A "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant with a cozy feel and friendly service. There were few tables (3-4 fitting 10-12 people maybe) and every seat was filled on a Thursday morning/noon). You're sitting right by the kitchen and we could hear our tilapia frying. We ordered the Pho Zap Zap. I thought it was okay pho. The Pad See Ew was very, very good. The Pia Rard Prik (fried tilapia filet) on the Chef Special menu was also really good! The iced Vietnamese coffee is exactly what Vietnamese coffee tastes like. Coconut water was just canned Foco coconut juice. I can taste why people are so enthused to recommend Pho Zap Zap! Cozy hole in the wall vibes and delicious food. Looking forward to coming back and/or getting takeout from here! read more

See all

I was not able to take any photos, but this little gem is definitely the place to go for authentic Lao food. It's a small restaurant, but you can truly tell the food was made with care and love. Everything was flavorful and comforting. I would definitely order from here again very soon. read more

Despite their name, I don't come here for pho - everything else is so hard to pass up! If you're looking for a takeout spot that's true to Southeast Asian flavors, especially Lao food, Pho Zap Zap is that mom-and-pop restaurant ready to blow your mind. As a fellow Lao person myself, I can attest to how authentic the dishes are, and you won't leave disappointed. If you're more of a visual learner, I recently did a review on my Instagram (@heyhllary) and TikTok (@heyhlllary) - no paid partnership of any sort, just SO stoked to find Lao food and highlight this gem! Let's break it down: Papaya salad - this packs a punch and is very pungent! If you like spicy, sweet, limey, salty, umami and fishy in all the best ways, this is a true Lao recipe. Grilled beef tongue - charred and cooked to perfection. If you love new textures, there's a chew at first that mellows into the most tender and smooth meat - and the smoky flavor is phenomenal. Lao sausage - loaded with herbs and spices, this is another favorite of mine to eat with papaya salad - a bit fatty, but oh so flavorful. If you got this far and you're salivating, I highly recommend asking for the even more traditional and secret menu items. The woman who operates Pho Zap Zap is very friendly! Also, my drink of choice is Foco's roasted coconut juice - you'll need it to cool down your tongue with all that spice! Every now and then, they have fried banana or taro chips, both lightly glazed with sugar, always fresh and highly addicting. Though those are more snacks than dessert, in my world it still counts for the latter. ;) Seating is very limited, as well as parking, so I do recommend going when it's quiet or ordering takeout. The owner herself is truly a mastermind in the kitchen, operating as a one-woman band and doing it with such grace - never mind the incredible hospitality! read more

Pho Zap Zap - The lovely spread of Lao foods! - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Phenomenal ~ this place is very small with limited seating. Seems to get filled with lots of families on weekends after services with is cute and showed that they are very much part of the community. They offer take out too ~ Ordered some NimeChow which was basic but delicious with its classic taste and texture that I'm a fan of ~ the egg roll was perfectly and not too greasy like other places ~ Thai ice tea was good and a good large size which I appreciate! My small Pho was good, savory and What I needed for my current cold and sore throat. Workers were prompt and kind. Despiste the cushy crowd, our food didn't take long. Seems like their customers are regulars and mostly speak in their native tongue which is great to see.~ I will come again because I enjoyed the food very much ~ read more

See all

Rating 4.5 Came to try the place for lunch. Last time it was closed due to an event so decided to give another try after calling to confirm its open. Parking is street only. It's a very small restaurant with only few seatings. Seems like a local restaurant owned by older asian couple. Seats were full when we got there but a customer was about to leave so we sat down after few minutes. The place isn't most sanitary but is pretty typical of small asian shop. There were a-lot of asian customers that looked like regulars and speaking their native language. The food looked promising as I can tell from the vibe that its authentic. We ordered egg rolls, nim chow, lao sausage, pho zap zap, chicken pho and icee Thai tea. Egg rolls were crunchy and flavorful. Nim chow was fresh and chewy. Lao sausage was crispy on the outside and chewy and savory on the inside side, iced Thai tea was tasty and pretty good portion for the price. Pho zap zap was pretty good. Good flavor and hit the spot. The service was good and the wait wasn't too bad despite being busy. Overall the place was pretty good and price was reasonable. It's definitely a hidden gem within the asian community. Only downside is that the restaurant is very small and not the cleanest so may be uncomfortable for some people . May be a good option for take out food. Would try take out next time and try other foods on menu. read more

See all

Small mom and pop shop but food is authentic and tastes great. I placed a few orders over the phone and food was ready and hot by the time I arrived. Friendly owners and pointed out what sauces he made fresh the night before and ready to go. I couldnt help but grab a few for the house. They also cater! read more

Pho Zap Zap - Nam kow - crispy fried rice with nam sausage - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

First time here. We were just driving by. If I were not distracted and looking out the car window, I probably would have missed this place. The universe heard my wish for some Asian, specifically Lao and Thai... and there it was. The moment I walked in here, I knew that the place is authentic. It had the Buddha alter, tacky and faded photos of the menu items for the people who are not familiar, and the tray of chili sauces, hoisin sauces, and pickled green chilis. Old ladies working in the tiny kitchen talking in Lao. You know this is the real thing. Sure enough, nim chow, pho with meatballs, tripe and brisket are excellent! We will be back to this little joint read more

See all

So I saw some really high ratings for this place so I wanted to give it a try so came here on a weekday. It was very easy street parking. As many reviewers have said this place is small, couple of two seater tables and a couple of four seater tables. It's an open kitchen so you can sort of see them cooking right behind. You order by going up to the counter and tell them what you want. I had the pho zap zap that was just a combination beef large the soup which was light and subtle which helped bring out the flavors of the meats and veggies. I dumped all my bean sprouts into the soup and got it going. The meat was good dipped in hoisin and Sriracha. The soup came piping hot and the noodles were done well. I think the actual star of the meal was the fried pork on top of the egg fried rice. The fried pork was done, just right where it was crispy, not burnt and had the right amount of fat to meat ratio. The fried rice was lightly flavored with mostly oyster sauce I think, but it helped create that subtle flavor profile to bring out the taste of the fried pork. Overall will go back again probably to try more fried noodle or fried rice dishes. The pho was more of a staple noodle soup that was normal for me. The staff were nice and helpful. They charge an extra 3% if you use credit card, none if you use cash. read more

See all

Neighborhood spot with the most amazing seafood pho. It was fresh and delicious. The fried rice was also great - very light and generous portions. read more

Amazing Pho! I ended up getting the Beef pho for pick up. This place is legit they individually package the ingredients in bags. The broth was nice and concealed to be honest. I haven't got Vietnamese food outside of Dorchester so this was a good reminder of Home. read more

I came to Pho Zap Zap for the first time earlier today on a Sunday around 12:00pm. There are four tables inside and we were able to grab the last open table. After looking over the menu, I went to the cash register to order. There was only one staff member taking orders, cooking, getting the take out orders, bussing tables, and checking people out. Props to her!!! I wish there was someone to help her out so she'll be less stressed, but she still kept a friendly attitude. For appetizer, I ordered shrimp nime chow that comes in an order of 2. The lettuce, vermicelli noodles, basil and carrots served with house-made peanut sauce was fresh and delicious. I could probably eat 3, 4, 5 of these. For my entrée, I ordered the regular pho zap zap that has eye round, brisket, tripe, and meatball. The noodles, the broth, and everything about the pho was so flavorful and delectable. The pho comes in regular and large sizes. I had also wanted to order Thai Iced Tea, but the staff member said she is too busy to make it and apologized. At the cash register, I saw a sign that there is a 3% fee for credit cards so we paid cash. The staff member thanked us for our patience and we commended her for running the restaurant all by herself. The prices for the meal were definitely worth it. I am looking forward to coming back and trying other dishes. read more

See all

Although the restaurant is very small with limited seats, the foods are good. I loved everything we ordered. I'm from Cali and this place will be my to go spot when I visit RI. As for the service, it's great. The owners are super nice people. read more

See all

If you want authentic food this is the place to come. The Pho soup is the best. The owners are very nice and I enjoy coming here often. They really treat you like family. Gary Nahabedian United Parking LLC read more

Went for lunch for the first time today and it was great as many reviews say. I'm surprised no one mentioned the khao paik Laotian alternative to pho. The owner explained the soup used house made rice flour and tapioca noodles. They were tender yet a little chewy and I loved them in the basic chicken soup I chose. read more

Amazing food! The pho and banh mi were just delicious and so fresh. Definitely my new spot

No bathroom so if you're eating in better use bathroom before you come lol. Other than that everything is good! I got the chicken basil w/eggs, comes with white rice and it was delicious. It has some kick to it so if yall can't take a lil bit of heat then build some tolerance bc ya missing out lol. And I've had chicken basil from just abt everywhere and I approve of it here! read more

Pho Zap Zap - Chicken basil w/eggs and white rice and Thai Ice Tea - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Pros: * Truly authentic Southeast Asian food! I deeply appreciate when a restaurant stays true to its cultural roots--especially in a time when many places adjust their offerings to cater more broadly. * Service was quick and attentive. We visited on a weekday when it wasn't very busy, but the hospitality still stood out. * Staff were welcoming and kind. * The papaya salad was okay, the beef larb was decent, and the khao poon had a mild, pleasant flavor. The pho, however, was just so-so for me. Cons: * The pho, while not bad, didn't live up to the many glowing 5-star reviews. I genuinely expected a standout dish and left underwhelmed. * The khao poon broth tasted fine but quality is not there: noodles that quickly fell apart, finely ground chicken that you can barely taste and see and no herbs like cilantro or green onions. * Unfortunately, we noticed multiple flies inside the restaurant. I guess more protein some might say, but not for me. I chose to dine here for two key reasons: 1. The large number of positive reviews from the Southeast Asian community, which I take seriously--since many of us don't often leave reviews unless we're truly moved. 2. I tend to trust and connect with the palates of those from a similar cultural background. When a good number of reviews come from within the community, that's usually a strong sign for me. Similarly, walking into a restaurant and seeing it filled with people who share that cultural heritage often signals authenticity. With that in mind, I have to say I left feeling disappointed. I truly wanted to love this place and support a business that reflects my culture and community. This review comes from a place of care and hope that feedback like mine helps them grow even stronger. Wishing them all the best moving forward. read more

Just a quick update for March 2025: hours are limited! I stopped by for weekday lunch and found Pho Zap Zap closed. Open on weekends. See photo. read more

See all

I absolutely love this place with all my heart. Maybe I'm biased but I love supporting my people, especially when it comes to food. The food is always freaking AMAZING! The couple that runs the place is the nicest people ever and always so happy to see my boyfriend and I. I been coming here since they were only accepting cash and I'm just so happy for how far they had come. The place is small and doesn't have a bathroom but the food is so good I don't even care. read more

Food: Solid and authentic 7.5-8 out of 10 Service: had a pretty bad experience getting taking out. Would definitely recommend getting delivery. read more

Address should be: 389 Smith St., Providence, RI 02908 Authentic and delicious food served in a cozy, family-run shop with limited seating. The prices are very reasonable and the service is warm, making it a definite five-star experience. Ordered items (and pictures uploaded): A1. Nam Chow (2pcs) with Shrimps C1. Beef Pho & Meatball (Lg) E5. Crispy Pork - Fried Rice F6. Pork Chop w/ Egg - Rice Plate I will certainly return for another visit when the opportunity arises. read more

See all

Incredible pho and bbq banh mi. I can't wait to try the larb, nam khao, and all the kinds of papaya salad. The owner came over to say "hi" and was really friendly! We appreciate all the recommendations. read more

Lovely little neighborhood restaurant that has some of the best pho I've ever had. They've also expanded to include banh mi to their menu as well which is delicious. They've also started accepting credit cards which made it much easier for us to visit. read more

Absolutely loved it! Had the beef pho and split a BBQ banh mi with my wife. Service was quick and the vibe was very comforting and inviting. Would highly recommend!! read more

Friendly and delicious. I would recommend. A take-out but a small dine-in available. Solo, hard working one woman show. She whips up the order and serves it too. I ordered the C4. Pho Zap Zap large. Delicious warms you up on a cold day. D3. Pad Kee Mao "Drunken Noodles" it was very spicy made me sweat. read more

See all

In search of a good lunch spot to end the Rhode Island trip, my family found another hidden gem. This is a tiny restaurant with no more than 3-4 tables inside. It happened to be empty when we arrived so I was able to bring in my sleeping toddler and left him on the stroller. The owner took my order directly and was very friendly. Pho Zap Zap and the Khao Poon. Pho Zap Zap is one of the best broths I ever had. The flavor was just perfect, not overly salty and I could tell it was a fresh batch. Khao Poon was out of this world. It's literally a soupy curry noddle soup. It may sound heavy but it was such a joy to chow down and not heavy at all. Usually I don't get to finish all the soup but I did this time. Trip home was about an hour and I didn't get drowsy at all, unlike some other pho joints where you'll get drowsy after taking their broth. This means that they went very light on msg or none at all. This place is bookmarked and I look forward to returning. read more

Pho Zap Zap - Khao Poon - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

Pho Zap Zap is a place me and my friends always go to, especially after a night out. The small dining room really makes the experience personalized and we always have good conversation with the very friendly owner. The food never disappoints and the portions are HUGE; $15 for a bowl of Pho that could honestly feed 2 maybe 3 people. I highly recommend grabbing the roasted coconut drink when you walk in. Pho Zap Zap is a great place to grab a nice warm bowl of pho and great apps too, don't judge this book by its cover, it is a great read! read more

Simple, no frills Vietnamese spot on Smith street. It is primarily a take-out spot, but there's a small dine-in area. I got the beef pho which was delicious. There's one lady who does everything. Good experience overall. Prices are very reasonable. They do take credit cards. read more

4 stars for the food, 2 for service. Pho zap zap is a Lao owned establishment (just fyi). I called for take out shortly after they opened, i got the nam khao, papaya salad, and pad see ew. They just took my order- didn't ask for a name or give me a time, which is typical of asian restaurants, usually thats fine with me. But then I arrived 15 minutes later and none of my food was ready, they only started making it after confirming my pick up order. I was in a time crunch at the moment so that already annoyed me. I understand not being able to make/finish my order within 15 minutes, but they didn't even start it, nor did they tell me when it would be done when I had called in. They told me it would take 5 minutes, it ended up taking over 10. They charge a 3% fee for using card by the way. While I was waiting I got a good look at the decor, it's a very small space with like 3 tables, nothing bigger than a 4 top. There's no ac, just a couple of fans. And they seem to be selling other side goodies and have a fridge of drinks. It seems rather hole in the wall/mom and pop shop, but none of that particularly bothers me. Anyway, for food! Which is what most people care about: 5/5 Nam khao was delicious, only downside was the fried peppers weren't spicy 3/5 Papaya salad was very basic and honestly disappointing for me. Im from Ca and used to the Lao-Hmong style papaya flavor. This one was rather basic, just had papaya and tomatoes, papaya shreds were thinner than I prefer/not crunchy enough. 4/5 Pad see ew was also very good; heavy on the sweet soy sauce flavor which I like, some spice-sriracha or chili oil on top would've been perfect. Overall, would definitely return for takeout, although the service is sub par, the food is really good (skip the papaya). read more

The food was great, sooo good. I ordered the beef pho, egg rolls and Thai iced tea and everything was just amazing.

The first time I went to Pho Zap Zap, I could tell right away, the food made here is authentic. It has the ambiance of a small Home kitchen and the service was as if I was the only customer there. I moved here from Southern Cali and have been craving Vietnamese pho and Thai food, so I've been exploring different places to find the best in town. I can honestly say, my search has ended. I ordered the Chicken Pho, Beef Pho, Chicken Wings and Nam Chow (august 2023). Hands down, was the best I've had in the Providence area and I've tried at least 4 other places since my move. It was so good, I had to go back a second time, but this time I ordered the Chicken Pad See Ew and it did not disappoint!! Next, I will have to try the Chicken Pad Thai. Very excited that I found Pho Zap Zap, they are my new favorite place for Vietnamese and Thai food no doubt I will be back! Side note, unfortunately I did not take a picture of my first meal, but I'm sure I'll have it again soon. I will update my review with more images as I try more of their menu items. Thank you Pho Zap Zap! read more

Pho Zap Zap - Chicken Pad See Ew (spicy) - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The BEST pho in the area in my opinion! Warm, savory, rich broth and lots of meat; noodles are abundant. But be aware about ordering a large bowl... it's VERY LARGE and can feed 2 hungry people... I needed to be Zap Zap'd back to life after downing all that delicious food! read more

Pho Zap Zap - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Small hole in the wall shop. One woman owned, aided by another person. Great price, good size bowls. Hearty, Flavorful & Delicious Pho! Will be back for sure read more

Simply the best!! Everything they cook is top notch authentic and delicious. Prepared foods are also delicious

OK, if I'm going to eat in a restaurant that could only be described as eating in a closet it's so small. My expectations are high. The food was good, but nothing special and not worth being cramped in. read more

Pho Zap Zap opened recently in the former The Chicken Coup space on Smith Street. This very cozy space also has been home to several other takeout eateries. Pho Zap Zap serves up a streamlined menu of Laotian cuisine including papaya salads, laap, stir frys, pad thai, tripe, beef jerky, Laotian sausages, egg rolls, beef intestines soup, and khao piak & pho soups. The place is very small which is geared for takeout, but there is 1-2 tables in front of the counter. I stopped in at Pho Zap Zap for takeout to bring home and chose the Pho Seafood Soup ($14 plus tax), which cooked to order in the small kitchen behind the counter. They packed up the hot broth, white rice noodles (packed separate from the broth to prevent mushy noodles), cooked seafood (crabstick, squid, shrimp), bean sprouts, & cilantro, and chili paste neatly. When I got home, I reheated all of the ingredients in a soup pot together, hot pho seafood soup in 7 minutes, which was more than enough seafood noodle soup for 2 people. The pho broth was not too salty, a bit bland, noodles were very soft, and the shrimp very firm, squid chewy, and imitation crab meat very soft. Overall, the pho soup I had was pretty decent and a good amount for what I paid. read more

Omg! Found this place on a whim, and I was not disappointed! It is the cutest little mom and pop shop, where mom is in the back, making all the food and pop is manning the front. They give extremely large portion sizes and everything was so delicious! I'd absolutely come back here again. I ordered takeout, but when I was there, the place was packed. It is more of a takeout spot than dine in. But the prices were very reasonable. read more

It just keeps getting better. The beef pho is sublime - earning a fifth star! An unassuming gem in a city full of options. read more

See all

Absolutely delicious! Owners are very sweet. I've only ordered take out. The space inside isn't very big, however, there are tables to sit at and enjoy your pho there. Highly recommend trying! read more

great food, great prices, the people working there are very friendly. have been there twice and everything we've tried has been delicious. small, hole in the wall kind of place but very authentic and cant wait to go back. read more

Pho Zap Zap - Soup Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all