Pho Cali
1631 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT, 84119
Pho Cali Menu
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Address :
1631 W 3500 S
West Valley City, UT, 84119 - Phone (801) 972-2808
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Doug C.
Pho is alright here, I would say their broth is good but not as good as pho 99. Price also isn't as good as pho 99. The service is good, interesting to pay at their little pay station. The regular size pho is a good size, I can't imagine what the large is. Meat is good, they don't skimp on meat. Onions are circular which is odd. Good amount of noodles. Would I come back? Probably. Though pho 99 broth is better.
(3)Taryn N.
BEST PHO!! I've been there 3 times this week. It's addicting and delicious! The broth is amazing and they give you plenty of basil, sprouts, etc. Friendly service. Great pot stickers and egg rolls. There's always a steady crowd. Water tastes yucky so I always have to get a pop which is a bummer. I would love to find great pho closer to home but I don't dare to try anyplace else...afraid I won't like it as much!
(5)Drew R.
This place has one of the best bun bo hue I have ever tried. This is one of my to go places for pho. The seating arrangement is a bit weird and "free to seat" anywhere kind of thing. The pho here is a very delicious ESP the house special. If you are very hungry they offer a large bowl that can for sure guarantee to fill you up. The bun bo hue comes with something called pork blood, and the owner will ask if you want it or not. Some people do like it because it is like tofu but other with just the idea of eating blood doesn't like it. The only thing about this place is that they hire some people that don't really speak English and mostly Vietnamese. It was very hard for our waitress to take our order and for us to understand her. I think at one point I just tuned her out (I know pretty rude of me). But I will definitely recommend this place.
(4)Joy M.
Serves the best tasting pho in Utah, the broth is very yummy without having the need to doctor it with Sri racha or soy sauce. The people are amazing and so as the food.
(5)Anthony W.
Came here on a Thursday around 12:15. Not a whole lot of people. I got the house pho and shrimp spring roll. I've been here multiple times, this time it really wasn't that great. The spring roll was bland and the peanut sauce was ok. The pho tho...super bland! I had to add a bunch of Sriracha and oyster sauce(the black sauce). I wanted extra beansprouts and they said it would be $1 extra...you can buy a whole bag for less! Probably won't be coming here again. The service was better comparing to other Asian restaurants around here.
(2)Guy B.
Recently I made my first foray to Pho Cali, unfortunately it will likely be my last. I'm quite shocked, honestly, that this restaurant has such high reviews, there is very little that is redeemable about it. I feel bad hammering away here at this joint, it serves as someone's livelihood, after all, but after shelling out $30 for inferior quality of food, I feel that I have little choice. The primary problem with this restaurant is the food. That should be the purpose of a restaurant, serving good quality palatable food. Pho Cali fails here. I had one of the most disappointing bowls of pho in my near and distant memory (that's over 20 years of pho eating). The broth was surpringly bland. For a bowl of beef pho, this broth tasted awfully suspicious, more like chicken stock. There was virtually no hint of spices, and I have my doubts that any beef simmered in that pot. The noodles in my bowl were ample, but the quality of meat was lacking, and what meat did exist was not flavorful. It tasted freezer-burned and overcooked. My wife had a bowl of bun bo hue, one of her favorite dishes. She was extremely disappointed for similar reasons. Neither of us finished more than half of our bowl, which is surprising considering our usual habits. I have nothing to complain about regarding the service. The restaurant was jam packed, though why I can't imagine, and we were still seated and served promptly. The head hostess was very kind and attentive, and the other staff members were hard at work. The restaurant itself is very spartan, packed from wall to wall with tables. The practicality of the layout is noticeable. Sadly, so is the poor quality of the food. Until I hear about improvements being made to the quality of their food, I will not be visiting Pho Cali again.
(2)Meechelle D.
I love food and one of my favorite dishes is Pho. You really can't go wrong with a hot savory bowl of noodles mixed with delicious broth and your choice of meet. BOY, was I wrong. Let me begin by expressing my honest opinion of Pho Cali's food, service and general experience as a foodie. My friend and I had to seat ourselves and we weren't given menus. I just told the waitress that I wanted what I usually order which is a large bowl with brisket and meatballs, while my friend ordered a small bowl. Both dishes come out and they're the same size. Which I assume I will get charged the small price but I was wrong. They also extra charged me on the meat and the broth was mostly flavored with MSG. The service from the beginning was very unwelcoming and I've never spent so much at a Pho restaurant and all we ordered were two bowls of Pho. I will never go to this place again as it left a bad taste. I don't say this about a lot of places but I don't recommend this place! Don't waste your time....Go somewhere else!!
(1)Julie V.
I've tried this place a few times, and it's not too shabby! Given the other pho restaurants around, I'd say this is a bit better, but I wouldn't vouch for it being truly like Cali's pho. I've tried the house special with everything, and it's alright. Prices seem average for Utah as well. +1 Star: Reasonable serving time +1 Star: Decent food with average prices +1 Star: Never had to wait to be seated +1 Star: It's in Utah. -1 Star: One thing I've learned repeatedly is that Vietnamese food in Utah just isn't what I expect it to be...given my biases, there's no way I can honestly give this place more than 4 stars.
(4)Phi T.
"Best pho in Utah" hmmm are you people on crack?? I've been here twice. My first was a few years ago when I was being "adventurous". It was disappointing to say the least. The broth did not taste right and the meat wasn't fresh. I paid $9 for a small bowl of pho that I can make better at home, and let's just say that I don't even know how to make pho. Then I was here again a couple of months ago, was NOT my choice by the way. I was with a couple friends and little did I recall my first experience here that I gave their pho another chance. It was mediocre and bland. With Asia Palace right across the street, I don't think you will ever find me here again.
(2)Ruben A.
I had the bun thit Nuong, and it was tasty. Pretty similar to other places that have great bun, so nothing out of the ordinary. But still, pretty good food and fairly inexpensive.
(4)Katie P.
A great rich broth on the Phò, and certainly one of my new go to places for it. There did seem a flavor or spice missing, but it was still very good. Son had boneless BBQ chicken over rice with veg on the side. He loved it!
(4)Stephen L.
This used to be the best Pho restaurant in Utah. However, I'm unsure what happened, but the past couple of years, the taste becomes "bland"... Also, any simple changes like getting egg noodle from rice noodle get additional charges.... bummer ! So I stopped coming to this restaurant. I loved their appetizer of "fried wantan", this still stayed the same...
(2)Cristhel S.
#4 with the meat on the side is my fave! Love this Pho House for the Pho and Egg Rolls. Mmmmm....
(5)Wallace W.
I had the seafood and pork egg noodle soup which was full of seafood balls, shrimp, a shrimp wonton and a nice vegetable plate full of cilantro Chinese garlic, jalapeño, lime and soy bean sprouts. Lots of food with a very good flavor for the price. I'll be back.
(4)Jesse N.
I love Pho! I try to eat pho at least once a week and pho Cali is the place I go. Been all around town and this place is the best.
(5)Victoria T.
Walking in, I felt like I was back in California. There were actual Asians having lunch, and actual Vietnamese chatting noisily in their native language. I knew I'd see more authenticity here than at Pho Thin the day before. Opening up the menu, I relaxed even more. The foreign pricing of Pho Thin was a thing of the past, for at Pho Cali a regular size was $7.25, and a large $8.45. I sipped my water with lime and ordered the Pho Tai Nam I couldn't get the day before. I was kind of cracking up on the inside because here I was in SLC sitting next to the Golden Gate Bridge. The ambiance here wasn't as nice as in Pho Thin, but it was good all the same. The soft mint walls were adorned with photos on one wall and metal flowery wall hangings on another. The warm cherry tables were in good condition, as were the black padded chairs. But anyway, the food. The pho came out in two minutes! The garnishes had everything I wanted, including jalepenos and even saw leaf! This broth was good, but lacked a solid meat flavor. Pho Cali's broth is a sweeter one, with a prevalent star anise scent and flavor. The noodles were great, but the meat was a little dry. The rare steak was a hint of pink when I got it, and I was glad to have brisket, but neither was especially good. Sipping spoonfuls of broth after finishing everything else, I detected a warmth that I'd missed earlier. Oh yeah, it was probably because I had four jalepeno slices soaking in there. Obviously. So having pho two days in a row might seem a bit excessive (even for the Pho Queen), but I was glad I came. Good pho at a fair price? I can't complain. It was definitely a more authentic experience, right down to being asked twice if I was ready to order, once before I'd even opened the menu. Maybe they had me pegged as a regular pho eater? Rating Breakdown Taste (10/14): Broth flavor- 3/5 Noodle & meat quality- 3/5 Garnish selection- 2/2 Portion size- 2/2 Restaurant (13/16): Service- 4/5 Cleanliness- 4/5 Atmosphere- 3/4 Speed of arrival- 2/2 Total: 23/30 Read more at phoacrossamerica.com
(4)Brian H.
The pho broth is simply the best, it is flavorful. The noodles are typical pho noodles. They have the best pho in the area. It looks like a hole in the wall, It's located in a strip mall right next to another Vietnamese restaurant.
(5)Rachael B.
Dependable and tasty Pho. I've been here a few times this winter on my search for the best Pho in Salt Lake. The service is very quick, the portions are huge, and prices are reasonable. I have found the cuts of beef to be a bit fattier than other restaurants, but I can look past it. The interior is not fancy, but who said it had to be, right? When busy, it can get very loud as a lot of families are looking for their Pho fix as well. If it's cold out, stay away from the door or you'll be shivering every time someone enters the restaurant. Overall very good Pho, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Sam S.
Located at a small strip mall in WVC, Pho Cali isn't much to look at and the food leaves something to be desired. Inside the interior is pretty simple and sparsely decorated. There are a dozen or so tables with comfortable, padded chairs and it's very clean. Service was snappy and our pho was served up fresh and hot. Unfortunately the broth was very watery and had practically no flavor. Adding some jalapeños, salt, pepper, and hot sauce improved the flavor considerably, but the beef was still very bland because it has cooked in the near flavorless broth. I don't know if we were at Pho Cali on an off day, but this broth really surprised me because so many other people have commented how good the broth is. With so many other pho options in the area I don't know if I'm willing to give Pho Cali another chance.
(2)Jonathan B.
This is a great pho location. Good value & great taste. The rest of the menu is a little lacking, but why would you get anything else? It's like going to a mexican joint and asking for a burger. I'd definitely go back if I was in the neighborhood again.
(3)John C.
If this place had flavor in their Pho I would go more often. I am always going with old co-workers that seem to like this place over Pho Hoa. Never could understand them, they have to dress the broth with so much flavor by adding sauces until it gets dark brown. The service isn't that great, doesn't seem very welcoming. I don't like how the tables are so close together so you can't have a decent conversation.
(3)Ling W.
A cozy place for some confort food! The soup were good and they gave out lots of ingredient in it. However, the rice dish is not so ideal. I got the rice with BBQ chicken tight but they give me breast instead. The breast had good flavor but its a lil bit dry. I will definetly come back and try the pho next time.
(4)Spencer S.
I've decided that its time to update my Pho Cali review so that it properly reflects my level of obsession with this restaurant. Bottom line, I love this restaurant and i crave it multiple times a week. There have been times where i have eaten a number 5 at Pho Cali 3 times in one week. I am completely addicted. I consider myself a soup connoisseur and the taste of the broth is so far superior to any other Pho, or any soup for that matter, that i have ever tasted. Add to that the wonderful texture of the noodles, the lovely meat and the ridiculously low price and you have the perfect meal. Once you become a regular, like myself, all the wonderful staff will know what you want and will have it started as soon as you walk in the door. In the end I cannot over hype this restaurant. It is the epitome of what a locally owned restaurant should be.
(5)J B.
I went to this place expecting the best pho in the city, as has been advertised. I was somewhat disappointed. The pho was good, but the best around? No. Not even close. Don't get me wrong. It is worth going to if you want good pho. But if you are expecting it to be head and shoulders above other places in the city that serve pho then you might be disappointed. Also, the Cha Gìo (egg rolls) were disappointing, to say they least. They weren't even that good. Far, far below others I have had elsewhere. Perhaps I need to go back to try their Bún Ch Gìo (Vermicelli with egg rolls) or the Bún with pork.
(3)Eric A.
I love cali. Fast friendly service, Generous portions, great soup, and the freshest herbs and veggies. Make it my favorite pho joint.
(5)Marcus G.
The decor was simple...and I ordered the pho. The pho had to be the worst pho I've ever had at a restaurant. It smelled like pho, but when you ate it, it was like a bowl of hot water with noodles and meat. I had to ask for extra fat to give it some flavor, and that didn't really help.
(1)Angela L.
Was driving through Salt Lake City on a road trip with hubby and craved pho (I don't know why). You should trust our review because we are from Orange County, CA - the county with the largest Vietnamese population in the US with plenty of pho restaurants. Additionally, my husband is Vietnamese. I am pleasantly surprised to find good quality pho in Salt Lake City! The broth was clear and flavorful. The beef slices were thin and fresh. They also gave generous portions of vegetables to add to the pho; which is something that many restaurants in Orange County skimp on. The only thing that tasted weird was the meatballs in the soup. They tasted spoiled so we took them out of the soup. Highly highly recommend. If you've never had pho before, you should go to this place. Good quality pho and attentive service - the owner actually chatted with us and with other customers, who appeared to be regulars. In CA, no one will come over to chat with you.
(4)Belange H.
Used to be a great Pho joint, but the last three times I've gone here, the pho has been bland and watered down. It's really a hit and miss place, and I'd rather not take my chances. Plus it really kills your appetite when they roll around the dish cart and empty the bowls and dishes in front of your table.
(1)Ngan P.
Pho Cali has good food but not a great atmosphere. I always feel so rushed like I can't even enjoy my food. Don't bring your children here because they absolutely can't stand the mess children make, my brother and sister in law have actually boycotted this place after an altercation with the owner about the mess their kids made, but I believe that is what tipping is for; service and cleanup. My wife and I use to go on a weekly basis but in recent times we haven't because the minute we get our food it's like here's your check, get out! If I wanted fast food, I would've ordered to-go or eaten at McDonald's. Maybe it's their service that has made me not want to return, or the fact that I feel so rushed, but I don't think we'll be returning anytime soon. I use to say they had the best pho, but now I just don't even know, over the weekend we ate there and the broth was just off for me. Perhaps I'm losing my Vietnamese taste for pho and prefer Laos pho, or these pho joints in Utah are just not hitting it for me anymore, homemade pho is the way to go these days. If you do eat there prepare yourself for the rice and vermicelli dish portions, they are nothing like what you'd get at other Vietnamese restaurants. Overall this is just my review, it's a place worth eating at but not first choice anymore.
(4)Andrea C.
Some of the best service and pho I've had since the pho places I would go to in Sacramento, CA! Highly recommend all to go!!
(5)Tony L.
Visited them again recently, it seems like they got back on track with their food again. The place looks the same as last time. There is still that one girl server that seems a bit angry all the time. The Pho tasted a lot better now, as the soup was no longer overly flavorful with food additives, but it seems like they made some cutback on the meats and other ingredients. I think they are on par with some of the Pho joints nearby, but still not a super exciting Pho place for me yet.
(3)Sara R.
Some of the best Pho I've had the pleasure of tasting. Get it!
(5)Jason N.
I've been on the hunt for Vietnamese places in SLC and this is the best Pho I've had here. It's light and flavorful. It's worth the stop.
(5)Alex J.
This is my favorite place to have pho. They are abundant with their ingredients and everything tastes fresh. You do not come here for the service, but they are quick and efficient.
(5)Karineh H.
I've been to pho places all over Salt Lake, LA, Las Vegas, and Honolulu; this place is the best. Their pho has flavorful broth, lots if veggies, huge portions, and reasonably priced. You do have to have the mindset that you're going for the food and not the ambiance, though. It's in a blah strip mall. The pho is so great though, that I now find the ordinary surroundings endearing. Definitely highly recommended.
(5)Miriam P.
Geez! Finally! A decent Vietnamese restaurant in the Salt Lake area! I have tried so many Vietnamese restaurants looking for decent pho and bun (the vermicelli noodle salad bowl) and FINALLY I found Pho Cali. You know good pho by the soup and the soup was awesome. Fresh, flavored just right, not too salty, not too sweet, just right. And the bun was awesome. Probably the best bun I've had anywhere! The pork and shrimp were cooked just right with the right amount of bbq smoke and the pieces weren't all smelly or fatty. The sauce was a great flavoring, probably the best mixture I've ever eaten and the noodles were cooked just perfectly. I don't know if my excitement is because of the great food or the fact that I have now found hope in meeting my Vietnamese food needs in SLC, but this place is the spot for awesome eats. Bottom line: Everyone that works here is mean, but no matter, it's all about the food!
(5)Amanda A.
Please do yourself a favor and go next door to Gossip instead. The pho isn't terrible, but its definitely the worst I've had. I should know. I eat pho 8 days a week.
(1)Thomas V.
Decent pho with fast preparation. I like coming here when I'm craving it since it's a bit of home (Cali). I'd recommend it for anyone who's looking for decent pho around Utah. They have other stuff like fried rice that's pretty good too. I've liked both that I've tried so far. Prices are under $10/entrée.
(4)Jackson B.
My favorite Pho spot in SLC valley. Consistent product with good broth, plenty of meat, large portions, and fresh veggies.
(4)Oscar P.
The first time I tried Pho was about 8 years ago in Oakland. It was home made and brought in by a Vietnamese coworker. It wasn't my cup of tea. I wasn't ready for something so different. Fast forward to 2013 in SLC and now I have my cousin badgering me about this Pho place on 3500s by Redwood. I was not interested. I couldn't help but remember my last run in with Pho. I finally gave in so he'd leave me alone. Im glad i did. I can't tell you what was different or why. All i can say is that its incredibly tastey. Maybe my palette matured. I dont know. The noodles. The broth. The meat. Its all awesome. I go there at least once a week with my cousin. Sometimes i get it to go. I could be wrong but it seems like the porrions aren't as big when you get it to go. Either way....i love it.
(5)Brandon E.
I've been here 3 times in the last 2 weeks. I get the #12 without tendon every time. The pho is good and I'd have rated 4 stars if it weren't for a few minor annoyances. 1 - They don't allow you to substitute meat items. I dont like tendon and would prefer to sub it for meat balls. They say that they will give me extra of the other meats but, it doesn't seem that way. 2 - Their tripe is chopped up so small that it's almost unnoticeable. Not sure if they're trying to cater to a gringo palate or what. 3 - It seems strange that they dont have Thai tea Pho Cali makes a pretty solid bowl of pho. I personally prefer Pho 99 just a few blocks south
(3)Ryan K.
Pho Cali is one of my favorite pho places in the valley. Don't come in expecting much for ambiance. I love the fact that the owner lady is always there, and will come by frequently to make sure everything tastes great. We started with potstickers as our appetizer, and they were nicely cooked and delicious. And now, on to the pho. If you order the large size, be prepared for a bowl containing about a gallon of broth to be served to you, alongside a generous side dish containing sprouts, cilantro, thai basil, and jalapenos. I think the broth at Cali is delicious. It is always flavorful, with a very nice balanced amount of spices. No crazy throat-drying additives in my bowl, Tony. The other thing that I like about this place is that you won't be disappointed in the amount of noodles you're served, which I've found to be lacking at other places. The meat never really knocks my socks off here. It always seems to be tougher than it should be. Not to mention that they have the best name in all of Utah. High five for the sweet name.
(4)Justin L.
Best Pho place in Utah. Great employees always welcoming. I have been to pho places all over Utah and this is the best place yet. Big portions cheap and good taste. House Special!!!!
(5)Monica B.
This is one of my favorite pho places. The portion sizes are good (you get a good amount of food for the money), and there's plenty of meat in the soup. They offer other foods other than pho as well, but I mostly come here for the pho. My only complaint is that when you ask for a water, it's the city tap water and it tastes nasty. Thai Ice Tea is a great compliment with a hot bowl of pho. Not a 5 Star rating, but hits the spot every time. Lastly, it's conveniently located next to Gossip if you're craving a boba or milk tea. :)
(4)Sally H.
We tried this place on a whim and I was loving the food. Some of the best pho I have had. Fresh ingredients and it made a difference, so delicious.
(5)Kim N.
I love pho cali. They have the best vietnamese pho ever. I m very picky and I only go here.
(5)Chris F.
Simply outstanding Pho with great service!
(4)Michael M.
Great "noodles" great service.
(5)Greg P.
I woke up this morning with a crazy plan. Go on a Yelp safari! Eat only at new places that Yelpsters recommend. That brings me to dinner. Trying pho cali for the first time. Now, I am not a newbie to pho, on the contrary, I am a seasoned vet. That being said, I was blown away! The broth is so good. I like mine on the spicy side and they have plenty on hand to satisfy. If you want to step out the box... Get your pho on! Tip... Large is HUGE! 2 restaurants, 2 reviews, 2 awesome meals and one big thanks to all the yelpers. Good call!
(4)Mandy Z.
my favor place for pho, that's the only place I go when i craving pho.
(5)Travis B.
I'm no phool this is the best pho you can buy. Ok it's bad writing and you can punch me in the face for it. First went here because a Vietnamese buddy of mine who will remain nameless (it was Lu his name is Lu) said this pho was as good as his mother's. First time in I ordered the stir fry flat noodles with chicken and good god it was good. This time I ordered the meatball pho with extra meatballs and I swear by my enchanted hammer you will not find a better bowl in Midguard. I would say this is the second best pho in Salt Lake (the first place ribbon going to Lu's mom, and yes that is her name, it is on her drivers license. First name "Lu's" last name "Mom"). The price is right and the food is insane. The service is always friendly and fast. They are really fast, so fast in fact I thought I saw them take my order go over and make then go back in time to give it to me just after I ordered it..........I may have imagined that last bit, I have been drinking a lot lately. The ONLY reason they don't get 5 stars is because Lu's Mom is still making pho.
(4)Jai W.
Cha giao, is average. Veggies served with pho are fresh and plentiful. Notably a nice variety, not just basil, sprouts chillies and lime. The broth had good flavor and the beef was fresh and generous.
(4)Cheng C.
So I am little bias here because I'm from Northern Cali and with a name like Pho Cali it will have to live it up. So by far of all the noodle houses I have ate(4other ones) since moving to Salt Lake City this come close to my Cali pho. When we walked in, it smell like a noodle house I often go to in Cali and the taste was close enough but it was missing something, I cant put my finger on it but it was missing something. It was good and the portion size is by far the best. Enough noodles to meat. Which is key. I hate going to eat pho and I get a handful of noodles and I have a hella (a cali term) meat left over. I also tried there vermicelli dish which is similar but not to what I'm used too. We will be back since this is close to where we live and its close enough to cali pho.
(4)Monica T.
As a supposed SLC area pho expert, I decided recently it was a travesty that I hadn't yet visited Pho Cali, so one rainy day (we've been having a lot of those lately), I decided to give it a shot. The first thing I noticed was that the water they served me didn't taste so good. I recognize that yes, I am a water snob (don't ask how that happened), but it wasn't such a good omen. The second thing I noticed was that they didn't have my precious spring rolls on the menu. So sad. But things got better from there. I ordered the fried egg rolls instead, and they came out quickly and were crisp, tasty, and obviously fresh. Pho came out exceedingly fast shortly thereafter. The first thing I noticed was that they had broken up the rice noodles in the bowl so they were easier to eat without making a mess; I really appreciated that. There was a good amount of noodles, and enough meat, though maybe not as much as you'd get at some other places. The broth was good but not great. It smelled good and had a nice flavor, but I didn't think it was quite bold enough to stand up with the rest of the soup. As far as the condiments, the basil was fresher looking than most places...always a plus. Service was decent but a bit rushed, as you'd might expect. Prices seemed a bit higher than some other places. So overall, I enjoyed Pho Cali, and I'd be a regular if it was the only game in town. However, the other places around that block do a better job.
(3)Kayla G.
Oh boy, my very first Salt Lake-area review! Get ready folks. Shits about to get craaazy. ;) Anyways, this evening I was reeeally craving pho, partially because a rather intense hangover was still hanging on, and let's be honest- there's no better cure for such ailment than a big bowl of pho. I had really wanted to try this place last week, but it happened to be after 9pm, and they were closed... so this time I made sure to call in my order by 8:30. Still, when I got there to pick up, I found the door locked. I could see my order sitting, waiting for me... for a brief moment I panicked.. until I saw an employee rush by. I jumped around in front of the door, and it actually worked in getting her attention. After all this, I realized I could have just called.. but that's neither here nor there. I was pretty stoked that 2 orders of beef pho only came to about 14 bucks.. I can't imagine what the large looks like, because the regular is pretty huge. The broth was very flavorful, and I was impressed by the amount and freshness of the veggie/herb goodies that came with. Also, the beef to noodle ratio was very good... its no fun to have a ton of noodles left with no beef, or vice versa. The one and only thing I would change is perhaps the meat could be a bit more flavorful.. but it was definitely tender. I also can't say I tasted any MSG or additives in the broth. All in all a win, in my opinion. And i'd say my opinion is pretty valid, being from CA. I wish they were open later... some of us like to eat past 9:00... just a hint. ;)
(4)Ian F.
Of all the Vietnamese restaurants in this area, of which there are many, the food stands out as some of my favorite. The Pho and Bun are both excellent. I especially appreciate the broth in the Pho, it is not too cloudy, not too clear and very delicious! The bun ingredients are all excellent, but the portion is a bit smaller than I expected. I did have issues with the service however. The waitress seemed slightly bothered that we had arrived, possibly because we were the first of the lunch rush. I asked if I could substitute the pork in the bun with chicken, apparently that is frowned upon. She acted as if that was a stupid question, I though her response was jokingly at first, but it wasn't. I was also irritated when she began texting as she rang up my bill. Although this caused only a slight delay in my departure, I thought it was very unprofessional. I recommend this place if you love Vietnamese food, just don't expect friendly service and don't ask for substitutions.
(4)Davin K.
Of all the Pho places in SLC, this one is my favorite. Good service, quick and easy location, straight to the point with proper ingredients and amazing broth goodness. All the best fresh addins, and they make a perfect Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. This place is a weekly addiction.
(5)Char J.
Pho Cali.. good soup and good service.
(4)Alanna L.
Pho Cali is one of the best Pho places in Salt Lake City, at least that is my opinion. :) When I want Pho this is where I go. Don't go there expecting some nice fancy booths and decorations. The place was recently repainted and with some new asian paintings. The service is quick. A regular bowl of Pho fills me up! The rice plates are pretty good as well.
(4)Matthew C.
tasty tasty!
(4)Rich L.
I wont pretend to know anything about Pho, but I've read alot of reviews about how good some of the Pho places are and found myself at this one. I figured it's probably as good a place as any to start off. When I walked in I was hit in the face with the smell of fresh mint and after chewing gum all morning I wasn't feeling like a mint lunch. I asked the waitress what she recommended a couple times and couldn't get an answer (turns out she doesn't speak any English) so another waitress has to translate everything which was cool, just glad they got it right. I tried some Pho bowl with shredded tripe, beef and a mild sausage and really good noodles (I assume rice noodles) It was really good, with lots of different hot sauces to add at your own pace along with bean sprouts and fresh basil. I thought it was good, the service was fast and nice so I guess Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)Rick H.
I still can't say the name of this restaurant with a straight face!
(3)Ernest W.
Hmmm...I had an interesting experience. The good: The owning family was really nice and welcoming. Oh, and the pho noodles were some of the BEST I have ever tasted. Very distinct. Quite different from the ones I'm used to in California (and even Vietnam itself). Very tasty. Must be in the texture. The bad: THE BEEF! I'm sorry, but this has got to be the most UNFLAVORFUL beef I have ever had in my life. I initially thought it was just the first piece, but upon finishing the entire bowl, I realized that not one single piece of beef was up to par. I mean, were the owners going for healthy beef (as in no salt, no seasoning, no MSG)? Because if THAT'S the intention, then OK, they succeeded. But methinks not. I don't know why I was given a bowl of such epic disparities. Even the soup, as flavorful as that was, was not enough to dampen the insipidness of the beef. Just utterly eh! I really wanted to like...no LOVE...my bowl of pho...but I just couldn't.
(2)kai z.
One of the main reasons I'm giving Pho Cali a 5-star rating is because it is the best pho you can get here in Salt Lake City. It's even better than a lot of the places in California. Service is quick and pho is consistent. It's an affordable and clean environment. I've never really tried anything other than pho here. It's always good to eat pho and then head next door to for a tapioca drink at Gossip. I recommend coconut snow with boba.
(5)Sky M.
I love Pho. In fact, I think I am addicted. I work at two different locations and the only nearby restaurants I care about are the ones that serve Pho. When I am driving through cities in other states, the restaurants I notice are Pho houses. I eat it everywhere that I can. So, yeah, I have some experience with this stuff. That is why when I say that this is one of the very best Pho restaurants in town, you should just believe me. It is worth going out of your way for the soup they serve here. Frankly, I have only tried one other thing on their menu and that was good one time and average one time, but the Pho is always noteworthy. Need more proof? Just go in around lunch time on any day. Notice that most of the tables are full. Notice who is sitting at them. Yes, Caucasians. Yes, Latinos. But outnumbered by Asians. When the people who were born and raised with this food choose this restaurant out of all the Pho restaurants in town (and there are at least a half dozen other Pho houses within a half mile of this place), then you know it is good.
(5)Meahaose H.
I've moved back home to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City recently and I can honestly say that one of the things I miss most, next to friends and family of course, is this little place for Pho. The best pho I have ever had in my short, but adequately experienced life, resides at this restaurant. At he height of my patronage, I would eat here 4-5 times a week. Sundays became ritualistic for my brother and I. It was the only day of the week we'd get to spend with one another and we spent it eating here. I've never tried anything else but the pho, because I've never had to, so I don't know if the other food is good but the pho is heavenly. It's aromatic, they don't skimp on the bean sprouts, lime, basil...etc. The portions are beyond hearty and the owner is very friendly - once you get to know her that is. The house special is my bowl of choice. Be forewarned, the staff doesn't speak much English, just enough, and it can get loud. The owner also takes care of her kids after school right there at the shop. Seating is also limited so if you're looking to try it out for the first time, I'd avoid the weekends altogether. My mouth has already begun watering from this review. Here's hoping I can find a good replacement in Los Angeles! (A more daunting task than you'd think, considering the dozen or so pho places I've been to have not come close.)
(5)Veda T.
I don't have the most discriminating palate for pho, but I can tell when there's a lot of oil and msg in my food, and there was a lot of oil and msg in my pho. I'm pretty sure that there's not supposed to be an oil splotch on your napkin when you wipe your mouth after eating pho, but that's what I got a pho Cali. Plus, they put tripe in my pho, when I clearly ordered something without tripe. I know it's a lot to ask for good pho in salt lake city, but I can't cut them slack just because they're located in this state. Bottom line: they had oily soup. Oh, and I got one piece of tendon and they gave me tripe, so overall, I feel ripped off.
(2)Soko T.
nastiest place ever. thats all i can say. there was a little fly in the warm water they served me. and my bf found a hair in his pho. so disgusting. and when we told them about it. the servers acted like they don't speak english!!!
(1)Sara R.
Some of the best Pho I've had the pleasure of tasting. Get it!
(5)Drew R.
This place has one of the best bun bo hue I have ever tried. This is one of my to go places for pho. The seating arrangement is a bit weird and "free to seat" anywhere kind of thing. The pho here is a very delicious ESP the house special. If you are very hungry they offer a large bowl that can for sure guarantee to fill you up. The bun bo hue comes with something called pork blood, and the owner will ask if you want it or not. Some people do like it because it is like tofu but other with just the idea of eating blood doesn't like it. The only thing about this place is that they hire some people that don't really speak English and mostly Vietnamese. It was very hard for our waitress to take our order and for us to understand her. I think at one point I just tuned her out (I know pretty rude of me). But I will definitely recommend this place.
(4)Joy M.
Serves the best tasting pho in Utah, the broth is very yummy without having the need to doctor it with Sri racha or soy sauce. The people are amazing and so as the food.
(5)Anthony W.
Came here on a Thursday around 12:15. Not a whole lot of people. I got the house pho and shrimp spring roll. I've been here multiple times, this time it really wasn't that great. The spring roll was bland and the peanut sauce was ok. The pho tho...super bland! I had to add a bunch of Sriracha and oyster sauce(the black sauce). I wanted extra beansprouts and they said it would be $1 extra...you can buy a whole bag for less! Probably won't be coming here again. The service was better comparing to other Asian restaurants around here.
(2)Julie V.
I've tried this place a few times, and it's not too shabby! Given the other pho restaurants around, I'd say this is a bit better, but I wouldn't vouch for it being truly like Cali's pho. I've tried the house special with everything, and it's alright. Prices seem average for Utah as well. +1 Star: Reasonable serving time +1 Star: Decent food with average prices +1 Star: Never had to wait to be seated +1 Star: It's in Utah. -1 Star: One thing I've learned repeatedly is that Vietnamese food in Utah just isn't what I expect it to be...given my biases, there's no way I can honestly give this place more than 4 stars.
(4)Guy B.
Recently I made my first foray to Pho Cali, unfortunately it will likely be my last. I'm quite shocked, honestly, that this restaurant has such high reviews, there is very little that is redeemable about it. I feel bad hammering away here at this joint, it serves as someone's livelihood, after all, but after shelling out $30 for inferior quality of food, I feel that I have little choice. The primary problem with this restaurant is the food. That should be the purpose of a restaurant, serving good quality palatable food. Pho Cali fails here. I had one of the most disappointing bowls of pho in my near and distant memory (that's over 20 years of pho eating). The broth was surpringly bland. For a bowl of beef pho, this broth tasted awfully suspicious, more like chicken stock. There was virtually no hint of spices, and I have my doubts that any beef simmered in that pot. The noodles in my bowl were ample, but the quality of meat was lacking, and what meat did exist was not flavorful. It tasted freezer-burned and overcooked. My wife had a bowl of bun bo hue, one of her favorite dishes. She was extremely disappointed for similar reasons. Neither of us finished more than half of our bowl, which is surprising considering our usual habits. I have nothing to complain about regarding the service. The restaurant was jam packed, though why I can't imagine, and we were still seated and served promptly. The head hostess was very kind and attentive, and the other staff members were hard at work. The restaurant itself is very spartan, packed from wall to wall with tables. The practicality of the layout is noticeable. Sadly, so is the poor quality of the food. Until I hear about improvements being made to the quality of their food, I will not be visiting Pho Cali again.
(2)Doug C.
Pho is alright here, I would say their broth is good but not as good as pho 99. Price also isn't as good as pho 99. The service is good, interesting to pay at their little pay station. The regular size pho is a good size, I can't imagine what the large is. Meat is good, they don't skimp on meat. Onions are circular which is odd. Good amount of noodles. Would I come back? Probably. Though pho 99 broth is better.
(3)Wallace W.
I had the seafood and pork egg noodle soup which was full of seafood balls, shrimp, a shrimp wonton and a nice vegetable plate full of cilantro Chinese garlic, jalapeño, lime and soy bean sprouts. Lots of food with a very good flavor for the price. I'll be back.
(4)Jesse N.
I love Pho! I try to eat pho at least once a week and pho Cali is the place I go. Been all around town and this place is the best.
(5)Meechelle D.
I love food and one of my favorite dishes is Pho. You really can't go wrong with a hot savory bowl of noodles mixed with delicious broth and your choice of meet. BOY, was I wrong. Let me begin by expressing my honest opinion of Pho Cali's food, service and general experience as a foodie. My friend and I had to seat ourselves and we weren't given menus. I just told the waitress that I wanted what I usually order which is a large bowl with brisket and meatballs, while my friend ordered a small bowl. Both dishes come out and they're the same size. Which I assume I will get charged the small price but I was wrong. They also extra charged me on the meat and the broth was mostly flavored with MSG. The service from the beginning was very unwelcoming and I've never spent so much at a Pho restaurant and all we ordered were two bowls of Pho. I will never go to this place again as it left a bad taste. I don't say this about a lot of places but I don't recommend this place! Don't waste your time....Go somewhere else!!
(1)Phi T.
"Best pho in Utah" hmmm are you people on crack?? I've been here twice. My first was a few years ago when I was being "adventurous". It was disappointing to say the least. The broth did not taste right and the meat wasn't fresh. I paid $9 for a small bowl of pho that I can make better at home, and let's just say that I don't even know how to make pho. Then I was here again a couple of months ago, was NOT my choice by the way. I was with a couple friends and little did I recall my first experience here that I gave their pho another chance. It was mediocre and bland. With Asia Palace right across the street, I don't think you will ever find me here again.
(2)Ruben A.
I had the bun thit Nuong, and it was tasty. Pretty similar to other places that have great bun, so nothing out of the ordinary. But still, pretty good food and fairly inexpensive.
(4)Katie P.
A great rich broth on the Phò, and certainly one of my new go to places for it. There did seem a flavor or spice missing, but it was still very good. Son had boneless BBQ chicken over rice with veg on the side. He loved it!
(4)Stephen L.
This used to be the best Pho restaurant in Utah. However, I'm unsure what happened, but the past couple of years, the taste becomes "bland"... Also, any simple changes like getting egg noodle from rice noodle get additional charges.... bummer ! So I stopped coming to this restaurant. I loved their appetizer of "fried wantan", this still stayed the same...
(2)Cristhel S.
#4 with the meat on the side is my fave! Love this Pho House for the Pho and Egg Rolls. Mmmmm....
(5)Taryn N.
BEST PHO!! I've been there 3 times this week. It's addicting and delicious! The broth is amazing and they give you plenty of basil, sprouts, etc. Friendly service. Great pot stickers and egg rolls. There's always a steady crowd. Water tastes yucky so I always have to get a pop which is a bummer. I would love to find great pho closer to home but I don't dare to try anyplace else...afraid I won't like it as much!
(5)Ling W.
A cozy place for some confort food! The soup were good and they gave out lots of ingredient in it. However, the rice dish is not so ideal. I got the rice with BBQ chicken tight but they give me breast instead. The breast had good flavor but its a lil bit dry. I will definetly come back and try the pho next time.
(4)Ngan P.
Pho Cali has good food but not a great atmosphere. I always feel so rushed like I can't even enjoy my food. Don't bring your children here because they absolutely can't stand the mess children make, my brother and sister in law have actually boycotted this place after an altercation with the owner about the mess their kids made, but I believe that is what tipping is for; service and cleanup. My wife and I use to go on a weekly basis but in recent times we haven't because the minute we get our food it's like here's your check, get out! If I wanted fast food, I would've ordered to-go or eaten at McDonald's. Maybe it's their service that has made me not want to return, or the fact that I feel so rushed, but I don't think we'll be returning anytime soon. I use to say they had the best pho, but now I just don't even know, over the weekend we ate there and the broth was just off for me. Perhaps I'm losing my Vietnamese taste for pho and prefer Laos pho, or these pho joints in Utah are just not hitting it for me anymore, homemade pho is the way to go these days. If you do eat there prepare yourself for the rice and vermicelli dish portions, they are nothing like what you'd get at other Vietnamese restaurants. Overall this is just my review, it's a place worth eating at but not first choice anymore.
(4)Andrea C.
Some of the best service and pho I've had since the pho places I would go to in Sacramento, CA! Highly recommend all to go!!
(5)Victoria T.
Walking in, I felt like I was back in California. There were actual Asians having lunch, and actual Vietnamese chatting noisily in their native language. I knew I'd see more authenticity here than at Pho Thin the day before. Opening up the menu, I relaxed even more. The foreign pricing of Pho Thin was a thing of the past, for at Pho Cali a regular size was $7.25, and a large $8.45. I sipped my water with lime and ordered the Pho Tai Nam I couldn't get the day before. I was kind of cracking up on the inside because here I was in SLC sitting next to the Golden Gate Bridge. The ambiance here wasn't as nice as in Pho Thin, but it was good all the same. The soft mint walls were adorned with photos on one wall and metal flowery wall hangings on another. The warm cherry tables were in good condition, as were the black padded chairs. But anyway, the food. The pho came out in two minutes! The garnishes had everything I wanted, including jalepenos and even saw leaf! This broth was good, but lacked a solid meat flavor. Pho Cali's broth is a sweeter one, with a prevalent star anise scent and flavor. The noodles were great, but the meat was a little dry. The rare steak was a hint of pink when I got it, and I was glad to have brisket, but neither was especially good. Sipping spoonfuls of broth after finishing everything else, I detected a warmth that I'd missed earlier. Oh yeah, it was probably because I had four jalepeno slices soaking in there. Obviously. So having pho two days in a row might seem a bit excessive (even for the Pho Queen), but I was glad I came. Good pho at a fair price? I can't complain. It was definitely a more authentic experience, right down to being asked twice if I was ready to order, once before I'd even opened the menu. Maybe they had me pegged as a regular pho eater? Rating Breakdown Taste (10/14): Broth flavor- 3/5 Noodle & meat quality- 3/5 Garnish selection- 2/2 Portion size- 2/2 Restaurant (13/16): Service- 4/5 Cleanliness- 4/5 Atmosphere- 3/4 Speed of arrival- 2/2 Total: 23/30 Read more at phoacrossamerica.com
(4)Brian H.
The pho broth is simply the best, it is flavorful. The noodles are typical pho noodles. They have the best pho in the area. It looks like a hole in the wall, It's located in a strip mall right next to another Vietnamese restaurant.
(5)Sam S.
Located at a small strip mall in WVC, Pho Cali isn't much to look at and the food leaves something to be desired. Inside the interior is pretty simple and sparsely decorated. There are a dozen or so tables with comfortable, padded chairs and it's very clean. Service was snappy and our pho was served up fresh and hot. Unfortunately the broth was very watery and had practically no flavor. Adding some jalapeños, salt, pepper, and hot sauce improved the flavor considerably, but the beef was still very bland because it has cooked in the near flavorless broth. I don't know if we were at Pho Cali on an off day, but this broth really surprised me because so many other people have commented how good the broth is. With so many other pho options in the area I don't know if I'm willing to give Pho Cali another chance.
(2)Jonathan B.
This is a great pho location. Good value & great taste. The rest of the menu is a little lacking, but why would you get anything else? It's like going to a mexican joint and asking for a burger. I'd definitely go back if I was in the neighborhood again.
(3)John C.
If this place had flavor in their Pho I would go more often. I am always going with old co-workers that seem to like this place over Pho Hoa. Never could understand them, they have to dress the broth with so much flavor by adding sauces until it gets dark brown. The service isn't that great, doesn't seem very welcoming. I don't like how the tables are so close together so you can't have a decent conversation.
(3)Rachael B.
Dependable and tasty Pho. I've been here a few times this winter on my search for the best Pho in Salt Lake. The service is very quick, the portions are huge, and prices are reasonable. I have found the cuts of beef to be a bit fattier than other restaurants, but I can look past it. The interior is not fancy, but who said it had to be, right? When busy, it can get very loud as a lot of families are looking for their Pho fix as well. If it's cold out, stay away from the door or you'll be shivering every time someone enters the restaurant. Overall very good Pho, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Tony L.
Visited them again recently, it seems like they got back on track with their food again. The place looks the same as last time. There is still that one girl server that seems a bit angry all the time. The Pho tasted a lot better now, as the soup was no longer overly flavorful with food additives, but it seems like they made some cutback on the meats and other ingredients. I think they are on par with some of the Pho joints nearby, but still not a super exciting Pho place for me yet.
(3)Jason N.
I've been on the hunt for Vietnamese places in SLC and this is the best Pho I've had here. It's light and flavorful. It's worth the stop.
(5)Alex J.
This is my favorite place to have pho. They are abundant with their ingredients and everything tastes fresh. You do not come here for the service, but they are quick and efficient.
(5)Karineh H.
I've been to pho places all over Salt Lake, LA, Las Vegas, and Honolulu; this place is the best. Their pho has flavorful broth, lots if veggies, huge portions, and reasonably priced. You do have to have the mindset that you're going for the food and not the ambiance, though. It's in a blah strip mall. The pho is so great though, that I now find the ordinary surroundings endearing. Definitely highly recommended.
(5)Miriam P.
Geez! Finally! A decent Vietnamese restaurant in the Salt Lake area! I have tried so many Vietnamese restaurants looking for decent pho and bun (the vermicelli noodle salad bowl) and FINALLY I found Pho Cali. You know good pho by the soup and the soup was awesome. Fresh, flavored just right, not too salty, not too sweet, just right. And the bun was awesome. Probably the best bun I've had anywhere! The pork and shrimp were cooked just right with the right amount of bbq smoke and the pieces weren't all smelly or fatty. The sauce was a great flavoring, probably the best mixture I've ever eaten and the noodles were cooked just perfectly. I don't know if my excitement is because of the great food or the fact that I have now found hope in meeting my Vietnamese food needs in SLC, but this place is the spot for awesome eats. Bottom line: Everyone that works here is mean, but no matter, it's all about the food!
(5)Amanda A.
Please do yourself a favor and go next door to Gossip instead. The pho isn't terrible, but its definitely the worst I've had. I should know. I eat pho 8 days a week.
(1)Thomas V.
Decent pho with fast preparation. I like coming here when I'm craving it since it's a bit of home (Cali). I'd recommend it for anyone who's looking for decent pho around Utah. They have other stuff like fried rice that's pretty good too. I've liked both that I've tried so far. Prices are under $10/entrée.
(4)Jackson B.
My favorite Pho spot in SLC valley. Consistent product with good broth, plenty of meat, large portions, and fresh veggies.
(4)Greg P.
I woke up this morning with a crazy plan. Go on a Yelp safari! Eat only at new places that Yelpsters recommend. That brings me to dinner. Trying pho cali for the first time. Now, I am not a newbie to pho, on the contrary, I am a seasoned vet. That being said, I was blown away! The broth is so good. I like mine on the spicy side and they have plenty on hand to satisfy. If you want to step out the box... Get your pho on! Tip... Large is HUGE! 2 restaurants, 2 reviews, 2 awesome meals and one big thanks to all the yelpers. Good call!
(4)Oscar P.
The first time I tried Pho was about 8 years ago in Oakland. It was home made and brought in by a Vietnamese coworker. It wasn't my cup of tea. I wasn't ready for something so different. Fast forward to 2013 in SLC and now I have my cousin badgering me about this Pho place on 3500s by Redwood. I was not interested. I couldn't help but remember my last run in with Pho. I finally gave in so he'd leave me alone. Im glad i did. I can't tell you what was different or why. All i can say is that its incredibly tastey. Maybe my palette matured. I dont know. The noodles. The broth. The meat. Its all awesome. I go there at least once a week with my cousin. Sometimes i get it to go. I could be wrong but it seems like the porrions aren't as big when you get it to go. Either way....i love it.
(5)Ryan K.
Pho Cali is one of my favorite pho places in the valley. Don't come in expecting much for ambiance. I love the fact that the owner lady is always there, and will come by frequently to make sure everything tastes great. We started with potstickers as our appetizer, and they were nicely cooked and delicious. And now, on to the pho. If you order the large size, be prepared for a bowl containing about a gallon of broth to be served to you, alongside a generous side dish containing sprouts, cilantro, thai basil, and jalapenos. I think the broth at Cali is delicious. It is always flavorful, with a very nice balanced amount of spices. No crazy throat-drying additives in my bowl, Tony. The other thing that I like about this place is that you won't be disappointed in the amount of noodles you're served, which I've found to be lacking at other places. The meat never really knocks my socks off here. It always seems to be tougher than it should be. Not to mention that they have the best name in all of Utah. High five for the sweet name.
(4)Justin L.
Best Pho place in Utah. Great employees always welcoming. I have been to pho places all over Utah and this is the best place yet. Big portions cheap and good taste. House Special!!!!
(5)Monica B.
This is one of my favorite pho places. The portion sizes are good (you get a good amount of food for the money), and there's plenty of meat in the soup. They offer other foods other than pho as well, but I mostly come here for the pho. My only complaint is that when you ask for a water, it's the city tap water and it tastes nasty. Thai Ice Tea is a great compliment with a hot bowl of pho. Not a 5 Star rating, but hits the spot every time. Lastly, it's conveniently located next to Gossip if you're craving a boba or milk tea. :)
(4)Sally H.
We tried this place on a whim and I was loving the food. Some of the best pho I have had. Fresh ingredients and it made a difference, so delicious.
(5)Kim N.
I love pho cali. They have the best vietnamese pho ever. I m very picky and I only go here.
(5)Brandon E.
I've been here 3 times in the last 2 weeks. I get the #12 without tendon every time. The pho is good and I'd have rated 4 stars if it weren't for a few minor annoyances. 1 - They don't allow you to substitute meat items. I dont like tendon and would prefer to sub it for meat balls. They say that they will give me extra of the other meats but, it doesn't seem that way. 2 - Their tripe is chopped up so small that it's almost unnoticeable. Not sure if they're trying to cater to a gringo palate or what. 3 - It seems strange that they dont have Thai tea Pho Cali makes a pretty solid bowl of pho. I personally prefer Pho 99 just a few blocks south
(3)J B.
I went to this place expecting the best pho in the city, as has been advertised. I was somewhat disappointed. The pho was good, but the best around? No. Not even close. Don't get me wrong. It is worth going to if you want good pho. But if you are expecting it to be head and shoulders above other places in the city that serve pho then you might be disappointed. Also, the Cha Gìo (egg rolls) were disappointing, to say they least. They weren't even that good. Far, far below others I have had elsewhere. Perhaps I need to go back to try their Bún Ch Gìo (Vermicelli with egg rolls) or the Bún with pork.
(3)Travis B.
I'm no phool this is the best pho you can buy. Ok it's bad writing and you can punch me in the face for it. First went here because a Vietnamese buddy of mine who will remain nameless (it was Lu his name is Lu) said this pho was as good as his mother's. First time in I ordered the stir fry flat noodles with chicken and good god it was good. This time I ordered the meatball pho with extra meatballs and I swear by my enchanted hammer you will not find a better bowl in Midguard. I would say this is the second best pho in Salt Lake (the first place ribbon going to Lu's mom, and yes that is her name, it is on her drivers license. First name "Lu's" last name "Mom"). The price is right and the food is insane. The service is always friendly and fast. They are really fast, so fast in fact I thought I saw them take my order go over and make then go back in time to give it to me just after I ordered it..........I may have imagined that last bit, I have been drinking a lot lately. The ONLY reason they don't get 5 stars is because Lu's Mom is still making pho.
(4)Monica T.
As a supposed SLC area pho expert, I decided recently it was a travesty that I hadn't yet visited Pho Cali, so one rainy day (we've been having a lot of those lately), I decided to give it a shot. The first thing I noticed was that the water they served me didn't taste so good. I recognize that yes, I am a water snob (don't ask how that happened), but it wasn't such a good omen. The second thing I noticed was that they didn't have my precious spring rolls on the menu. So sad. But things got better from there. I ordered the fried egg rolls instead, and they came out quickly and were crisp, tasty, and obviously fresh. Pho came out exceedingly fast shortly thereafter. The first thing I noticed was that they had broken up the rice noodles in the bowl so they were easier to eat without making a mess; I really appreciated that. There was a good amount of noodles, and enough meat, though maybe not as much as you'd get at some other places. The broth was good but not great. It smelled good and had a nice flavor, but I didn't think it was quite bold enough to stand up with the rest of the soup. As far as the condiments, the basil was fresher looking than most places...always a plus. Service was decent but a bit rushed, as you'd might expect. Prices seemed a bit higher than some other places. So overall, I enjoyed Pho Cali, and I'd be a regular if it was the only game in town. However, the other places around that block do a better job.
(3)Spencer S.
I've decided that its time to update my Pho Cali review so that it properly reflects my level of obsession with this restaurant. Bottom line, I love this restaurant and i crave it multiple times a week. There have been times where i have eaten a number 5 at Pho Cali 3 times in one week. I am completely addicted. I consider myself a soup connoisseur and the taste of the broth is so far superior to any other Pho, or any soup for that matter, that i have ever tasted. Add to that the wonderful texture of the noodles, the lovely meat and the ridiculously low price and you have the perfect meal. Once you become a regular, like myself, all the wonderful staff will know what you want and will have it started as soon as you walk in the door. In the end I cannot over hype this restaurant. It is the epitome of what a locally owned restaurant should be.
(5)Eric A.
I love cali. Fast friendly service, Generous portions, great soup, and the freshest herbs and veggies. Make it my favorite pho joint.
(5)Marcus G.
The decor was simple...and I ordered the pho. The pho had to be the worst pho I've ever had at a restaurant. It smelled like pho, but when you ate it, it was like a bowl of hot water with noodles and meat. I had to ask for extra fat to give it some flavor, and that didn't really help.
(1)Chris F.
Simply outstanding Pho with great service!
(4)Michael M.
Great "noodles" great service.
(5)Angela L.
Was driving through Salt Lake City on a road trip with hubby and craved pho (I don't know why). You should trust our review because we are from Orange County, CA - the county with the largest Vietnamese population in the US with plenty of pho restaurants. Additionally, my husband is Vietnamese. I am pleasantly surprised to find good quality pho in Salt Lake City! The broth was clear and flavorful. The beef slices were thin and fresh. They also gave generous portions of vegetables to add to the pho; which is something that many restaurants in Orange County skimp on. The only thing that tasted weird was the meatballs in the soup. They tasted spoiled so we took them out of the soup. Highly highly recommend. If you've never had pho before, you should go to this place. Good quality pho and attentive service - the owner actually chatted with us and with other customers, who appeared to be regulars. In CA, no one will come over to chat with you.
(4)Kayla G.
Oh boy, my very first Salt Lake-area review! Get ready folks. Shits about to get craaazy. ;) Anyways, this evening I was reeeally craving pho, partially because a rather intense hangover was still hanging on, and let's be honest- there's no better cure for such ailment than a big bowl of pho. I had really wanted to try this place last week, but it happened to be after 9pm, and they were closed... so this time I made sure to call in my order by 8:30. Still, when I got there to pick up, I found the door locked. I could see my order sitting, waiting for me... for a brief moment I panicked.. until I saw an employee rush by. I jumped around in front of the door, and it actually worked in getting her attention. After all this, I realized I could have just called.. but that's neither here nor there. I was pretty stoked that 2 orders of beef pho only came to about 14 bucks.. I can't imagine what the large looks like, because the regular is pretty huge. The broth was very flavorful, and I was impressed by the amount and freshness of the veggie/herb goodies that came with. Also, the beef to noodle ratio was very good... its no fun to have a ton of noodles left with no beef, or vice versa. The one and only thing I would change is perhaps the meat could be a bit more flavorful.. but it was definitely tender. I also can't say I tasted any MSG or additives in the broth. All in all a win, in my opinion. And i'd say my opinion is pretty valid, being from CA. I wish they were open later... some of us like to eat past 9:00... just a hint. ;)
(4)Ian F.
Of all the Vietnamese restaurants in this area, of which there are many, the food stands out as some of my favorite. The Pho and Bun are both excellent. I especially appreciate the broth in the Pho, it is not too cloudy, not too clear and very delicious! The bun ingredients are all excellent, but the portion is a bit smaller than I expected. I did have issues with the service however. The waitress seemed slightly bothered that we had arrived, possibly because we were the first of the lunch rush. I asked if I could substitute the pork in the bun with chicken, apparently that is frowned upon. She acted as if that was a stupid question, I though her response was jokingly at first, but it wasn't. I was also irritated when she began texting as she rang up my bill. Although this caused only a slight delay in my departure, I thought it was very unprofessional. I recommend this place if you love Vietnamese food, just don't expect friendly service and don't ask for substitutions.
(4)Jai W.
Cha giao, is average. Veggies served with pho are fresh and plentiful. Notably a nice variety, not just basil, sprouts chillies and lime. The broth had good flavor and the beef was fresh and generous.
(4)Cheng C.
So I am little bias here because I'm from Northern Cali and with a name like Pho Cali it will have to live it up. So by far of all the noodle houses I have ate(4other ones) since moving to Salt Lake City this come close to my Cali pho. When we walked in, it smell like a noodle house I often go to in Cali and the taste was close enough but it was missing something, I cant put my finger on it but it was missing something. It was good and the portion size is by far the best. Enough noodles to meat. Which is key. I hate going to eat pho and I get a handful of noodles and I have a hella (a cali term) meat left over. I also tried there vermicelli dish which is similar but not to what I'm used too. We will be back since this is close to where we live and its close enough to cali pho.
(4)Davin K.
Of all the Pho places in SLC, this one is my favorite. Good service, quick and easy location, straight to the point with proper ingredients and amazing broth goodness. All the best fresh addins, and they make a perfect Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. This place is a weekly addiction.
(5)Char J.
Pho Cali.. good soup and good service.
(4)Alanna L.
Pho Cali is one of the best Pho places in Salt Lake City, at least that is my opinion. :) When I want Pho this is where I go. Don't go there expecting some nice fancy booths and decorations. The place was recently repainted and with some new asian paintings. The service is quick. A regular bowl of Pho fills me up! The rice plates are pretty good as well.
(4)Matthew C.
tasty tasty!
(4)Belange H.
Used to be a great Pho joint, but the last three times I've gone here, the pho has been bland and watered down. It's really a hit and miss place, and I'd rather not take my chances. Plus it really kills your appetite when they roll around the dish cart and empty the bowls and dishes in front of your table.
(1)Rich L.
I wont pretend to know anything about Pho, but I've read alot of reviews about how good some of the Pho places are and found myself at this one. I figured it's probably as good a place as any to start off. When I walked in I was hit in the face with the smell of fresh mint and after chewing gum all morning I wasn't feeling like a mint lunch. I asked the waitress what she recommended a couple times and couldn't get an answer (turns out she doesn't speak any English) so another waitress has to translate everything which was cool, just glad they got it right. I tried some Pho bowl with shredded tripe, beef and a mild sausage and really good noodles (I assume rice noodles) It was really good, with lots of different hot sauces to add at your own pace along with bean sprouts and fresh basil. I thought it was good, the service was fast and nice so I guess Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)Rick H.
I still can't say the name of this restaurant with a straight face!
(3)Ernest W.
Hmmm...I had an interesting experience. The good: The owning family was really nice and welcoming. Oh, and the pho noodles were some of the BEST I have ever tasted. Very distinct. Quite different from the ones I'm used to in California (and even Vietnam itself). Very tasty. Must be in the texture. The bad: THE BEEF! I'm sorry, but this has got to be the most UNFLAVORFUL beef I have ever had in my life. I initially thought it was just the first piece, but upon finishing the entire bowl, I realized that not one single piece of beef was up to par. I mean, were the owners going for healthy beef (as in no salt, no seasoning, no MSG)? Because if THAT'S the intention, then OK, they succeeded. But methinks not. I don't know why I was given a bowl of such epic disparities. Even the soup, as flavorful as that was, was not enough to dampen the insipidness of the beef. Just utterly eh! I really wanted to like...no LOVE...my bowl of pho...but I just couldn't.
(2)kai z.
One of the main reasons I'm giving Pho Cali a 5-star rating is because it is the best pho you can get here in Salt Lake City. It's even better than a lot of the places in California. Service is quick and pho is consistent. It's an affordable and clean environment. I've never really tried anything other than pho here. It's always good to eat pho and then head next door to for a tapioca drink at Gossip. I recommend coconut snow with boba.
(5)Sky M.
I love Pho. In fact, I think I am addicted. I work at two different locations and the only nearby restaurants I care about are the ones that serve Pho. When I am driving through cities in other states, the restaurants I notice are Pho houses. I eat it everywhere that I can. So, yeah, I have some experience with this stuff. That is why when I say that this is one of the very best Pho restaurants in town, you should just believe me. It is worth going out of your way for the soup they serve here. Frankly, I have only tried one other thing on their menu and that was good one time and average one time, but the Pho is always noteworthy. Need more proof? Just go in around lunch time on any day. Notice that most of the tables are full. Notice who is sitting at them. Yes, Caucasians. Yes, Latinos. But outnumbered by Asians. When the people who were born and raised with this food choose this restaurant out of all the Pho restaurants in town (and there are at least a half dozen other Pho houses within a half mile of this place), then you know it is good.
(5)Mandy Z.
my favor place for pho, that's the only place I go when i craving pho.
(5)Meahaose H.
I've moved back home to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City recently and I can honestly say that one of the things I miss most, next to friends and family of course, is this little place for Pho. The best pho I have ever had in my short, but adequately experienced life, resides at this restaurant. At he height of my patronage, I would eat here 4-5 times a week. Sundays became ritualistic for my brother and I. It was the only day of the week we'd get to spend with one another and we spent it eating here. I've never tried anything else but the pho, because I've never had to, so I don't know if the other food is good but the pho is heavenly. It's aromatic, they don't skimp on the bean sprouts, lime, basil...etc. The portions are beyond hearty and the owner is very friendly - once you get to know her that is. The house special is my bowl of choice. Be forewarned, the staff doesn't speak much English, just enough, and it can get loud. The owner also takes care of her kids after school right there at the shop. Seating is also limited so if you're looking to try it out for the first time, I'd avoid the weekends altogether. My mouth has already begun watering from this review. Here's hoping I can find a good replacement in Los Angeles! (A more daunting task than you'd think, considering the dozen or so pho places I've been to have not come close.)
(5)Veda T.
I don't have the most discriminating palate for pho, but I can tell when there's a lot of oil and msg in my food, and there was a lot of oil and msg in my pho. I'm pretty sure that there's not supposed to be an oil splotch on your napkin when you wipe your mouth after eating pho, but that's what I got a pho Cali. Plus, they put tripe in my pho, when I clearly ordered something without tripe. I know it's a lot to ask for good pho in salt lake city, but I can't cut them slack just because they're located in this state. Bottom line: they had oily soup. Oh, and I got one piece of tendon and they gave me tripe, so overall, I feel ripped off.
(2)Soko T.
nastiest place ever. thats all i can say. there was a little fly in the warm water they served me. and my bf found a hair in his pho. so disgusting. and when we told them about it. the servers acted like they don't speak english!!!
(1)