I needed Montana for my 50 states Pho challenge, so I was here at Imperial Thai Asian fusion restaurant in Billings on a easy casual Monday afternoon. Or so, I thought.
You know Travel Channel's Man Versus Food? This adventure seemed like that was the case, but without the cameras and the hype that surrounded the television show. It was just me and the big ass bowl of Pho. I knew what I wanted, but I didn't know that the imperial version was 16-18 inches versus the smaller non intense version that most people usually have. I guess that's how it is. The imperial version was around $14.50. While it was pretty ginormous in nature, the server informed me that it was a good challenge that would be pretty epic if I had finished it. The typical reward was a photograph of yourself on the website acknowledging that you have completed the challenge. While in my head, a complimentary lunch was out of the question, I thought a photo of me would be second best. Unfortunately, I underestimated this bowl of pho and ended up not finishing it, despite having the shiracha sauce already mixed in the broth. The photo I took of it does not do it any justice. You just have to be here in person to see and witness such monstrosity. You know it was pretty epic.
While it was nice to eat that large bowl of Pho, it was too large for my own good. The overall experience here at the imperial Thai Asian fusion restaurant was pretty good and mellow. At around 1:30pm on a typical Monday, the restaurant itself was somewhat empty, but it had a few tables occupied already. It was nice to get a table right away and that was very much appreciated. The restaurant itself was clean and the decor was pretty nice as well. It was pretty large for a Vietnamese restaurant, but I forgot that this is an Asian fusion restaurant, plus they have a lunch or dinner buffet too, but I ordered off the menu for my pho. I think I spent a good 45 minutes here, trying to take down this ginormous bowl of pho. At the end of the day, the bowl of Pho won and I just had to give up and pay for the meal. Even if I had won, I'd still have to pay for it. The prize was a photo of me on their website, saying I completed the challenge. Imperial Thai Asian fusion restaurant is located at 216 N Broadway Street in beautiful Billings.
They accept major credit cards, so that's always a good deal for me, especially when I am touristing around. Parking here can be a grind, but there are several parking options you can have, but they all require money. For me, I found a parking lot that is $1 for the first hour on 3rd avenue, if I remember correctly. There are a couple public parking garages though, but they require money. Not sure if Billings public transportation comes through this area of town, but to be sure, check their website online and come on over! The prices here are pretty good and consistent with other similar restaurants I've been through the USA. As I write this review, I wondered what was offered for the lunch buffet. Too bad I had the pho this time, but I'll try my best to return and do the other instead! I did enjoy the experience here at imperial Thai Asian fusion restaurant and hope to come again soon. I would like to recommend this place, if you are in the area and love the cuisines presented here.
4.0 stars for the overall experience. 4.0 stars for the Pho, although I wished it was a little cheaper and less spicy, so I could have finished it and won. 4.0 stars for the service. It was nice and friendly.
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