71 Rosmead Pl, Colombo
Open 10 to 11 PM, Closed On Mondays
Pho serves up simple and healthy Vietnamese food.
One of the only authentic Vietnamese restaurants in Colombo, Pho Vietnam has been around for some time. They're no longer at Thimbirigasyaya, but instead, they have branches down Havelock Road and Rosmead Place. In this review, we look at the latter.
Taking on a stance that's somehow a mix between a cafe and a restaurant, the ambience at Pho Vietnam essentially comprises of homely wooden furniture, a couch that extends itself along one entire side of the resto and plenty of leafy, tropical wall art that give very Bali vibes.
There isn't much in terms of privacy. But it is great for when you're looking for a place to have a chilled out dinner with a bunch of people who don't mind making an absolute racket when they're at the restaurant.
Starting things up with 2 Vietnamese Summer Rolls (Rs. 400) was one of the better decisions we made that day. Served with a sweet, vinegar dressing on the side, the rolls were covered in a rubbery film and packed with plenty of crunchy veggies and meat that went beautifully with the sauce. Mint, coriander, carrots, prawns and chicken, the rolls were crisp, fresh and just the perfect start to the meal.
The Seafood Stir-Fried Noodles (Rs. 800) is for those of you who can't handle the blandness of pho. Served warm, the slinky noodles were perfect and were packed with flavour with plenty of seafood (prawns and cuttlefish) to complete the dish. The plate was smothered by the likes of bok choy and carrots and a deliciously salty soupy substance.
The Beef Noodle Soup (Rs. 650) comes under pho. Super, super light with lots of spring onions and plenty of strips of beef to accompany the noodles, we loved it. The bowl is big enough for me to completely fill myself up and still stare guiltily as half the bowl remains covered with watery soup, bits of beef that you missed and the lots of spring onion as garnish.
The coriander helped in terms of adding a spicy kick while the mung contributed for a spongy texture. Personally, I didn't particularly love the addition of lime, but, that's just me.
The Jasmine Green Tea (Rs. 500) came as a picture-perfect glass teapot packed with jasmine flowers and green tea. Smelling absolutely divine, the green tea was fantastic.
The Lemon Mint Soda (Rs. 450) pretty much followed suit to the prior. Packed with bits of mint and lots of limey kicks, this was brilliant.
The staff at Pho Vietnam was lovely. They weren't intrusive, they were wonderfully efficient about everything from taking our order to getting it to the table within 10-15 minutes of placing our order.
Our experience at Pho Vietnam - Rosmead Place was quite good. The ambience is lovely and the food was quite good as well. If you're looking for a decent spot to get your kick of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, we'd recommend it.
Pho Vietnam is now at Rosmead Place.
Pho Vietnam is one of our favourite places to grab some quick, delicious, and affordable food.
Pho serves up simple and healthy Vietnamese food. It's not as flavorful as we'd like, but they're very new and we think they'll improve.
සිංහල වියට්නාම් කෑම ලෝකය පුරා ප්රසිද්ධ වෙලා තියෙන්නෙ අඩුවෙන් තෙල් පාවිචිකරලා හදන ලෝකයේ තියෙන සෞඛ්යසම්පන්න ම කෑම වර්ග හැටියට.
Open 10 to 11 PM, Closed On Mondays
Price Range
Cuisine
Ratings Breakdown
Kim's Kitchen
Vietnamese food with a super authentic touch.
Pho Vietnam (Havelock Road)
Pho now has a new outlet at Havelock Road. It's spacious, and the…
1/5
If there was a spice called ‘zero taste’ this place has an exclusive on it. Every dish we tried was bland and boring…and limp. The dishes are apparently having an identity crises as they felt like a poor mix of the most simple Asian dishes from the region. Is it Thai? Indonesian? Malay?! Oh yeah there’s no taste to it so it’s impossible to tell. Classifying this as Vietnamese though is a gross stretch of the imagination, or it could qualify as false advertising. If you really enjoy Vietnamese food, don’t disappoint yourself with a visit here.
4/5
It's just like eating street food in Vietnam. Even the tattered menus look just the same. The choice is limited and communicating with the Vietnamese staff is a challenge. The food arrives very fast and as and when each dish is ready.
They don't serve alcohol but you can bring in your own bottles corkage free. However as communication is an issue, once the order is placed they bring it on straight away even though you have asked for a 20 minute delay to sip the drinks.
I suppose the only place in Colombo for Vietnamese coffee. The coffee is not as strong as in Vietnam but its still Robusta coffee and the flavour is distinct.
This restaurant is quite inconspicuous and we discovered it only when we came in search of the so called Moroccan restaurant Tajine which is located above this restaurant. Tajine was abandoned; no diners and no waiters. The owner had locked himself up with a cat in the front room. He was more keen about us shutting the door than welcoming us. So we came downstairs and discovered this place.
See the photos for their offerings and prices
Been sprouts, coriander, freshly squeeze lemon juice and sliced red chilli is essential to eat Phö, and maybe some fish sauce on the side.
We tried this place , not going again !!!
The food was so hot my kids couldn't eat their noodles , I was sweating just trying to eat it
Add to that there were only three tables full , other two had some foreigner , the Vietnamese ( I assume ) people who run this place thought it fit only to ask them how the food was , Racist ?! I would say so
They didn't warn they don't accept credit cards fortunate I had cash
First and last visit !!!
Hi Indie, Vietnamese food doesn't use so much spices as Sri Lanka food. You need to taste the soup to see the chef's skill. We visited this place few times and very authentic Vietnamese food.
@Patrick, I do not understand what you wrote. Especially. "The food was so hot"?? I guess you are talking about spicy? If you can't take chili, please order food that are not spicy. As there are so many dishes that are non spicy. Simple as that! It is like, you buy an ice-cream and complain that it is so cold.
Furthermore, do not call people racist. If you do not like the restaurant, please go somewhere else. So that more sittings will be available and we do not need to make reservation. I doubt any eatery place will welcome fussy customer like you.
For goodness sake, you should check with the staff whether they have Credit Card facility or not, not the other way. We are so glad to read that this is your last visit. Hurray!
@fussycustomer
Are you the part of the restaurant staff or what coming out in such strong defence. These forums are for people opinions not your opinions on their opinions. Pity you can take feedback and lash out. Change your attitude-
hahaha I LOVE your comment!!! I guess if people become a bit flexible we pork eaters and non-pork eaters will be happy. I lost my favorite Bacon Lovers Pizza because of this Halal certification. C'mon people think about us also. :)
This place is alright. There is no restaurant that offers Vietnam so that way one is tempted to try it but the food was quite bland. The papaya salad which today is pretty darn awesome in most places due to its popularity was below average. Actually it was bad. Not sure I would go there again unless I hear more positive stuff. Also their acoustics are off especially in the corners. It seemed v loud tho people were speaking softly.
Since my taste buds have not been destroyed by endless meals soaked in chillie, I found the food at Pho excellent. The food was flavourful, not heavy and just the right amount of spices. Portions were good for the mains and since they didn't have a VISA/MASTERCARD sign on the front door we figured it was cash only.
Went to Pho Vietnam for dinner tonight and the food was absolutely amazing! We tried 6 of their dishes and walked out not knowing which one tasted the best! They were all great! The service was quick, polite and efficient as well. Will definitely be going back! My only suggestion would be to move the blender out of the pantry area and into the main kitchen at the back as it tended to get a bit noisy in the restaurant area.
I went there only to be told that they could not prepare anything for 2 hours because the person had to go out!!! The customer care was zero. They are closed all the time. Not at all recommended!
The food was good and authentic . Keep it up and hope you can grow your menu with more authentic Vietnamese dishes Please don't ruin it by making the food sri lankanised listening to other's people's comments who always want to Sri Lankanise every place in Colombo . Keep it authentic, cheers
Yummy food, the mango salad was really well done. Staff was attentive and overall a great experience. Must try the Iced Coffee, Very strong and best to drink after food. Will go here more regularly
i hope they turn up on Foodie.lk soon cos now can order takeaway and delivery from some good places very nearby there. I see the Foodie bike at Calorie Counter on my way home almost everyday and it right next door to them.
first time i had authentic Vietnamese food was in Australia and the experience was pleasing. so tried this place and i have to agree to the review, yes it was bland. had this Pho noodle thing and rice rolls or something. the noodle somewhat looked identical to what's been served in Australia but it was bland and the rice rolls were kind of okay but still not that good.
i may tried the wrong items but not very satisfied. cannot recommend. sorry.
well, i think you should go to Vietnam and eat the real taste of Pho, then compare the taste, rather than comparing it with the taste in Australia. The Pho in Australia might be adjusted to the Australian's taste and not the real one:)
Hi There! I am a Southeast Asian living in Sri Lanka, and thus far, I would say that Pho Vietnam is one of my favorite go-to places for whenever I feel like having something "homely" and comforting. I have seen that most people who have gone there have commented that the food "was too bland".
Well, Southeast Asian palette tends to be "softer" (or, okay, 'blander') than what most South Asians would be accustomed to. I think our cuisine from "that side of the world" tends to taste light and simple--so the main ingredient is highlighted. Thus, we mostly keep to using onion, ginger, and chives; with soy sauce and fish sauce. We're easy on the chilli, and (surprise, surprise) curry is seldom used (if at all)!
Service is okay; though it can improve (equals be more prompt). The interiors are simple and clean; but the restroom can use some tidying-up.
All in all, I would recommend Pho Vietnam-- mainly to other Southeast Asian friends, and to some South Asian friends whose tastebuds are not dependent on chilli and curry to detect taste.
Pho Vietnam serves authentic Vietnamese food--and transports me to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. The food brings me home--keep it up!
We've been craving Pho ever since we came here the first time… Fourth visit now and yet to be disappointed. The pho and noodles tastes as it should and try their beef wrapped in betel leaf - excellent. Pho isnt the place if you are coming in expecting 5* service but definitely recommend for wholesome, authentic food at great prices. 5 stars from us!
We loved this place! Been there twice in February - both times for dinner. Love the food and the service. Lovely place. We hope they will have more vegetarian options included to the menu :)
Ordered the wonton noodle soup for delivery. The small portion (serves 1) cost Rs. 800 and had ONE wonton. Tasted okayish. Unhappy :(
Finally tried their pho with beef brisket today and I really liked it. I didn't find it bland as some have suggested. The mango salad was also quite good.
They have been a bit inconsistent with their noodles a few times in the past, but I really like the place now.
Went recently and the food was amazing. Very authentic, aside from lacking vietnamese mint.
Pho was delicious and such a big serve, the stuffed squid was perfectly cooked tender, and their banana blossom salad must be one of Colombo's best kept secrets.
And the bill came to under LKR 1500 per head! Stella value in a casual and unpretentious place - sums up Vietnam
Awesome place!! Great place to unwind and enjoy Vietnamese flavours. Service is moderate but most of the time they are pleasant and thoughtful. I have already been there twice in one month and will be going back there a lot more!!;)
This was a terrifying experience to us! One of our office mates suggested that we get food delivered from them for a change but it was a horrific. There were 28 us and majority ordered 'Vietnamese Crispy Spring Rolls With Rice Vermicelli' it was like 'Dog Poo' like most office comment. It was a complete waste of money and it sure killed our mood! Please dont ever order it unless your taste buds are dead.
Pho Vietnam is where you go when you're feeling under the weather. Can't claim extensive authority because I only go for the pho, but it's always really warm and comforting and excellent value for money. Highly recommend.
Gee One person on this site has had the experience of having eaten dog poo. Else, how would they know that the food tasted just so?
1/5
bam_boo_sten
If there was a spice called ‘zero taste’ this place has an exclusive on it. Every dish we tried was bland and boring…and limp. The dishes are apparently having an identity crises as they felt like a poor mix of the most simple Asian dishes from the region. Is it Thai? Indonesian? Malay?! Oh yeah there’s no taste to it so it’s impossible to tell. Classifying this as Vietnamese though is a gross stretch of the imagination, or it could qualify as false advertising. If you really enjoy Vietnamese food, don’t disappoint yourself with a visit here.
5/5
Duminda
Absolutely love this place.
4/5
GayanP
It's just like eating street food in Vietnam. Even the tattered menus look just the same. The choice is limited and communicating with the Vietnamese staff is a challenge. The food arrives very fast and as and when each dish is ready.
They don't serve alcohol but you can bring in your own bottles corkage free. However as communication is an issue, once the order is placed they bring it on straight away even though you have asked for a 20 minute delay to sip the drinks.
I suppose the only place in Colombo for Vietnamese coffee. The coffee is not as strong as in Vietnam but its still Robusta coffee and the flavour is distinct.
This restaurant is quite inconspicuous and we discovered it only when we came in search of the so called Moroccan restaurant Tajine which is located above this restaurant. Tajine was abandoned; no diners and no waiters. The owner had locked himself up with a cat in the front room. He was more keen about us shutting the door than welcoming us. So we came downstairs and discovered this place.
See the photos for their offerings and prices