It was way better than we had expected! The broth was flavourful and the right amount of oily, and the crispy noodle sauce was the right balance between sweet and salty! It was sad to see that we were the only ones there at that time, but it also meant it was nice and quiet. If I'm being perfectly honest I actually prefer this place than to the other pho places around here. The people running it were super nice and the service was fast (again, probably because we were the only ones tho). Definitely a place we will continue to visit in the future so we can try all the other wonderful foods!
Scott Glascott (Scott BDGR)
My go 2 for Pho!
Thao Dressler
I like this restaurant. Foods are really yummy
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Grilled Pork with Noodles, Egg Roll, Avocado Shake
Catherine A.
I think it is very odd to come into a family oriented authentic, immigrant run restaurant and expect American type service as there is a huge culture difference. Whenever you need something, just flag the waitress down and they get you what you are asking for promptly. It's just the norm and not a big deal since they are quick to bring you what you need. I have been a regular here since it first opened and come back every time I am in the area for supplies. Context for this place is important. In comparison to other restaurants around here, this place is great! The food is flavorful and herbaceous. The vegetables are always fresh and I have been to other restaurants in the surrounding area that were hit or miss with that. The food is filling and there is always a ton of meat. I never leave hungry and I honestly crave the bun bo hue regularly. There are always other Vietnamese people in the restaurant who are enjoying the food as well which tells me that this is THE VIET spot. The place isn't the most updated but I come here for the food. It is also always peaceful when I come in here and I've never heard anyone being too obnoxious or loud. I will always respect the owner and this restaurant especially after I brought my white mother in law in here. She struggles to drink tap water because of her health and I asked for an alternative to which he replied that he didn't offer it in his restaurant. He went to the back to grab my food and came back with something for her. He didn't charge me for it and told me to take care of her. I will always support this business for as long as it is open plus the food is as authentic as you can get in Grand Rapids and the owner is kind. Unlike other places, this place doesn't use sugar as a filler and the food is umami the way it should be.
Chris B.
Yes, it is Vietnamese in an ocean of bland midwestern food, but not great. We were the only customers late evening. Several dirty tables, floor was also dirty, and I can't understand why they won't wipe down the various condiment bottles at each table. Crusty and greasy, and the chili paste jar was swimming in days old overfill. Not the most appetizing. We had 2 bowls of pho. Broth had no flavor on its own. Basically hot water. Basil, sprouts, etc were reasonably fresh, but a bit wilted. Once the soup was doctored up it was ok. The beef brisket and tendon had good flavor. Service was ok as well, but listening to the server have a discussion in Vietnamese from one side of the room to the other at maximum volume got a little tiresome. This place can do better.
Arrow Black
Contrary to the reviews, the pho was below average.. the ingredients didn't seem fresh.. The onion, bean sprouts, leaves, and chicken all seemed like they belonged in yesterday. And they gave me the pho in a square take-out container not meant for soup. Won't be back.
Erin Nicole
The only place I go for pho!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vietnamese Pork Chop with Egg and Vegetables, Beef Pho
Felix Dang
Food is OK. Service is great atmosphere is OK.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Vietnamese Pork Chop with Egg and Vegetables, Beef Pho
Blake Hill
Food is AMAZING. Definitely a hole in the wall type of restaurant. Don't be afraid to try anything new. They are amazing. Definitely worth the price compared to more expensive choices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Soup, Beef
Laur Eliza Bereznai
Without question the best Vietnamese food I've had in the 3 years I've lived in GR, I wish I had known about this place sooner, I'd have eaten here all the time. Very friendly owners, highly recommended.
All the ingredients were so fresh and tasty. The meat was so tender it melted it my mouth. Noodles were just the right level of chewy and I loved the sausage and the pork hog! Overall it was an awesome lunch option and the owners were super sweet and kind!!!! I forgot my purse there and they put it in a little bag and stored it away for me. GIVE THEM A TRY :)
Mario A
Great experience, the Mì Xào Thập Cẩm was delicious (swapped squid for chicken), which I got as takeout. Ordered the #10 Pho Tai when dinning in, which was great and included all veggie trimmings and add-ins.
Samantha Jo
Just moved here and I’m so happy I tried this place the pho is phenomenal
Paula
OMG!!! BEST Vietnamese food ever. The waiter explained in great detail the food items we asked about. He was awesome. Serving size was huge…and I can out eat anyone but I was stuffed! The vegetables were fresh and the spring rolls were made to order…spectacular! This is true Vietnamese cuisine that I didn’t think I’d find around here. I’ve had others in Grand Rapids but not even half as good as Saigon Gardens. I know when I go to Grand Rapids, I’m going to go out of my way to order food to go. What a way to pamper myself in the evening with a big bowl of Pho. AAA+++. Put this place on your must try restaurant…it’ll be one of your favorites!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Egg Roll
Javier Saldivar
Not sure how this place has so many good reviews. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by really good pho places. This one was gross I couldn’ t even eat it. It was over priced for the little amount of food we got. We had to share two tiny condiment containers of hoisin and sriracha because they supposedly ran out of containers. The workers were not friendly at all. The bathrooms were so gross. They smelled terrible like piss, the door was black from all the dirt. Trash was over flowing, they had no soap (hopefully employees are washing their hands) it was a red flag but I still wanted to give them a try and I should have known better. Try at your own risk!
It was way better than we had expected! The broth was flavourful and the right amount of oily, and the crispy noodle sauce was the right balance between sweet and salty! It was sad to see that we were the only ones there at that time, but it also meant it was nice and quiet. If I'm being perfectly honest I actually prefer this place than to the other pho places around here. The people running it were super nice and the service was fast (again, probably because we were the only ones tho). Definitely a place we will continue to visit in the future so we can try all the other wonderful foods!
My go 2 for Pho!
I like this restaurant. Foods are really yummy
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Grilled Pork with Noodles, Egg Roll, Avocado Shake
I think it is very odd to come into a family oriented authentic, immigrant run restaurant and expect American type service as there is a huge culture difference. Whenever you need something, just flag the waitress down and they get you what you are asking for promptly. It's just the norm and not a big deal since they are quick to bring you what you need. I have been a regular here since it first opened and come back every time I am in the area for supplies. Context for this place is important. In comparison to other restaurants around here, this place is great! The food is flavorful and herbaceous. The vegetables are always fresh and I have been to other restaurants in the surrounding area that were hit or miss with that. The food is filling and there is always a ton of meat. I never leave hungry and I honestly crave the bun bo hue regularly. There are always other Vietnamese people in the restaurant who are enjoying the food as well which tells me that this is THE VIET spot. The place isn't the most updated but I come here for the food. It is also always peaceful when I come in here and I've never heard anyone being too obnoxious or loud. I will always respect the owner and this restaurant especially after I brought my white mother in law in here. She struggles to drink tap water because of her health and I asked for an alternative to which he replied that he didn't offer it in his restaurant. He went to the back to grab my food and came back with something for her. He didn't charge me for it and told me to take care of her. I will always support this business for as long as it is open plus the food is as authentic as you can get in Grand Rapids and the owner is kind. Unlike other places, this place doesn't use sugar as a filler and the food is umami the way it should be.
Yes, it is Vietnamese in an ocean of bland midwestern food, but not great. We were the only customers late evening. Several dirty tables, floor was also dirty, and I can't understand why they won't wipe down the various condiment bottles at each table. Crusty and greasy, and the chili paste jar was swimming in days old overfill. Not the most appetizing. We had 2 bowls of pho. Broth had no flavor on its own. Basically hot water. Basil, sprouts, etc were reasonably fresh, but a bit wilted. Once the soup was doctored up it was ok. The beef brisket and tendon had good flavor. Service was ok as well, but listening to the server have a discussion in Vietnamese from one side of the room to the other at maximum volume got a little tiresome. This place can do better.
Contrary to the reviews, the pho was below average.. the ingredients didn't seem fresh.. The onion, bean sprouts, leaves, and chicken all seemed like they belonged in yesterday. And they gave me the pho in a square take-out container not meant for soup. Won't be back.
The only place I go for pho!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vietnamese Pork Chop with Egg and Vegetables, Beef Pho
Food is OK. Service is great atmosphere is OK.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Vietnamese Pork Chop with Egg and Vegetables, Beef Pho
Food is AMAZING. Definitely a hole in the wall type of restaurant. Don't be afraid to try anything new. They are amazing. Definitely worth the price compared to more expensive choices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Soup, Beef
Without question the best Vietnamese food I've had in the 3 years I've lived in GR, I wish I had known about this place sooner, I'd have eaten here all the time. Very friendly owners, highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
All the ingredients were so fresh and tasty. The meat was so tender it melted it my mouth. Noodles were just the right level of chewy and I loved the sausage and the pork hog! Overall it was an awesome lunch option and the owners were super sweet and kind!!!! I forgot my purse there and they put it in a little bag and stored it away for me. GIVE THEM A TRY :)
Great experience, the Mì Xào Thập Cẩm was delicious (swapped squid for chicken), which I got as takeout. Ordered the #10 Pho Tai when dinning in, which was great and included all veggie trimmings and add-ins.
Just moved here and I’m so happy I tried this place the pho is phenomenal
OMG!!! BEST Vietnamese food ever. The waiter explained in great detail the food items we asked about. He was awesome. Serving size was huge…and I can out eat anyone but I was stuffed! The vegetables were fresh and the spring rolls were made to order…spectacular! This is true Vietnamese cuisine that I didn’t think I’d find around here. I’ve had others in Grand Rapids but not even half as good as Saigon Gardens. I know when I go to Grand Rapids, I’m going to go out of my way to order food to go. What a way to pamper myself in the evening with a big bowl of Pho. AAA+++. Put this place on your must try restaurant…it’ll be one of your favorites!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho Tai, Egg Roll
Not sure how this place has so many good reviews. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by really good pho places. This one was gross I couldn’ t even eat it. It was over priced for the little amount of food we got. We had to share two tiny condiment containers of hoisin and sriracha because they supposedly ran out of containers. The workers were not friendly at all. The bathrooms were so gross. They smelled terrible like piss, the door was black from all the dirt. Trash was over flowing, they had no soap (hopefully employees are washing their hands) it was a red flag but I still wanted to give them a try and I should have known better. Try at your own risk!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1