When it comes to food trends, California is way ahead of the game. While pho is a delicious, traditional Vietnamese dish that has been around for quite some time, restaurants that serve this hearty soup have been popping up all over the state as of recently. From creating a succulent, innovative creation to eateries that have been in business for decades, here are the 9 best pho restaurants in the state.
Pho 79 was the first great pho restaurant in California, according to legendary food critic Johnathon Gold. Over time, the restaurant has added locations and made a few additions and changes in location and hours but the pho, and huge menu, remains the same.
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Pho Filet is no-frills eatery that is well loved by locals. There is also an additional Pho Filet over in Rosemead. Try the filet minon pho options—it is to die for.
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Golden Deli pretty famous for its amazing selection of food. It’s been featured on the Food Network and regularly appears on lists of the best Vietnamese and best food in Los Angeles, which is no easy feat given the plethora of competition. Try some of the imperial rolls before digging into the rare beef pho.
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If you find yourself on the other side of the bay for any reason, stop into Pho Viet for delicious bowl of pho and save room for a jackfruit shake. The simple restaurant has been filling bellies for decades at affordable prices, a rare find in the notoriously pricey bay area.
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This old-school place is cash only, but with low prices, you’ll probably have the dough on you. Known for their pho, many fans also love the crispy pork chops and imperial rolls. It gets pretty crowded at lunch time, so plan your meal accordingly to avoid waiting and lines.
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Pho Hoa is very focused on pho. The bare bones restaurant has excellent, traditional pho options. Pho is the only thing on the menu, beyond some refreshing drinks to cool off from the spice.
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Bolsa Vietnamese Restaurant has a lot on the menu beyond pho, from omelets to egg rolls and rice dishes. Everything has earned praise from fans that also love the especially good chicken pho and the fast and courteous service.
Pho Dakao is a small, inauspicious looking shop but it actually boasts two floors and a packed menu. Amongst the favorite items are the chicken pho, made with all chicken wings, which you can enhance as much as you want or appreciate the delicate consommé broth without many additional herbs. Duck and chicken are especially present on the menu, so you may want to make your selection accordingly.
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Amongst the pho restaurants that fall outside of Orange County’s Little Saigon or the San Gabriel Valley, Pho Saigon 1 is probably the best choice in the San Fernando Valley. Pho Saigon 1 has an extensive array of appetizers and the option to make your big bowl of pho even bigger for an extra $1. And a lot of other options as well that don’t involve broths, like stir fry and hot pot.
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