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* Cha Gio Ga: chicken egg rolls. northern style w taro inside. light chicken flavor, more taro taste. dipping sauce needs more depth. came w 3 small pieces of lettuce. * Pho Tai Bo Vien: soggy noodles. not a lot of soup. basic broth flavor. * Bun Bo Hue: small portion of noodles. light broth, lemongrass forward. came w brisket meat. - street parking or parking in the small lot - pay at the counter when done - sauce (fish sauce, sugar, chili, chili oil, etc) provided at the table
Hole in the wall restaurant but really lovely people working there. The restaurant itself is a bit rattle-y, especially when there are cars and big trucks driving by. They have different condiments available on the tables to use and add on your items. I was really impressed by the Banh Mi Chicken - the bread was soft, chicken was soft and flavorful, the toppings were fresh and yummy. The Pho Ga was really good too, lots of toppings. Enjoyed it. They are counter service - order at the counter, they bring you your meal, and then you pay at the counter after eating.
Have not been here for 20 plus years but I was in the area and it brought back good memories of eating here with my mom. Egg noodles cooked perfectly and the summer rolls prepared fresh. Watch out parking in their lot behind the business since there are potholes that will swallow your car. Pics included
I think this place has the best bun bo hue in St. Louis that I've tried so far. The owner is super nice. It's usually not too busy in the restaurant when I go. I always get confused as to where I should park, but I never regret popping by to grab some food
When the weather starts becoming more chilly and windy, then you know it's soup season! My belly calls for a hot soup, so we got bun bo hue and chicken rice porridge. We got the food pretty fast, and the food was still really hot when we received our orders! Bun bo hue tasted a bit different from other places with a spicer flavor, but we still really enjoyed it. The noodles are very chewy and go really well with sliced beef. The porridge was pretty normal, nothing too special. It is a good combo with Chinese donuts! If you want to come in for some homemade delicious Vietnamese food, this is the place to come! I'd come back for more in the future.
Ren, the front house team member is a gem! He was deeply knowledgeable of the menu items and very engaging, which makes sense for a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant. He was kind enough to add a cup of pho broth to my order for me to try. I do not say this lightly - this is the best pho I've had in St Louis! A delicate, nuanced beef broth, non-greasy, and hitting all the right umami notes. Parking is behind the building (on Spring Avenue), and the store has dine-in and takeout options. Truc Lam has been on Gravois since the 80s! I'd love to see them stay on in the restaurant business.
I tried Truc Lam for the first time and the service was awesome. Super friendly & welcoming. The interior is spacious, clean & authentic. I ordered vegan soup and it was just what it should've been however I was missing flavor of any sort due to the contents. No fault of theirs ill try have to try something more flavorful next time. The veggie egg rolls were plentiful & delish. Be back soon for Pho! ~Christy
The food was delicious. Flavorful and uniquely Vietnamese. The server was very helpful and our food arrived in a timely manner. The location and the ambiance are the only downside to the visit. Truc Lam is located on a busy street. There is parking available on the side street. The interior is shabby but clean and serviceable. The restaurant was quiet enough to talk with my friend and enjoy my meal I would highly recommend it, but be aware that this place would benefit from cosmetic improvements. However, if you are more interested in the flavor or the food, please visit.
The richest and most flavorful bowl of bun bo hue I have ever had. The people are so nice here and there's always a seat available.
My favorite place for pho!! Don't judge a book by its cover. Neighborhood is rough, but the quality of service and food is superb! These women know how to cook. Could drink the broth by itself! Tried chicken sandwich on my last visit. Can't wait to try more on the extensive menu! Go eat here!
At first glance the place looks sketchy. But once you walk in the food was fantastic. And the service was great. I ate the Truc Lam Pho and the flavor profile was great, and the side additions were great as well.
Food: 5 Stars Service: 5 Stars I'm a total idiot for waiting this long to visit Truc Lam Restaurant on Gravois. A gem hidden away in an unassuming corner, Truc Lam has some of the best Vietnamese food in town! Their pho is a bowl of comfort - warm and flavorful. Their spicy beef with lemongrass is one of my favorites. Thin slices of beef are sautéed in a slightly spicy and herbal sauce. Be sure to pair them with a Vietnamese iced coffee or try the truc lam che (sweet red beans with coconut drink).
Kind of a hidden gem! Not in the best area by any means but food was fab and affordable. One of the fairest priced pho places in the city. The building is an a less than desired location but wad worth the stop forsure. Would highly consider returning.
Came with a friend and had a great experience. I'd never been before and didn't know what to expect after walking in. It was cute and cozy on the inside and we were the only ones there at first so we got great service. They had a great menu with lots of explanations of what things were. We got hot tea, chicken spring rolls, my friend got a soup/noodle dish and I got egg fried rice. The hot tea came out in the cutest kettle with small tea cups. The servings were massive and delicious. It was all reasonably priced. I would come again, especially on a cold winter day. It's got street parking but it's not too hard to find a spot. Wasn't too busy on the Monday night I went and you could probably go anytime and get a seat right away. You can also order ahead and pick it up to go which is what we saw several people do while sitting eating. read more
1 day ago
This restaurant is located in a very colorful neighborhood so make sure you come prepared and watch your back. But then again some of the best Vietnamese restaurants that have ever been to water and rough neighborhoods. I will keep this review short and sweet because honestly there's not much to say. Okay to the food.. We ordered two things: Pho Dac Biet and Banh Mi Dac Biet. The Pho was piping hot and the meat was tender and flavorful. The broth had a red tint to it which led me to believe they preseason with some things there was a lot of flavor for sure. The noodles were little overcooked. They only have one size and it was a bit pricey for the portion size I was still hungry after eating. But overall the far I give it three stars. The banh mi was pretty bad. The meat literally tasteed like luncheon meat that you would buy at the local American grocery store. The bread was 100% hoagie rolls not Vietnamese / French baguettes. They took the lazy way to make banh mi, to sell it to what they think are locals who have no idea what they're buying. The sandwiches were horrible. I will give the sandwiches zero star. The staff were quite sweet and nice and I feel bad giving them such a rough review but for 2026 and the price that you pay for food now I expect a lot better especially when the Pho/food is being charged astronomical prices. I swear it is such a challenge finding decent Vietnamese food in the St Louis and surrounding area. read more
9 months ago
The is Vietnamese place was a gem! I popped in here for lunch and enjoyed the shrimp spring rolls as shrimp fried rice! The service was good and quick. The lady who took my order was friendly. It was a simple little place the ambiance was nothing special but the food was good! I would go back and try some of their traditional Vietnamese dishes! read more
* Cha Gio Ga: chicken egg rolls. northern style w taro inside. light chicken flavor, more taro taste. dipping sauce needs more depth. came w 3 small pieces of lettuce. * Pho Tai Bo Vien: soggy noodles. not a lot of soup. basic broth flavor. * Bun Bo Hue: small portion of noodles. light broth, lemongrass forward. came w brisket meat. - street parking or parking in the small lot - pay at the counter when done - sauce (fish sauce, sugar, chili, chili oil, etc) provided at the table read more
Hole in the wall restaurant but really lovely people working there. The restaurant itself is a bit rattle-y, especially when there are cars and big trucks driving by. They have different condiments available on the tables to use and add on your items. I was really impressed by the Banh Mi Chicken - the bread was soft, chicken was soft and flavorful, the toppings were fresh and yummy. The Pho Ga was really good too, lots of toppings. Enjoyed it. They are counter service - order at the counter, they bring you your meal, and then you pay at the counter after eating. read more
Have not been here for 20 plus years but I was in the area and it brought back good memories of eating here with my mom. Egg noodles cooked perfectly and the summer rolls prepared fresh. Watch out parking in their lot behind the business since there are potholes that will swallow your car. Pics included read more
I think this place has the best bun bo hue in St. Louis that I've tried so far. The owner is super nice. It's usually not too busy in the restaurant when I go. I always get confused as to where I should park, but I never regret popping by to grab some food read more
When the weather starts becoming more chilly and windy, then you know it's soup season! My belly calls for a hot soup, so we got bun bo hue and chicken rice porridge. We got the food pretty fast, and the food was still really hot when we received our orders! Bun bo hue tasted a bit different from other places with a spicer flavor, but we still really enjoyed it. The noodles are very chewy and go really well with sliced beef. The porridge was pretty normal, nothing too special. It is a good combo with Chinese donuts! If you want to come in for some homemade delicious Vietnamese food, this is the place to come! I'd come back for more in the future. read more
Ren, the front house team member is a gem! He was deeply knowledgeable of the menu items and very engaging, which makes sense for a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant. He was kind enough to add a cup of pho broth to my order for me to try. I do not say this lightly - this is the best pho I've had in St Louis! A delicate, nuanced beef broth, non-greasy, and hitting all the right umami notes. Parking is behind the building (on Spring Avenue), and the store has dine-in and takeout options. Truc Lam has been on Gravois since the 80s! I'd love to see them stay on in the restaurant business. read more
3 years ago
I tried Truc Lam for the first time and the service was awesome. Super friendly & welcoming. The interior is spacious, clean & authentic. I ordered vegan soup and it was just what it should've been however I was missing flavor of any sort due to the contents. No fault of theirs ill try have to try something more flavorful next time. The veggie egg rolls were plentiful & delish. Be back soon for Pho! ~Christy read more
2 years ago
The food was delicious. Flavorful and uniquely Vietnamese. The server was very helpful and our food arrived in a timely manner. The location and the ambiance are the only downside to the visit. Truc Lam is located on a busy street. There is parking available on the side street. The interior is shabby but clean and serviceable. The restaurant was quiet enough to talk with my friend and enjoy my meal I would highly recommend it, but be aware that this place would benefit from cosmetic improvements. However, if you are more interested in the flavor or the food, please visit. read more
1 year ago
The richest and most flavorful bowl of bun bo hue I have ever had. The people are so nice here and there's always a seat available. read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
My favorite place for pho!! Don't judge a book by its cover. Neighborhood is rough, but the quality of service and food is superb! These women know how to cook. Could drink the broth by itself! Tried chicken sandwich on my last visit. Can't wait to try more on the extensive menu! Go eat here! read more
1 year ago
At first glance the place looks sketchy. But once you walk in the food was fantastic. And the service was great. I ate the Truc Lam Pho and the flavor profile was great, and the side additions were great as well. read more
Food: 5 Stars Service: 5 Stars I'm a total idiot for waiting this long to visit Truc Lam Restaurant on Gravois. A gem hidden away in an unassuming corner, Truc Lam has some of the best Vietnamese food in town! Their pho is a bowl of comfort - warm and flavorful. Their spicy beef with lemongrass is one of my favorites. Thin slices of beef are sautéed in a slightly spicy and herbal sauce. Be sure to pair them with a Vietnamese iced coffee or try the truc lam che (sweet red beans with coconut drink). read more
2 years ago
Kind of a hidden gem! Not in the best area by any means but food was fab and affordable. One of the fairest priced pho places in the city. The building is an a less than desired location but wad worth the stop forsure. Would highly consider returning. read more
3 years ago
Chefs kiss ** the food is always fresh, it's hot, and the quality is definitely there. The service is always fine. The dining area was clean. PS: my son gives this place 4 stars due to them being old school and not having WiFi lol read more
3 years ago
I agree with the previous reviews -- this restaurant is a diamond in the rough! I have pretty high standards for Vietnamese food, especially pho, and I haven't had decent pho since moving to STL. I came in for lunch on a Sunday and there were a couple tables enjoying their meal. The interior reminds me of a small town pizza parlor with vinyl flooring and wood walls. I ordered the Pho Tai (although a lot of their classic Vietnamese dishes looked really good, too). The woman who helped me was very accommodating and kind. She did not say much but I honestly wanted to watch my show and enjoy my pho so I preferred that. The pho was excellent. The broth was sweet and salty and reminded me of pho from back home in CA, and of course you can't forget the plate of veggie fixings to add. I didn't need to add any hoisin or sriracha because it was flavorful on its own. I will definitely be back to try their banh mi and rice dishes! read more
3 years ago
Don't be fooled by the outer appearance or location, this place is a hole in the wall hidden gem! It's certainly no frills but authentic delicious Vietnamese food. Service is really great too! I got the viet iced coffee, thit nuong cuon (fresh spring rolls with shrimp and grilled pork), and bun Bo hue (spicy beef lemongrass soup) which are my go-to's at Vietnamese restaurants and they were all really great! read more
10 months ago
10 months ago
Came here in search of pho options now that our favorite Pho Grand closed. Broth was decent, vegetables were welted and unappetizing. Service is friendly. Ambiance leave much to be desired. Worn down interior and poorly maintained. read more
3 years ago
Pho was flavorful and filling! Good portions of meat and noodles. Everyone loved their meals and staff was really kind and there was quick service. Some people got the Vietnamese coffee and say it is a must try and it's so cool to watch the coffee drip. read more
2 years ago
As many have mentioned, you could drive by this place on Gravois in an old brick corner building with the little crooked sign and never even know it was there. But the full dining room showed that a diverse group of people DO KNOW all about the food here. I ordered all the classic basics to try: cha giò (fried crispy pork egg rolls), a grilled pork banh mi sandwich, and a bowl of pho tai (rare beef pho). The egg rolls were spot on: perfect, crispy chewy fabulousness, and the flavorful accompanying sauce was fresh. The bahn mi was very good and the pork had a nice chew, but wasn't gristly or tough. Plenty of pickled veggies, and fresh herbs and chilies. The only thing that could be better was the bread. Should be a super crispy crusty French loaf, but was instead quite soft and got a little soggy on the inside. The pho came with generous portions of fresh herbs, spouts, and razor thin slices of raw steak that you cook in the boiling broth. However flavorful, I was thrown off by the beef broth itself, which was VERY salty. And that was without the added condiments like Sriracha or hoisin , so I was not able to add those. Even with liberal use of lime juice, I felt like the saltiness was overwhelming. Hopefully it was just a fluke and the next batch will be better, because I fully intend to return to try the curry, summer rolls, and other noodle dishes. read more
6 years ago
This hole-in-the-wall serves authentic vietnamese dishes. It is a bit dumpy as far as location or the restaurant decor. However the food speaks for itself. I will certainly be back read more
3 years ago
Unfortunately, I have to update my review. The last time I was there I came in after lunch rush, around 1:30. I was the only patron. I was seated and could hear someone sick and coughing from the kitchen-- for like 7 or 8 minutes. I started to feel a little anxious so I decided I was just going to dine elsewhere, I'm not trying to get sick from lunch. I got up and approached the counter to tell them I needed to leave and just then the waitress came out from the kitchen and as the door opened I saw the cook standing over food BLOWING HER NOSE in her apron. I will never eat here again. read more
2 years ago
Went here for my birthday and I was very happy to spend it with my family. Though they weren't impressed with the Pho but I always have had. I think it was just an off day. Other than that they were very respectful, sensitive and courteous. That's what keeps me coming back. read more
2 years ago
I've been pretty disappointed in the Vietnamese food here in St. Louis. I haven't found a good pho joint yet, but this has been the one with the most flavor although it still lacks it as well. I ordered to-go and my green veggies were all limp and discolored. I had to trash those which was disappointing as i always add everything my bowl. I don't really have much to say about this place other than it's probably as good as you can get in this unfortunate city of disappointing pho. Sad but true. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
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3 years ago
The best pho in the city! Tried Truc Lam with a group of four and was very impressed! The food is delicious, service is friendly, prices are reasonable, and parking is easy. This is my new go to spot for Vietnamese food and I can't wait to go back. read more
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More info about Truc Lam
3737 Gravois Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63116
Tower Grove South
Directions
(314) 776-1299
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https://phostl.com
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Ask the Community - Truc Lam
Does anyone know when this restaurant first opened? I ate here often when I lived in St Louis in 1991 so I know that it is quite old.
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