Been here since this 3rd stage of the mall was finished, and has maintained quality since then (about 12 years ago). As proof for this foodie, I think I've eaten here a few dozen times, even though I haven't lived in Manila for over 10 years.
Run by a competent friendly pinay Jane and other supervisors, on the 2nd or mezzanine floor overlooking the main atrium of this large mall, Pho Bao is really well worth your well-spent cash.
Their Vietnamese pho soups and Thai/Viet stews are really good with flavour ingrained in the broth, with quality noodles, lots of tasty tender beef, fresh basil leaves, and competent service. You will leave filled.
The prices have edged up over time, but that is standard in much of the food industry all over the world. What's very interesting is that Pho Bao is better than most of the Vietnamese restos in one Canadian province: after checking out and eating in about 20 Viet venues in Calgary (1.3 million people), we only found one to be exemplary (Pure Contemporary Vietnamese Kitchen), only one other to be good, and the rest just playing games with ignorant westerners. In fact, if you want better in the Phils, likely one has to go to Troi Oi in Iloilo City (not hard for a google maps and a taxi to find). Thus, given too many imposters who don't care, it may be a fair assumption to say that it's rare to find a truly great Vietnamese restaurant in any 'foreign' country.
So come to Pho Bao for some good nourishment as one of the best casual little restaurants in the country. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Just inside the main entrance off Pedro Gil, walk past the competition to this simple place on the 2nd floor and enjoy? read more