Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine by the Beach
There’s a spot where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavours in the West End. Pho in Love opened its cozy, below-sidewalk-level spot on Davie Street, east of Denman, next to the Best Western Sands Hotel. Pho in Love’s welcoming front entrance leads downstairs, off the sidewalk, where you’ll find co-owner, Trang Pham, and the flavours you’ve been looking for.
Cilantro Fragrance with Slow-Simmered Broth
“Our mother is a fantastic chef, and we’ve always wanted to open a restaurant to give Vancouver the great tastes we love so much,” Pham told us. “Our restaurant is a family affair, with my sister, our husbands, and our parents involved in making the dining experience perfect. We knew that the West End didn’t have anywhere to get the specialities of authentic Vietnamese cooking, so we focused on finding the perfect location, close to the beach. We have a large dining room for a steaming bowl of Beef Noodle Soup, but we also have a cute patio out front, and take-out for sunsets at English Bay. We’re thrilled to be part of the Davie and Denman West End community, half a block from the Laughing Men sculptures and the beach.”
House-made Fish Sauce with Lime
Pho in Love’s signature soup is a patient combination of slow-cooked beef flavours. Rib oxtail cries out authenticity, and a poached egg served on the side and cilantro on top brings it all together. Vietnamese crepes are hard to find, but Pho in Love has perfected the crispy-on-the-outside combination with lettuce and herbs, homemade pickled daikon and carrot salad, and sweet-and-sour fish sauce. Grilled shrimp on fried broken rice, lemongrass chicken, beef short ribs, grilled pork chops — there’s a favourite for everyone.
“Mom’s Special Sandwich is a popular item. It comes on a fresh baguette, with two Vietnamese-cured hams, marinated pork, cucumber, jalapeno, and our house-made, fresh mayo. We have a full bar menu, with cocktails, Vietnamese Ca Phe Martinis, and coffee/bourbon Old Fashioneds. The lights are down and the jazz is playing — our vibe is romantic, cozy, like a hideaway while the rest of the city bustles,” Pham said.
Cocktails, Good Friends, Flavours to Remember
An authentic Vietnamese crepe blends rice flour with turmeric, and is crisp-fried to golden perfection, with bean sprouts, pork, and prawns. Add a spring roll, a side-serving of pho, and a slice of Three-Colour traditional Vietnamese dessert. It’s a meal to remember, for those special occasions, or as a feel-good ritual with a walk along the beach. On a rainy day, nothing beats a steaming bowl of nutritious, fragrant Vietnamese pho. And on summer afternoons and evenings, the patio’s open for a share-platter of shrimp and spring rolls, deep fried tofu, crispy imitation crab wontons, and an avocado milkshake. Mellow the evening with a comforting cocktail.
Plan your next visit to English Bay and enjoy a classic Vietnamese meal. Be prepared to add Pho in Love to your list of West End favourites.