If you’re looking for something beyond the usual pho and vermicelli bowls, Bún Riêu Phương Nam in Burnaby is worth checking out. This small hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese spot serves a dish you don’t commonly see around Metro Vancouver — Bún Riêu Cua, a tomato-based crab noodle soup packed with flavour.
We stopped by on a weekday afternoon to see what this local spot was all about.
Location & Parking
Address: 7405 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B1
The restaurant is tucked into a small plaza along Edmonds Street, with convenient parking right beside the restaurant, which is always a plus. We visited around 3pm on a weekday, and it was quiet with plenty of seating and parking available.
Atmosphere: Small, Local, and Authentic
This is definitely a small hole-in-the-wall spot, but in the best way. The interior feels authentically Vietnamese with lots of plants, redwood-style chairs, and white marble tables.
One detail that stood out immediately — the menu had handwritten pricing changes crossed out with pen, which honestly just adds to the local, non-commercial vibe. It feels like a neighbourhood restaurant rather than a polished chain.
What We Ordered
- Chả Giò (Deep Fried Spring Rolls) — $10.95
- Gỏi Cuốn (Shrimp Salad Rolls) — $10.95
- Bún Riêu Cua Phương Nam (Special Crab Soup with Vermicelli) — $17.95 small / $18.95 large
- Cơm Sườn, Gà Nướng Xả (Grilled Lemongrass Pork & Chicken on Rice) — $17.95
- Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) — $6.95
- Vietnamese Sugarcane Juice
Service & Allergy Accommodation
Service was friendly and accommodating. One member of our group had a peanut allergy, and the staff provided two different dipping sauces for the shrimp rolls, which was nice to see.
Appetizers: Solid and Fresh
The deep fried spring rolls came out hot and crispy, with a satisfying crunch.
The shrimp salad rolls were fresh and juicy, packed with lettuce and shrimp. Paired with the Vietnamese sweet fish sauce, they were especially good and easy to snack on.
The Highlight: Bún Riêu Cua Phương Nam
his was the standout dish and something you don’t often see at Vietnamese restaurants in Metro Vancouver.
Bún Riêu is a Vietnamese crab noodle soup typically made with a tomato-based broth, crab paste, tofu, and herbs. It’s especially popular in southern Vietnam, and variations can differ depending on region and family recipes.
What surprised us here was the noodle choice. Instead of the usual thin flat rice vermicelli, they used wider, thicker rice noodles, similar to what you might see in Hong Kong-style noodle dishes. It gave the soup a slightly different texture compared to traditional versions.
The broth itself had:
- A rich crab flavour
- Slight tanginess from tomatoes
- Mild spice with a subtle mouth-tingling finish
- Small bits of crab meat throughout
The flavour was unique — almost like the natural crab juices you get inside a crab shell, but turned into a full broth. The tomatoes also added a nice balance to the richness.
If you’re looking to try something different from pho, this is definitely worth ordering.
Lemongrass Pork & Chicken Rice Plate
The grilled lemongrass pork and chicken was solid overall. The meat was tender, well-seasoned, and served with steamed rice. Nothing overly unique, but a reliable choice if you want something more standard.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
The Vietnamese iced coffee was very strong — even for someone who enjoys bold coffee. It could’ve used slightly more condensed milk for balance, but still delivered that classic intense Vietnamese coffee flavour.
Portions & Pricing
Portion sizes were generous, and prices felt reasonable for the amount of food. This is the kind of place where you can share multiple dishes and still feel satisfied.
Our Verdict?
Bún Riêu Phương Nam is a small, authentic Vietnamese spot that stands out for offering Bún Riêu Cua, a dish that’s surprisingly hard to find around Metro Vancouver.
Between the flavourful crab soup, crispy spring rolls, and strong Vietnamese coffee, it’s a solid local option — especially if you’re looking to try something beyond pho.
Would we come back?
Yes — especially for the Bún Riêu Cua.
Bún Riêu Phương Nam
7405 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B1
Phone: (604) 522-0500
Hours: 11am – 8pm (Closed Wednesdays)
Parking: Plaza parking beside restaurant
If you’re exploring more local eats in the area, Burnaby has been getting some interesting new spots lately. After trying this, you could also check out Baohaus for another casual stop if you’re looking for more food recommendations nearby.
