Everyone knows that the best pho is dodgy pho. And generally speaking, the dodgy pho is not found at main intersections. So I had my doubts about Kim Penh Xe Lua at Cambie and Broadway. Sure, the unpronounceable name might throw off some diners, but I suspected that I would not be getting a premium bowl of rare beef flank on vermicelli noodles here. And I was right.
First of all, the menu is divided into sections. “For beginners” naturally includes soups without the tendons, tripe and offensive bits (or without any meat at all, for that matter) and the “More adventurous” section includes the soups with various versions of the above.
The small bowl of beef flank and beef balls with noodles ($5.50 for a small bowl) filled the gap in my stomach without making me feel ill, but there’s nothing all that special about it. It’s ok. A bit skimpy on the beef and could have used some more flavour, but the condiments were fresh and I would go again if I was in the area and hungry, but I’m not sure I would make a special trip. It’s apparently open until the wee hours, so that may come in handy.
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Pho Kim Penh Xe Lua
500 W. Broadway, Vancouver
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Ahaha this place is really good for late nights! I agree that it’s not the best dodgy Pho ever, but it’s in a good spot when driving back from downtown after a night out. and it’s cheap!
oh, and they also do off-sales, should the need arise
off-sales, nice! I will definitely have to check that out then.
Actually, this place used to be *really* good a few years ago. I’d make special trips in the wee hours just to have a large bowl of their spicy noodle soup. However, after the renovation, it was no longer as tasty. Suspiciously, the downturn coincided with the health board shut down and the eradication of the mouse infestation. Coincidence?