Taste of Saigon: Vietnamese and pho restaurants in Toronto
Whether you're in search of big-league bun or the city's best beef broth, Toronto's Vietnamese restaurants are as plentiful as they are authentic, from the pho to the fresh rolls. From a mainstay in Scarborough to a Chinatown legend, here are the spots to hit if you're looking for some tasty Vietnamese food. [Image credit: iStock.com/Patrick Heagney]
Bahn Mi Boys
392 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A6This busy little café often has a line-up at lunch, but they work fast, so you won't be waiting for long. The flavours are amazing, and while the menu tends to be light and simple, each dish is prepared to perfection. You'll want to try the squid sandwich with sweet potato fries or the kimchi poutine for a blend of Canadian and Asian flavours.
Mi Mi Restaurant
686 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y3This restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food served here is impressive and warrants a visit to this area of town. The spring rolls are light and crispy, and the food is all very fresh. For those on the go, grabbing a bun stuffed with noodles and meat is quick and easy. If you plan to stay for a while, try one of the huge bowls of pho.
Little Coxwell Restaurant
986 Coxwell Ave, East York, ON M4C 3G5The menu at this restaurant has a range of tasty dishes, including some great vegetarian pho options. It's a very small space, but the grills fill the entire room with wonderful aromas of food. Despite the name, the dishes here are quite authentic and delicious.
Pho Metro
2057 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Z4Looking for somewhere affordable to enjoy Vietnamese food? This quaint little place is perfect for those on a budget. While the space is small with minimal staff, the food is delicious and the service is pleasant. It ranges from several soups and rice to spring rolls, fried tofu and, of course, pho to your liking.
Pho Hung Restaurant
350 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2G4Right in the heart of Chinatown, this restaurant looks a little shabby on the outside, but don't judge it by that. The interior is always full of diners, so you may need to wait for a table, but this is an indication of just how good the food is. The pho is your best bet here, though all the dishes shine.
Phoenix Pan Asian Cuisine
2-3730 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1J 3H3This restaurant is well-known for its scrumptious egg rolls, which gets a good amount of people from around the city stopping by to eat here. Apart from the rolls, you might want to try the mutton curry or golden fried shrimp. The prices are great too, so if you're on a tight budget but still want to eat out, Phoenix Pan Asian will fill you up with yummy food for less than most places.
Vietnamese Ginger Restaurant
212 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z2The portions are huge at Ginger and still well-priced. If you aren't a big eater, you can request a half portion. Check out the chicken pho, which is truly delicious, or get some summer rolls filled with very fresh ingredients. The prices are excellent for the quality you receive, making this an excellent spot for chowing down with friends.
The Captain's Boil York Mills
10A-865 York Mills Rd, North York, ON M3B 1Y6Friendly staff and great value make this restaurant a good choice for lunch. It's essentially fast-food with a Vietnamese twist that you can enjoy on the run. The menu is pretty simple, but the chef has perfected each of the dishes on it. The pho is rich and authentic, and the restaurant is clean. With a friendly, eager-to-serve staff, it's a great place to eat.
Lac Vien Express Restaurant
2270 Markham Rd, Scarborough, ON M1B 2W4While you're in Toronto, you'll want to check out LacVien for their tasty pho soup. With so many people coming in, this hidden gem is a good bet. At first glance, you'll notice the restaurant was once a fast-food spot, but today it works well as a popular Asian restaurant serving mostly the locals who've found it and love it.
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