Pho 37 is a popular, casual Vietnamese restaurant and I visited their Robson, Vancouver location for the first time. On my visit, we tried the Special Beef Noodle Soup, Vietnamese Beef Carpaccio, and Vietnamese Shaking Beef.
The Pho Dac Biet was a solid choice featuring a rich and aromatic beef broth along with medium-rare beef slices, beef brisket, meatballs, tendon, and tripe. The medium-rare beef added a tender, juicy element, while the tendon and tripe brought a satisfying chewiness.
The Vietnamese Beef Carpaccio was a lighter, refreshing dish with thinly sliced beef marinated in citrus juice. The acidity of the marinade “cooks” the beef, creating a tender texture and a zesty flavour. Topped with crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced onions, this dish had a nice mix of tastes. I thought that was a good balance between the tartness of the citrus and the nuttiness of the peanuts.
The Vietnamese Shaking Beef was a hearty and savoury dish with tender cubes of stir-fried beef. The beef is seasoned with a soy-based marinade and cooked to a perfect sear, resulting in a caramelized exterior and juicy interior. Served with a side of salad greens and tomatoes, the dish offers a well-rounded flavour profile with a hint of sweetness to complement the robust umami notes.
Overall, the dining experience at Pho 37 was no frills and I would return again.
Pho 37 is located at 1578 Robson St, Vancouver, BC.