Rare Beef Pho

Where: Rua Vang – The Golden Turtle, 125 Ossington Ave (Chow.com)
When: Lunch, Saturday, Feb 28, 2009
Cost: $5.75

Viewing the very sparse menu, obviously a home made one, is not a good way to judge the Golden Turtle. Although I arrived at about 2 pm, the lunch crowd was still very much in force. The interior is typical of a family run Vietnamese restaurant. While simply furnished, the walls display pictures of various menu items.

I ordered #1 on the menu, Rare Beef Pho. What arrived at the table was a very aromatic bowl filled with a slightly dark coloured beef broth. A generous helping of scallions and thin slices of onions covered thinly sliced raw beef and a portion of rice noodles. As is typical, there was a side of bean sprouts, a lime wedge and a sprig of Thai basil.

The raw beef slices cook in the broth as it arrives at the table, so by the time you’ve garnished the bowl with the bean sprouts, lime wedge and basil, the beef is well on the way to being cooked. Breaking it apart allows it to cook completely.

This was a very satisfying meal. One of the bowls of Pho I’ve had in Toronto. I will be returning to the Golden Turtle often.

Overall [rating:5]