Pho 99

Adress: #302-403 North Road Conquitlam, BC V3K3V9

Phone: (604)-939-2288

Website: Http://www.pho99vn.net

Rating 3.6

On a recent business trip there was a nice looking pho restaurant close to my hotel. Pho 99 had a pleasant interior, with typical Asian influenced art and decorations through out the store. As I walked in I noticed the staff sitting at a table with the largest mound of whole garlic I think I have ever seen. They appeared to be peeling it. The menu was larger then expected. It included vermicelli salads commonly know as "bun" rice dishes, sandwiches, and various types of "beef stew" that was apparently different from pho. Since this was a dinner for me instead of a lunch, I ordered a sampler plate of the spring rolls and a French styled iced coffee with condensed milk on top of a bowl of pho.

The food was a little slow to get to me but that was forgivable since the place was pretty busy (and the staff was busy peeling garlic). The very first thing I noticed was the fact that the "Rare Beef" that the menu boasted of was actually raw and set to cook in the hot broth, which was a pleasant surprise since that is what I always envisioned but it is very rare to see. The fatty brisket was truly fatty brisket. The broth was one of those great indescribable broths that is not overpowering but leaves you very satisfied. My only complaint really was with the amount of tripe that was given to me - I wasn't expecting tripe soup. The spring roll sampler included a shrimp roll, a pork roll and fried veggie roll and I thought it was superb and if I ever end up going back I certainly will order it again. The coffee was also delicious and I enjoyed it.

Overall it was not the best pho I have ever had but I would definitely eat there again and enjoy the spring rolls and the truly rare meat. According to their website they have a few restaurants here in Washington and one in Seattle that I will be sure to check it out.