Pho Tien Thanh

Frequently referred to as “that other pho spot on Ossington” by Torontonians, Pho Tien Thanh holds its own in a city where pho shops are a hot commodity. As most pho places are wont to operate, the food arrives quickly and piping hot, all to the ambient background sounds of slurping and sipping with minimal chatter to be heard. As per norm, cash only.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

The Vietnamese iced coffee and coconut smoothies are both (summer) necessities. The coconut smoothie is pretty much a Vietnamese version of a slushie, enjoyed almost as a dessert with chunks of young coconut flesh peppered throughout. Gotta say I luh that.

Tendon, Tripe, Rare Beef, Eye of Round Beef Pho

Rare Beef and Tendon Noodle Soup

The pho I enjoyed the most had a beautiful broth, loaded up with tons of add-ins: tendon, rare beef, eye of round steak, tripe…Add in a handful of bean sprouts, lime juice (I like mine with extra lime), Thai basil and you are golden. If you want to step it up a level, use the fish sauce and the chili at the table at your own risk.

BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken on Vermicelli

If you want something other than pho, there are a few vermicelli dishes that are good options, like the BBQ Beef and Chicken.

Shout out to the server with the super friendly personality (you know who you are) that makes Pho Tien Thanh extra special.