Edmonton's Vietnamese food scene is one of the deepest in Western Canada. The city has had a strong Vietnamese community for decades, and it shows, from north-side pho houses that have been serving since the '90s to newer spots bringing modern Vietnamese dishes to the suburbs.
What makes Edmonton's Vietnamese food special
Unlike cities where Vietnamese means "pho and that's it," Edmonton restaurants serve the full range. Bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam), com tam (broken rice plates), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), and proper banh mi with house-made pate. The pho here is the real thing, bone broth simmered for hours, not the shortcut stuff.
The pho spots
Pho is the gateway, and Edmonton does it right.
Pho Ngon is a go-to for clean, aromatic broth. The rare beef pho is the move, thin slices that cook in the hot broth right at your table.
Pho Anh Huyen has been serving Edmonton for years. Their special combination pho is loaded, brisket, tendon, tripe, rare beef, and the broth has that deep, star anise-forward flavor that pho purists want.
Pho Boat Vietnamese brings a slightly different take with a rich, full-bodied broth. A solid choice if you're on the south side.
Beyond pho
Dac Biet (DB) Restaurant goes well beyond pho. Their menu covers the full Vietnamese spread, vermicelli bowls, broken rice plates, and stir-fries. The name literally means "special," and the portions don't disappoint.
Hanoi Pho Vietnamese Kitchen specializes in northern Vietnamese cooking. Hanoi-style pho is different from the southern version, cleaner broth, fewer toppings, and the focus is entirely on the soup itself.
Tips for ordering
- Pho sizes: most places offer small, medium, and large. Medium is usually plenty.
- The condiment tray: hoisin, sriracha, lime, bean sprouts, basil, and jalapeno. Purists skip the hoisin in the broth and dip meat in it instead.
- Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da): sweetened condensed milk over strong drip coffee with ice. Order one. You'll thank us later.
- Ask about daily specials: many Vietnamese restaurants have dishes that aren't on the English menu. Ask what's good today.
Edmonton's Vietnamese food scene runs deep. Whether you want a steaming bowl of pho on a -30 day or a banh mi for lunch, the city delivers.
