Pho Chan: Solid Vietnamese Food in New West

Pho Chan is a newish (well, newish to me) Vietnamese restaurant that’s located in the former Salty’s Fish & Chips site in Royal Square Mall in New Westminster.

They’ve done a bit of renos inside this spacious cafe, including painting the walls a bright lime green colour.

On my first visit, I decided to try their Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, Spring Roll on Vermicelli ($10.95) Bun Cha Gio, Ga Nuong Sa.

This was a big bowl of soft, tender vermicelli noodles topped with fragrant lemongrass chicken, and crispy spring rolls (made with rice paper wrappers). There was an ample amount of chicken in this bowl and I was quite pleased with this dish.

On a following visit, I tried their House Special Pho ($8.95 for the large serving).The Pho Dac Biet included sliced rare beef, beef balls, and plenty of tender brisket in a light broth. I like my pho a bit spicy so I added a mix of the three hot sauces that’s available tableside.

Feeling the need for a quick lunch in November, I dropped by again. This time, I ordered the House Special Banh Mi ($4.50). The Banh Mi Dac Biet was surprisingly served on a non-crusty bun, which I thought to be strange since the crusty bun was always a big selling point to me. Don’t get me wrong, the bun was fresh, but I really missed the added texture.

Inside the bun was sliced pork, Vietnamese ham, pate, cucumber, pickled carrots, radish, and mayonnaise.

Overall, the banh mi would have been much better on a crusty roll but most of the other dishes I’ve tried were fairly solid and at a reasonable price point. This place gets a bit busy during the noon hour rush on weekdays but I’ve always been able to find a table.

19 – 800 McBride Boulevard
New Westminster, BC

www.phochanvancouver.com

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