It’s pho-king cold out there!
The long, bone-chilling commute to class in the early mornings and the even longer, bone-chillier commute back home can feel pretty daunting for even the most courageous students.
The extra time it takes to get home, whether it’s by car or public transit, can also cut in a student’s time to whip up a meal.
So, what does a hungry student on a low budget do when they’re cold and short on time?
They go for pho, of course.
If you weren’t aware, pho (pronounced “fuh”), is a traditional Vietnamese dish which contains broth (usually beef or chicken), noodles (usually rice noodles, but egg noodles are sometimes used), herbs and meat (usually chicken or beef).
With well over 50 restaurants that offer pho in the Ottawa region, the comforting Vietnamese dish is definitely a popular one.
This is why Glue is here to offer a little round up of some of the best places to get a flavourful bowl of pho in the area.
1. Merivale Noodle House – 1519 Merivale Rd.
For Algonquin College students looking to grab a meal right after class, the Merivale Noodle House – which is only a short walk away from the college – offers a great selection of soups at a very reasonable price
Although the restaurant doesn’t offer small bowls, the medium bowls are as cheap as $11.25, while the large bowls start at $14.50.
The portions are extremely generous and the broth is very tasty, but the lack of vegetarian options could deter vegetarian pho lovers.
That being said, the restaurant offers many more dishes, some of which are veggie friendly (deep fried vegetarian spring rolls, fried rice noodles with tofu and veggies to name a few.)
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Well-done beef and pork wonton with rice noodles Photo credit: Brian G. Sharbin
2. Pho Bo Ga 2 – 843 Somerset St. West
Located on Somerset Street West, Pho Bo Ga 2 is a must try for any pho enthusiast.
Having won multiple Ottawa Consumer Choice awards for best Vietnamese cuisine, this gem offers a wide variety of soups in many sizes (their extra large bowls are famously huge) and has some of the most flexible opening hours of any restaurant in the area, with the earliest closing time of 3 a.m.
Small bowls have a starting price point of $10.99, mediums are $12.99, larges are $15.49 and the extra large bowls go for $19.99, which is pretty decent considering they’re meant to feed three to four people.
Vegetarians can also join the fun, as they have a vegetable broth option for their “Vegetarian Soup” item which includes tofu and mushrooms.
OPENING HOURS:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 3 a.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 a.m.
3. Crazy Pho You – 696 Bronson Ave.
Only a short walk away from Carleton University via the Bronson Avenue Bridge, Crazy Pho You offers far more than a fun little pun.
Although the pho selection is modest, so are the prices.
For $9, anyone can get a small bowl of pho. But don’t be fooled – the small bowl is deceptively filling. The broth is also very flavourful and the service is especially friendly, which only augments the culinary experience.
Medium bowls cost $10 and large bowls go for $12.
A vegetarian noodle soup, which includes fresh veggies and tofu, is also available at the cost of $11.
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 12:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
4. The Noodle House – 775 Gladstone Ave.
Not too far away from the previous entry, The Noodle House on Gladstone Avenue boasts an impressive lineup of high-quality pho.
Their broth is a personal favourite, and just like Crazy Pho You, the family service is always welcoming.
Just like the Merivale Noodle House, they only offer their soups in two different sizes: small and regular.
The small bowls go for $10 and the regular bowls cost $12, so their soups are also very affordable.
An assorted veggies pho with a vegetarian broth option is also available
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday: Closed
With the abundance of options in the region, we wouldn’t blame you if haven’t been to these locations. That being said, if you haven’t, it might be time to try something new.