Pho Tay Do

This establishment used to be ‘Pho So 1’.

I’ve been going to this restaurant for over 20 years and the food has always been consistent and delicious, the staff have always been attentive and fast, and prices you can easily digest.

Nearly a year ago one of the veteran employees left for Seattle to visit family for a while. I don’t know the finer details. But after that move much of the other veteran employees suddenly stopped being there. Much younger staff, most inexperienced. The kitchen took longer to get food out to you, and overall the food tasted off, it wasn’t the same.

That’s to be expected with new staff, they haven’t been doing the same routine for the past two decades so they’re still learning. I will give them that.

And the name change was the cherry on top, it hurt my soul, but that’s business.

Keep in mind I haven’t been to the establishment in MONTHS. So I imagine the service & food has improved to at least some degree.

I’m not 100% on the situation, if ownership changed hands, if new management stepped in, or whatever.

What I do know, is that there’s a ‘new’ Vietnamese house around the VCC Theater, called ‘Pho Que Huong’.

Turns out, all of the old staff are working there, and the food is exactly how it’s been for the past 20 years.

I will be going here exclusively for my fix of Pho, as will much of my family and friends.

If you like ‘Pho Tay Do’, you aren’t risking much by trying ‘Pho Que Huong’.

Thanks for reading.

Favorite Vietnamese spot in Richmond. Service is always fast and friendly. Big fan of B4 (the vermicelli bowl with pork and egg rolls). Their spring roll appetizers and their pho bowls are also delicious. Best pho broth in town. CASH ONLY.

A top spot for quality vietnamese food. Visited on a Wednesday I think. The staff was very kind and attentive.

I was in the mood for Pho on a Tuesday and found Pho Ta Do.
Other than having to run up the street, because it's cash only the entire experience was great. I met Denzel, he knows his stuff and a really great guy. We spent more time talking about a shared experience, our trips to Egypt. It's enjoyable to meet like minded people.
The Pho is savory and plentiful. ????

Great hole in the wall spot! Good food, friendly staff. Be sure to bring cash!