Absolutely Pho-bulous: 9 Slurp-Worthy Spots for Pho

Ready to get your pho on? Flip through to find out which places are dishing up the best Vietnamese noodle soup in town.

By Erin Cranston January 28, 2014

One of the best things about living in Seattle—aside from the fantastic views, the easy access to nature and the reasonable weather (polar vortex, anyone?) is the wide and delicious variety of available ethnic cuisine. From Thai to Mexican to Italian to Greek, if you crave it, chances are you can get it, and it’s going to be good. Pho (pronounced “fuh”, for the uninitiated) is the latest craze in the Vietnamese dining scene—a new restaurant will likely pop up in your ‘hood before you can say Sriracha. But which ones are kid-friendly? Never fear, foodie family—flip through for nine fantastic pho joints for the whole pho-mily.

Best Pho for a Reasonable Price: Tamarind Tree (International District)

Tucked away in a back corner of the Asian Plaza at 12th Ave. S. and South Jackson St. (behind Lyn Hair Salon), you can tell Tamarind Tree is a winner from the moment you walk up to the door—the relaxing fountain and décor draw you into their pretty and popular space, complete with fire pit and full bar. Written up by everyone from the New York Times to Food & Wine Magazine, this International District favorite’s menu hosts a very large (and by that we mean giant) variety of options, from fresh spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, fresh herbs and rice noodles, to specialty dishes like steamed coconut rice cakes and vegetable crepes with coconut milk, all reasonably priced—especially at lunch. Pho is in there too, with offerings ranging from plain pho without meat for $5 (perfect for the Littles), and fried tofu, chicken and all varieties of beef for $6. Service is friendly and helpful, and you get a huge pot of tea as soon as you sit down. You and your kiddo can easily leave with a full belly (and leftovers) for under $20.

We recommend: The spring rolls are huge and easily feed two, and the rare beef pho is tender and extremely flavorful. And we also hear the kumquat crush (gin, fresh kumquat, brown sugar, fresh lime juice) is a winner—just make sure to get your kiddo a non-alcoholic drink made with fresh fruit too. Mommy juice for the win!

Tamarind Tree
1036 South Jackson St., Suite A
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-860-1404
Online: tamarindtreerestaurant.com

What is Pho?
With an estimated 73 Pho restaurants in the Seattle area (#3 in the nation according to the website phofever.com), you’re likely to find one around every corner. Pho is a Vietnamese beef noodle soup, consisting of rice noodles and a variety of meats (or tofu and veggies) in a beef (or chicken or veggie) broth seasoned with anise, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Yum! Provided with every order, fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges and jalapeno slices can be added, as well as Sriracha and hoisin or plum sauces, depending on your pho preferences.

Also Pho-nomenal
What the Pho: Great for the pho beginner—Southcenter, Bothell & Bellevue
La Lot: Fancy pho—Downtown Seattle
Papaya Vietnamese Cafe: Offers a “light pho” option with zucchini noodles—Renton & Bellevue
Pho Tai: Nice kids’ options, friendly service—White Center

Where’s your favorite place to eat pho with the kids? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston (words and some photos)

Photos thanks to: Rowena D on Yelp; Atn H on Yelp; Jesse P on Yelp; Paula R on Yelp; Meme S on Yelp