eatvancouver.net

Target 7: Pho Van
Address: 3370 Fraser St (map)
Phone: 604-872-2879
Menu: Page 1
Price: $5.10 small; $6.00 large
Condiments Photo

Visit date: January 15th, 2007
Visit time: 9:00 PM

–ratings–

Jason’s ratings (#2 rare beef) –

Broth: 8.5/10
Beef: 7.5/10
Noodle: 6/10
Condiments: 8.5/10
Other factors (service, atmosphere, etc): 8/10

Jason’s total: 7.7/10

Dan’s ratings (#5 rare beef and well-done fank) –

Broth: 8/10
Beef: 7.5/10
Noodle: 6.5/10
Condiments: 8/10
Other factors: 8.5/10

Dan’s total: 7.7/10

Total Score (averaged across both raters, all variables) = 7.7/10
Quality per dollar (based on large pho) = 1.28/$
—

Description from Jason:

Pho Van has been my standby pho place for about a year now. Up until the phodown, it’s been the place I bring visiting friends and relatives when pho inevitably comes up. Not anymore. It’s sorta weird how my tastes have changed since we began this phodown a little while ago. Never had I tried so many different pho varietals in such short a time, and I’ve really started to detect nuances that I didn’t notice before. That said, Pho Van is still one of the best phos I’ve had, probably ranking about #2 in the phodown thus far, but it’s not longer my top pho.

The interior of Pho Van is a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s shiny and there’s a lot to look at, with a nice goldfish aquarium to boot. On the other hand, it’s maybe a bit too shiny and neon, an effect that can be slightly jarring when walking in out of a grey Vancouver evening. An odd side effect of this phodown has been that Dan and I have had a lot of experience with a wide range of aquariums. The best ones are clean, large and have cool tropical fish. Goldfish are okay, but they aren’t as pretty; and dirty aquariums don’t exactly promote one’s appetite for pho. Pho Van’s aquarium is good, but not great. The service is also good: quick and efficient.

The pho broth here is excellent, with a very strong meaty flavor. This used to be pretty much enough for me, but now I also look for a nice aroma that comes from good spicing. Pho Van’s pho could stand to be a little more aromatic. The noodles could also use a little work, proving a bit too clumpy and gummy for my taste. The condiments, however, were top notch, including pristine bean sprouts and basil along with a nice chili oil.

Overall, Pho Van is still a step above most Vancouver pho restaurants, but I don’t think I can count it as my favorite any longer.