Good food, fast and cheap.. does it still exist? The answer turns out to be one of the best Vietnamese dining experience in Hamilton. Pho Dau Bo Restaurant on Cannon street east in Hamilton serves up some of the most authentic Vietnamese (and what we think is Thai as well) food in the area and from all the awards we saw proudly displayed on the walls, it seems they’re being recognized for this.
A fairly simple restaurant on the inside, with basic table and chairs in a brightly lit room, with constant chatter from many diners who all seem to be in a satisfied state. We’ve been here for lunch, early dinner and this night we were here for a late dinner and we’re yet to find any faults (food, service or price). You’ve got to admire the work that goes into keeping things constant for customers, no matter how busy the restaurant itself gets. It was about 8.30 when we arrived and we were quite surprised to see a constant flow on customers, even when we were leaving about 90 minutes later.
You’re greeted by the lovey aroma of freshly brewed lemon grass tea as you make your way through the doors and as you take your seat a piping hot pot is brought to your table with little cups which could easily do double-duty as “shot” glasses in a bar. The pot of tea is complimentary and not only refreshing with it’ sort of earthy lemon flavor, but quite calming. After a long stressful day, this would certainly create the mood for a relaxing dinner with some exotic flair.
I’m not sure if it’s a cultural thing or a result from the restaurant being somewhat busy, but I’ve also experienced the same sort of service in China Town in Toronto… it’s one of those services where you know you have a waiter and they’re there, but not over bearing. The odd time you may have to search them out if you need something.
Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the menu as it’s HUGE, with well over 100 items to choose from. The good news is that with so many options there’s no way you can’t find something you won’t love. Plus it gives you good reason to keep visiting. The menu itself is in English and many of the popular dishes comes with pictures to really give you an idea of how the final dish will look.
Every time we dine at Pho Dau Bo it’s like a new experience for me, as I try different items on the menu. The rest in our group usually sticks to their favorites. This time I opted for the noodles, with crisp vegetables (Asian vegetables) stir fried with a wonderful, but spicy Asian sauce. Topped with plump shrimp and slices of chicken. I’m not a huge fan of noodles, as rice is usually my first choice, but I’m so glad I decided to give this a try. It will be very hard for me to choose another dish the next visit.
Caron and Tehya started off with an order of CHẢ GIÒ (2 pieces) Vietnamese Style Spring Rolls with Salad, which was $3.75 I believe. They then shared the main course of PAD THÁI TÔM VÀ GÀ “Pad Thai” Stir Fried Rice Noodle with Chicken & Shrimp which was $9.00. Yes, the platter type plates you get served on, comes heaping with food so it’s more than enough to share if you so desire. I believe that Toni also had the same order.
Marko opted for his normal order of Sauteed Beef & Rice (#477.) CÔM BÒ XÀO XÃ ỚT Which is basically steamed rice with sauteed beef and lemongrass, which goes for $8.00
Caron and Tehya were really not into the lemon grass tea, so they both ordered a coke, which by the way does not come with free refills.
Overall the food is very attractive looking, fresh and full of flavors that’s not overwhelming. Caron is only just coming out of her “shell” as far as dining and trying different foods and she’s quite captivated by the offerings at Pho Dau Bo Restaurant. If you’re looking for good, cheap food that’s not only very filling but very tasty, you definitely have to give Pho Dau Bo Restaurant a try. There’s free parking at the front of the building, which is well lit and as I mentioned earlier, it’s open somewhat late.
Pho Dau Bo Restaurant
15 Cannon Street East
Hamilton, ON
(905) 525-0100
Between the time we got our orders to the time I spent cleaning up the rich remnants of garlic sauce off my face, it was blank to me as I was in a trance of food goodness. You get a pita stuffed with the works and topped with layers of chicken.. so much so that it’s served in a pouch wrapped in tin foil and you’re given a fork to start the eating process. As I worked my way down the pile of food, I got a slight hint of the hot-sauce they added for me and though it was not blazing hot, it was the perfect balance for this meal. Our table was quiet, expect for the occasional “how do you like it”. We were hungry and this meal was absolutely hitting the spot!
