Review

Pho37 Review: Why This Spot Always Has a Line

If you’ve ever walked past Pho37 — especially the Capstan location — you already know. There’s almost always a line outside. And not just during peak hours either.…

If you’ve ever walked past Pho37 — especially the Capstan location — you already know. There’s almost always a line outside. And not just during peak hours either. Midday, evening, weekends — this place is consistently packed.

A lot of Vancouver locals will tell you this is the spot for pho, and after finally sitting down to try it properly, it’s honestly hard to argue with that.

Before we get into the food, full transparency: we do handle Pho37’s online ordering services. That also means we’ve seen firsthand how busy they get — and why online ordering actually makes a difference here. If you’re trying to skip the lines, ordering ahead is definitely the move.

Even with that affiliation, we visited as genuine customers to see if the hype holds up.


A Growing Vancouver Pho Chain

Pho37 has expanded quickly, which makes sense considering how busy they are. They now have four locations:

Commercial Drive
1818 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
(604) 655-2223
Monday – Sunday (11AM – 10PM)

Robson Street
1578 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 354-2030
Monday – Sunday (11AM – 10PM)

Capstan Way
8300 Capstan Way #1008, Richmond, BC
(604) 447-5158
Monday – Sunday (11AM – 10PM)

Steveston Highway
11666 Steveston Hwy #3120, Richmond, BC
(604) 447-4403
Monday – Sunday (11AM – 10PM)

They opened the Commercial Drive location a couple months ago, showing just how strong demand has been.

Commercial Drive location Pho 37

What To Order

We sat down with Lucas, marketing director at Pho37, who recommended going with their most popular item:

No. 37 — Tuan’s Special Beef Noodle Soup ($20.95)
Named after owner Tuan, this bowl is what many customers come specifically for.

Tuan's Special Noodle Soup at pho 37

The first thing you’ll notice is the poached egg, which isn’t something you see in most pho bowls. The yolk was perfectly runny, adding extra richness to the already flavourful broth.

Other highlights:

  • Generous portion size
  • Perfectly cooked noodles
  • Rich broth that never felt salty
  • Well-balanced beef toppings

The broth is really the standout here. It’s deep and flavourful without being overpowering — the kind of soup you can keep drinking without getting tired of it.

We also asked Lucas about the “right” way to eat pho — whether to mix hoisin and hot sauce directly into the soup or keep it on the side. His answer: there isn’t one. Different regions of Vietnam do it differently, so it really comes down to personal preference.

What Else We Got

Pork Banh Mi

We also tried the pork banh mi ($10.95). This one was packed with vegetables and herbs, with the cilantro really tying everything together. It’s a lighter option compared to pho but still very satisfying.

Banh Mi

Lemongrass Chicken Combo + Minced Shrimp on Sugarcane

We also ordered:
Lemongrass Chicken or Pork, Spring Rolls and Minced Shrimp on Sugarcane ($23.95)

Lemongrass Chicken

This was my first time trying minced shrimp on sugarcane, and it was easily one of the most memorable bites of the visit. Lucas showed us the proper way to eat it — after finishing the shrimp, you suck on the sugarcane, which releases a burst of sweetness. It’s something I would’ve never thought to do myself, and it really added to the experience.

The rest of the combo was solid:

  • Well-seasoned lemongrass chicken
  • Crispy spring rolls
  • Generous portion overall

Signature Iced Coffee

Of course, we had to grab their signature Vietnamese iced coffee ($8.95). The dispenser even had the Pho37 logo on it — a small detail, but it shows how much attention they put into branding.

The coffee itself was strong, sweet, and exactly what you’d expect from a classic Vietnamese iced coffee.

Vietnamese iced coffee at Pho37

Monday Deal

If you’re looking for a deal, Pho37 offers 10% off on Mondays, which is worth keeping in mind — especially given how popular this spot is. You can order online at any location through their website.

Final Thoughts

Pho37 has built a reputation as one of the busiest pho spots in Vancouver, and after trying it, it’s easy to see why. Between the rich broth, generous portions, and unique touches like the poached egg and shrimp on sugarcane, it stands out from the crowd.

Is it the best pho in the city? That’s always subjective — but it’s definitely in the conversation.

Looking for more pho around the city? Check out our reviews of Thai Son and Bún Riêu Phương Nam while we work on our full Metro Vancouver pho guide.

Best for:

  • Popular Vancouver pho spot
  • Rich, balanced broth
  • Generous portions
  • Multiple locations
  • Unique pho toppings

Would we come back?
Yes — especially for Tuan’s Special.

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