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

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 Customer Service: Le’s Pho Tai (Shoreline)

If owner Mr. Le doesn’t greet you when you walk into this cheery Shoreline restaurant (located in the Parkway Plaza next to Jo-Ann Fabrics), you will surely receive a visit from him before you leave. The owner of Mimi’s Bakery and Floral Shop in Beacon Hill for over 20 years, Mr. Le knows retail and customer service, and it shows in his neat and clean space and the variety of flavorful and fresh foods he serves. From pho to noodle bowls, banh mi to teriyaki, Le’s Pho Tai has dishes for everyone, including a kids’ plain pho and drink for $4.99, and the option to choose your broth (veggie, chicken or beef) no matter the pho you choose. Although the food is wonderful, what will really bring us back is that Mr. Le greets every one of his customers with a smile and a little conversation and, if you’re lucky (or if you have one or two little ones in tow), he may bring you a couple extra oranges and fresh cream puffs to round out your meal.

We recommend: The chicken pho offers the freshest and most tender dark meat chicken we’ve found—perfect chicken noodle soup for a cold Seattle day.

Le’s Pho Tai
15210 Aurora Ave. N., A133
Shoreline, Wa 98133
206-364-5444
Online: lesphotaisandwich.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