portion size was on a diet, but it was so small. The pho was good but I was left wanting more in terms of portion size.

So, just be aware that while everything tastes great, you might need to bring an extra snack for the road or, ya know, two orders of pho. Be prepared to have your stomach do a little sad dance afterward because you're still going to be hungry.

Would I return? Probably not… at least not right away. But honestly, this place has tons of potential—it just needs to work on the portions, switch up the disposable plates, and maybe address the water situation. Once they tweak those things, it could be a...