How the heck did we end up here? Elsie just informed me that we drove past it on the way to the mall that one (fateful) time. I think we actually took the chance on a lark, since we didn't really give much thought to it. Hey--we were hungry, and in need of some comfort food. And Pho is truly comfort food.
The outside is somewhat uninspired (it IS after all connected to a gas station), and really easy to miss. Inside doesn't really get any better. The walls are Pepto-Bismol pink, and well, there really isn't anything that pulls your attention (other than the fact that it looks like it was a converted dough nut shop, complete with drive-in window). So if you are looking for some Southeast Asian inspired "cultural" or exotic motifs, then you're in for a disappointment.
What it lacks in decor, it makes up in the actual food. Call me crazy but I would rather eat somewhere that has great food over decor. For those who are Viet-style restaurant virgins, a little primer on how to order is needed. A server (or waiter) brings you a menu and paper wherein you write down your orders. Simple. Ok? Cool. Now on to the food that we've tried.
Appetizers
Spring rolls ($3.25 CAD for 2 pieces)
Fresh shrimp and pork rolls ($3.50 CAD for 2 pieces) is a Vietnamese-style fresh spring roll that is part salad, part noodles, and part pork and shrimp, wrapped tightly in a clear wrap, then dipped in an accompanying peanut sauce. It may look a bit strange at first, especially if you are used to the deep fried variety of spring roll. I suggest picking it up with your fingers (rather than struggling with chopsticks), when dipping it in the sauce, then taking a nice bite. It's delicious with a nice peanut-sweet taste.Noodle soup
Pho Tai ($4.75 CAD small, $5.75 CAD medium, $6.75 CAD large) is rare beef with rice noodles. This is what we come here for. I admit, I love noodle soup. I do. I grew up eating it. It's comfort food. This here has got to be one of the best. Ever. I first had Pho in Mississauga a long time ago (1990?), and over the course of the decade we've gone to countless ones in North York, Scarborough, Richmond Hill/Markham, Spadina Chinatown, and Gerrard Chinatown, but the broth here, we think, is the best.Pho Tai Nam Gan ($4.75 CAD small, $5.75 CAD medium, $6.75 CAD large) is rare, well-done, and beef tendon with rice noodles. It's the same broth as the one above, but as you can see, with different cuts of beef.
Service
Service is excellent. It's pretty quick (when not busy), and the staff is generally friendly. Honestly, you get your money's worth. No, it's not a 5 star hotel with a waiter serving you hand and foot, but this is authentic street food at its finest served in the comforts of a restaurant (as opposed to the side of the road).
Misc.
When eating rice or noodles off of a FLAT plate, use a spoon to scoop up the rice, and a fork (or knife) to push it into the spoon. Trust a lifelong gourmand, its easier than chopsticks! Simple logic says that on a flat surface its much more efficient to have a shoveling action, thus ensuring you can clean your plate--Something you will definitely want to do at Nam Thanh!
Cheers!
