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This restaurant is exactly why I look for the "hole in the wall" establishments. Looked like they were setting up a catering on one side of the restaurant, and the other side had a few tables eating upon our arrival. Seemed like a family ran shop. The food was delicious! We ordered 28b stir fried noodles with veggies & shrimp, 29 just veggies served with a side of rice, and 50 the most delectable pho broth with shrimp and some delicious herbs! We will most certainly be back! Well done guys!
We wanted pho and egg rolls for lunch and decided to frequent Pho Ca Dao. We had pho with chicken (pictured) and egg rolls. The food was delicious - we had a second order of egg rolls! The atmosphere was busy and there was only one server so the service was a bit slow and cranky, but we will go back.
Not the best place I have been to. If you want nothing, but pho then yeah this place is for you. I got the house special and the broth was good it has a sweet taste to it. I like more of a savory taste and to get that you can't get rid of the sweet taste. The pho came out faster then the drinks did. I think that the portion is small and I pay about almost 60 for four large bowl of pho, which is 36 plus three drinks. The food wasn't full filling, I shouldnt have to pay so much for the food and drinks i got. The bubble thai tea doesnt even taste like thai tea (the pearl in the bubble tea does even taste like boba; it was hard and not chewy) and the famous tri color, . It has too much coconut. Overall, I dont think i will be coming here again. *cash only
*cash only* *only things on the menu are: pho and egg rolls* But hey, when you do one or two things exceptionally well, go all in right? I've had Pho at upwards of 20 places around the twin cities at this point. No where else comes close to the flavor here. At all other places I am dousing the broth with sriracha and pho sauce. Here? The broth has a deep rich flavor that is SO GOOD on its own. Another yelper recommended getting the onion oil, which is colloquially referred to as "the nectar of the gods" and is the delicious fatty top layer of the broth. They serve it with some green onions, just dump it in the pho and you're all set. In non-winter months they also serve an Asian cilantro with the basil and bean sprouts. No other pho place I've been to in the TC serves this and it's a great addition. They're very generous with their veggie add-ins. I rarely have cash on hand any more but a couple of nights ago I raided my piggy bank to scrape up enough quarters and dimes for a small bowl of Pho here... it's THAT good.
Boarded up but they open. Broth wasn't hot enough and could use more msg beef fat flavors. Noodles perfect with nice texture. Best part is the perfect square thin slices of steak. Mung bean sprouts, basil, jalapeno super fresh. Expected more for a pho only spot.
PSA: Go across the street for better pho at Thai Garden. This is definitely a hole-in-the-wall place. I had high expectations because my friend said the pho is really good here, but honestly this is probably one of the worst phos I've had. Flavor of the soup was not there. I usually do not put any sauces in the broth so that it can speak for itself but I had to for this one because it didn't have enough flavor. There was also a little piece of lint inside my soup...glad I found it and took it out before eating it. Not sure what it was from...Thai Garden is right across the street from this place and has 10x better pho (I know, it's supposed to be Thai but their pho is amazing). Plus they take credit cards. I am only giving it a 2 instead of a 1 star review because service was fast, otherwise I would give this a 1 unfortunately.
Well I was excited to try this old school pho joint that serves nothing but Pho. I guess I had high expectations: they do one thing, so they must do it REALLY well? Right? So the Spartan menu consists of Pho, egg rolls, Vietnamese desserts, and a full beverage selection including bubble tea. The dining room is typical old school Vietnamese street food vibe. Service is lightning quick, and they do have a small lot for off-street parking, albeit a little chaotic since there are no slot markings on the asphalt. When it comes to pho, the broth is king. Typically it is a beef bone broth simmered 6-8 hrs, along with a bevy of spices and adjustment to finish. This is why I don't cook it at home. Well the broth here is what we Chinese call "Soy water." Ok it's more than soy and water...but as far as I can tell this is soy, fish sauce, a lot of MSG, and seasonings. This is NOT the 8hr+ bone broth I have come to respect, adore, and expect at the top Pho joints in town, of which there are three on this strip of University alone (Trieu Chau, iPho, Ngon Bistro.) The dull headache coming on as I'm writing this is a sure sign of MSG. I ended up eating all the solid foods and left most of the broth in the bowl. This is a major sign of what's wrong with this place. The food portions are good for the price and size of the bowl. At $7.95 it's definitely the cheapest bowl of Pho in Frogtown. Well you get what you pay for here. I was naive to think I couldn't possible get a bad bowl of Pho in Frogtown... I see absolutely no reason to return unless all the other places are closed down, or insanely busy...even then I might go get a Croissant at the Viet-French Bakery or a plate of Chicken and purple sticky rice at the deli at Sun Foods grocery before coming here again.
10/10 - my favorite restaurant in St.Paul is still open!! #BlessUp Not gonna lie, I've probably spent over $500 at this place and have introduced so many friends and family to this hole in the wall. Words can't express how much I love Pho Ca Dao. Please support if you can, I really want this place to survive. Btw it's CASH ONLY so don't show up with a credit card. I called 5 mins before getting to the restaurant, and my food was ready by the time I got there!! It's quick, affordable, delicious, what more can you ask for? IG @ hweedafoodie for more reviews!!
This place was amazing!! I've tried a few pho places in the area and this has been my favorite so far. I got takeout (because obviously businesses aren't fully open right now) and they provided such a well organized, clean, takeout box of pho. They provided all of the usual toppings (and more than I usually get in person from other places!) and sauces too. I really appreciate how well they have adapted to takeout during COVID and the owners seemed very very sweet. They even brought the food out to my car for me. Support this small business‼‼ Note: It is CASH ONLY, but totally worth it. The prices are also super reasonable. Soooo delicious!
My in-laws make pho every Sunday, and while this can't compare with something homemade by the parents, the pho is pretty good good. My husband said it could use star anise and cinnamon. There are two sizes of pho you can get, and I'm so happy they have a small because I don't have to feel guilty for not finishing all of my noodles. The small is still a good size, especially if you wanna eat some eggrolls as well without overstuffing yourself. Eggrolls were crispy and tasty. The meat in the filling seemed to be very finely grounded, which wasn't something I was expecting. Nonetheless, still good eggrolls that aren't greasy. My favorite was the salty lemonade!!! If you've never had it, definitely try it! It was delicious. Decor could use some updating (although this is one of those places where you come for a very affordable meal and not decor) and there's parking on the street was available.
Hole in the wall on University Ave, Pho Ca Dao is a no frills Pho spot with a simple menu and barebones service. However despite what people say I think it is too pricey for the food and service that you get. You go in and take a seat, eat your food, then walk up to the cash register on the left side of the restaurant when you're done. Oh and it's cash only, no check or credit card here. So I had the House Special #2 Pho whoch included beef steak, flank, tripe, and meatball for $13.95. I also ordered a side of egg rolls for $4. And the Bubble tea for about $4. I'm not sure why the price all of thar somehow became $26 which annoyed me that the fees weren't transparent. Pho: 9/10 Solid option and the broth was rich and flavorful, noodles were thin and tasted great. They gave lots of meat and honestly makes the trip here Egg Rolls: 8/10 Crispy and delicious, my obly gripe is that the sauce that I got was kinda mid. Must have just been old sauce because the flavor wasn't there. Bubble Tea: 7/10 More like dessert and a slushie texture so keep thar in mind. The taro is fine but not something I'd go out my way for. Now despite expecting hold in the wall prices, Pho Ca Dao is pricier than expected. I could compare to Lotus which I had a month ago for about the same price but they provided a far larger portion of sides including chicken wings compared to here, not to mention superior service. Overall if you're in the area I guess this works but note there are better Pho options. read more
I love this place. It's entirely unassuming, no frills, only serves pho. The steak and chicken pho is the way to go, served hot and fast. Doctor it up with the bean sprouts, thai basil, jalapeno and lime that served on the side, and maybe an extra touch of hoisin and Sriracha. It's a steal for a quality pho. Service is as unassuming as the spot. Don't expect to be checked in on, water refills, etc. You'll eat happily in peace and pay cash as register on the way out. read more
7 months ago
This is my favorite pho place in mn, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it's a kind of hole in the wall place but the broth is soooo good, the price along with quality is the best, verry nice people that work here, I love it. read more
1 year ago
This restaurant is exactly why I look for the "hole in the wall" establishments. Looked like they were setting up a catering on one side of the restaurant, and the other side had a few tables eating upon our arrival. Seemed like a family ran shop. The food was delicious! We ordered 28b stir fried noodles with veggies & shrimp, 29 just veggies served with a side of rice, and 50 the most delectable pho broth with shrimp and some delicious herbs! We will most certainly be back! Well done guys! read more
2 years ago
We wanted pho and egg rolls for lunch and decided to frequent Pho Ca Dao. We had pho with chicken (pictured) and egg rolls. The food was delicious - we had a second order of egg rolls! The atmosphere was busy and there was only one server so the service was a bit slow and cranky, but we will go back. read more
2 years ago
Not the best place I have been to. If you want nothing, but pho then yeah this place is for you. I got the house special and the broth was good it has a sweet taste to it. I like more of a savory taste and to get that you can't get rid of the sweet taste. The pho came out faster then the drinks did. I think that the portion is small and I pay about almost 60 for four large bowl of pho, which is 36 plus three drinks. The food wasn't full filling, I shouldnt have to pay so much for the food and drinks i got. The bubble thai tea doesnt even taste like thai tea (the pearl in the bubble tea does even taste like boba; it was hard and not chewy) and the famous tri color, . It has too much coconut. Overall, I dont think i will be coming here again. *cash only read more
7 years ago
*cash only* *only things on the menu are: pho and egg rolls* But hey, when you do one or two things exceptionally well, go all in right? I've had Pho at upwards of 20 places around the twin cities at this point. No where else comes close to the flavor here. At all other places I am dousing the broth with sriracha and pho sauce. Here? The broth has a deep rich flavor that is SO GOOD on its own. Another yelper recommended getting the onion oil, which is colloquially referred to as "the nectar of the gods" and is the delicious fatty top layer of the broth. They serve it with some green onions, just dump it in the pho and you're all set. In non-winter months they also serve an Asian cilantro with the basil and bean sprouts. No other pho place I've been to in the TC serves this and it's a great addition. They're very generous with their veggie add-ins. I rarely have cash on hand any more but a couple of nights ago I raided my piggy bank to scrape up enough quarters and dimes for a small bowl of Pho here... it's THAT good. read more
Boarded up but they open. Broth wasn't hot enough and could use more msg beef fat flavors. Noodles perfect with nice texture. Best part is the perfect square thin slices of steak. Mung bean sprouts, basil, jalapeno super fresh. Expected more for a pho only spot. read more
PSA: Go across the street for better pho at Thai Garden. This is definitely a hole-in-the-wall place. I had high expectations because my friend said the pho is really good here, but honestly this is probably one of the worst phos I've had. Flavor of the soup was not there. I usually do not put any sauces in the broth so that it can speak for itself but I had to for this one because it didn't have enough flavor. There was also a little piece of lint inside my soup...glad I found it and took it out before eating it. Not sure what it was from...Thai Garden is right across the street from this place and has 10x better pho (I know, it's supposed to be Thai but their pho is amazing). Plus they take credit cards. I am only giving it a 2 instead of a 1 star review because service was fast, otherwise I would give this a 1 unfortunately. read more
2 years ago
Well I was excited to try this old school pho joint that serves nothing but Pho. I guess I had high expectations: they do one thing, so they must do it REALLY well? Right? So the Spartan menu consists of Pho, egg rolls, Vietnamese desserts, and a full beverage selection including bubble tea. The dining room is typical old school Vietnamese street food vibe. Service is lightning quick, and they do have a small lot for off-street parking, albeit a little chaotic since there are no slot markings on the asphalt. When it comes to pho, the broth is king. Typically it is a beef bone broth simmered 6-8 hrs, along with a bevy of spices and adjustment to finish. This is why I don't cook it at home. Well the broth here is what we Chinese call "Soy water." Ok it's more than soy and water...but as far as I can tell this is soy, fish sauce, a lot of MSG, and seasonings. This is NOT the 8hr+ bone broth I have come to respect, adore, and expect at the top Pho joints in town, of which there are three on this strip of University alone (Trieu Chau, iPho, Ngon Bistro.) The dull headache coming on as I'm writing this is a sure sign of MSG. I ended up eating all the solid foods and left most of the broth in the bowl. This is a major sign of what's wrong with this place. The food portions are good for the price and size of the bowl. At $7.95 it's definitely the cheapest bowl of Pho in Frogtown. Well you get what you pay for here. I was naive to think I couldn't possible get a bad bowl of Pho in Frogtown... I see absolutely no reason to return unless all the other places are closed down, or insanely busy...even then I might go get a Croissant at the Viet-French Bakery or a plate of Chicken and purple sticky rice at the deli at Sun Foods grocery before coming here again. read more
6 years ago
10/10 - my favorite restaurant in St.Paul is still open!! #BlessUp Not gonna lie, I've probably spent over $500 at this place and have introduced so many friends and family to this hole in the wall. Words can't express how much I love Pho Ca Dao. Please support if you can, I really want this place to survive. Btw it's CASH ONLY so don't show up with a credit card. I called 5 mins before getting to the restaurant, and my food was ready by the time I got there!! It's quick, affordable, delicious, what more can you ask for? IG @ hweedafoodie for more reviews!! read more
This place was amazing!! I've tried a few pho places in the area and this has been my favorite so far. I got takeout (because obviously businesses aren't fully open right now) and they provided such a well organized, clean, takeout box of pho. They provided all of the usual toppings (and more than I usually get in person from other places!) and sauces too. I really appreciate how well they have adapted to takeout during COVID and the owners seemed very very sweet. They even brought the food out to my car for me. Support this small business‼‼ Note: It is CASH ONLY, but totally worth it. The prices are also super reasonable. Soooo delicious! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
My in-laws make pho every Sunday, and while this can't compare with something homemade by the parents, the pho is pretty good good. My husband said it could use star anise and cinnamon. There are two sizes of pho you can get, and I'm so happy they have a small because I don't have to feel guilty for not finishing all of my noodles. The small is still a good size, especially if you wanna eat some eggrolls as well without overstuffing yourself. Eggrolls were crispy and tasty. The meat in the filling seemed to be very finely grounded, which wasn't something I was expecting. Nonetheless, still good eggrolls that aren't greasy. My favorite was the salty lemonade!!! If you've never had it, definitely try it! It was delicious. Decor could use some updating (although this is one of those places where you come for a very affordable meal and not decor) and there's parking on the street was available. read more
9 years ago
Came here as a recommendation from a friend and I was pretty disappointed. The server was cranky when we asked few questions. It would make the eating experience a lot nicer if she was more friendly. However, the fast service made it up. I was not impressed with the pho at all. The broth is lacking some flavor, i.e. star anise, cinnamon. I added more fish sauce and other stuff to make it taste better. The noodles were not pho noodles; they are used for other dishes. The meat are good though; the only thing I liked about it. I will not see myself coming back here when I'm in town. There are bette places to eat pho in Minneapolis. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
Pretty solid pho! Overall I think it could have more flavor but I got the large and there was so much noodles. For the prices they offer I think you get what you pay for! Service was pretty standard as well. There is a small parking lot in the back which is nice. read more
Best beef Pho jam packed with meat and lots of noodles under 10$! Delicious and filling and the broth isn't too sweet either. They have parking behind the restaurant and on the side of the building on the street. Definitely recommend for cold winter nights. read more
8 years ago
Great place for pho. Definitely a hole in the wall. The only downside is that they only take cash. The bowl comes in three sizes. They have a small menu (literally just pho and eggrolls) and all sorts of blended ice/smoothie drinks. Service was fast and the staff are nice. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
DO NOT EAT UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE SICK for 4+ hours!!! and on top of it employees where extremely rude!!! read more
Yes to this Pho place!!! Overall, the Pho is great in flavor as it is the least sweetest Pho location (which is a good thing), price is right, and it was great as a whole. I would say this place is next to Lotus. Note that this place is CASH ONLY. When you arrive to this place, they do have their little lot for parking but it is little. There is street parking as well. When you step inside, the restaurant it gives a family vibe and there may or may not be enough seating as this place can get busy especially during the lunch hour. So pretty much everything you order is center around Pho as you could only get two different House specials or make your own. They also have egg roles, which I have never had, but looks good. Personally I love to make my own with all the beef items (steak, regular brisket, and fat brisket). For the two times I have been here, my Pho has instantly came immediately after ordering. I get the Large size as it is not hella big or is small, it is just right. Paying if you are splitting they are understanding and will do it for large groups. Just walk up to pay. Overall, yes to everything that make Pho Ca Dao so great. So come!!! read more
3 years ago
My in-laws have been coming here for years and said this was the best Pho they'v had. Maybe it's because I came in with really high expectations, but I was not impressed. The broth lacked over all salt and flavoring. I had to add fish sauce and chili oil to get it to taste good. All other pho places i usually just have to add a bit of chili to get the spice but everything else is good in terms of flavor. The service was fast and prices reasonable. They have a very simple menu so it makes ordering very easy. The service was so-so and apparently they add gratuity with any part of 4 or larger (thats ridiculous). They are cash only so be advised. read more
9 years ago
Summary: Authentic, cheap, uplifting. The true definition of a hole-in-the-wall gem. My father has taken me here ever since I was little and there truly is nothing better than a big bowl of pho on a cold, rainy day. More than a nostalgic memory, Pho Ca Dao is a true hole-in-the-wall gem located in the heart of Frogtown on University Ave. and not only serves the best pho in the Twin Cities (MSG free!), but charges cheap prices for generous portions. I ALWAYS order: House Special X-Large Pho Bowl (5/5 stars) $8: Comes with steak, flank, tripe, tendon meatballs and the most flavorful broth that will make you keep sipping on the soup long after the noodles have been devoured. The noodles themselves are everything you could hope for and served "al dente" Viet style. The tripe is perfectly chewy and steak/flank slightly raw at first but so tender after a few minutes of simmering in the broth. Expect to seat yourself and to get your food in under 5 minutes after ordering. Pho Ca Dao never disappoints and always cures my pho cravings! Side note, as a general rule among Asians, if you walk in an Asian restaurant and the bathrooms are clean and a TIP: Restaurant accepts CASH only, and there is parking on the side and in the back of the restaurant. Also, don't forget to try the tri-color drink and new mango smoothie. read more
No one compares to you, babe. No one gets me like you do. You're beautiful. And you smell good. You give me warmth and you're always there for me when I'm hungover. You feed me when I'm hungry. And uplift me when I'm feeling sad. You are my everything. You my boo. You my BOO. I love you, pho. You guys, this is my holy grail golden standard. This is what I compare all of the "other phos" to, and no pho has stolen me like the pho at Pho Ca Dao. Pho is the only thing they serve along with egg rolls and some desserts, but pho is their speciality! It's the way the green onions and cilantros are infused into the clear, steaming broth. I haven't found another broth like it. It's the fact that you can taste the FRESHNESS. Beautifully balanced. It's sweet, savory and, most importantly, not saturated with MSG - like, guys. I "felt like cooking lunch for tomorrow" after I got home. The noodles are perfectly cooked and so, so generously portioned. The meat is tender - it's the type that is so thinly sliced that it is placed in the broth as medium rare because it will cook itself. Hint: this is how you know you're eating at an authentic Vietnamese pho restaurant... not to mention the red frosty plastic water cups (lulz). They offer all the usual pho condiments - the jalapenos are actually spicy (love). Fresh bean sprouts! Service is super speedy and friendly! And they have their own 6-8 car lot, but it is usually full. Street parking is easy to find, but the neighborhood isn't the best. I've been coming here since I was a kid with my family, and continue to come back because I haven't found a better place. The only con is that they only take cash and don't have an ATM in the restaurant. read more
9 years ago
Shh, don't tell my mom...but their pho is comparable to hers! Easily one of the best pho places we have ever tried!! Their broth was perfect, It came out steaming hot and flavorful. You can always tell how good the pho broth is by the way it tastes without any of the condiments added yet. All the meat added in made it all especially more delicious! The noodles were the only thing that I minutely thought was over done but so worth it. This is a place that really only specializes in pho and you can tell they do it extremely well. The interior isn't pleasing but it's the best pho places that are like that. MUST TRY! read more
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More info about Pho Ca Dao
439 University Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Midway
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(651) 222-4615
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