I’ve tried about 4 other pho spots in San Jose and I have to say this one is the best. The broth was very tasteful yet light, and you can customize the type of noodles you want in your pho. They also ask if you want basil, which might be a small point but I notice at a lot of pho places the basil goes unused by customers, so I thought that was nice. The service was great, my food came out quick and the hostess was very kind/helpful.I got a large serving and it was more than enough. The tea was also some of the best tea I’ve tried downtown. So not only is the pho delicious, I’d return just to order some tea to go. Going to have to make this my new go to pho spot.If you’re looking around trying to find a good pho place, no need to take your time going around and trying them one by one like me. This is the spot.
Pho is good, appetizer is so so....but I don't know why, the bean sprouts bowl is cheap but they always try not to give it to you. Two of us order separately, and only got one small bowl (one person portion)of the bean sprouts and basil. We asked for two and the owner said she won't give it to us until we finish it... So my friend put everything into her bowl and then we ask owner for another one....and she never came back and give us second one...If it is that expensive, I don't mind you charge me.....but not to beg you for the bean sprouts..
In my perfect word, there would be a late night restaurant called; “Twenty PHO Seven”. ??I was scrolling though my Facebook when this ad came up for B1G1 bowl of pho. Being a Vietnamese food fanatic, I could not pass up on this offer for a free bowl of Pho. Upon doing my research, I found out there used be to late night Vietnamese restaurant called City Restaurant. I went with my two friends to enjoy the Pho, Gyoza (chicken potstickers) batter fried shrimp, mozzarella cheese sticks and egg rolls. The pho was alright, the flat noodle is not fresh and is packaged, in my opinion. With fresh noodles, it’s thicker and has more of a solid look. My friend noticed how the breathing of waitress changed when she tried to claim that the “fresh” noodles comes in every day. Broth and meat quantity was alright.The Boba was delicious! My friend got the Thai Tiger, Thai tea with custard pudding and sea cream. @phopassionmintea?Pho Passion in Downtown San Jose San Jose, CA.
I came on this place almost accidentally because I was recently offered a new job where it’s in downtown San Jose area. For a while I passed by it thinking I must came in and have some pho or specialty drinks soon especially after I read so many great reviews regarding it. On a relatively windy and cool day, which is perfect for hot meal or hot soup like pho, I decided to come in. I was thoroughly impressed by the modern artistic deco, completely unexpected and much more chic and trendier than other pho restaurants I’ve frequent. Then I met the lady server who was smiling to me which gave me a welcoming sensation. Upon ordering, I also saw the choices of noodles for pho which wasn’t always an option in other places and I was ecstatic because instead of the usual thin rice pho noodles, I got to order the thicker rice noodles version which I much more prefer, as they are softer and chewier (more Al dente). After order I was given a number so the server can find me wherever I am and that’s another great feature of the establishment which I don’t have to wait for anyone to seat me. I also ordered some specialty fruit drinks and they were so tasty and fresh. Overall, great experience but if I must suggest anything for improvement, it’s universal to all pho restaurants. That is, pho noodles have become way more expensive than even few years ago, to a ridiculous level. What used to be cheaper comfort food is becoming nearly unaffordable and honestly I don’t think they cost an arm and a leg on the ingredients to the establishments but because they are popular, the businesses have all decided to upcharge their clients. If I were there restaurateur, I would not have charged so much on something so simplistic and not all that expensive because n ultimately they can sell volumes and satisfy more customers, primarily those that don’t have high paying jobs like the high tech employees here. But again, that’s just my opinion.
Every time I come in the workers are very welcoming! The atmosphere is calm and it’s always very comfortable being here! The options of “build your own pho” are great and the food is very tasty and comes out quickly! This is my go to place :)Shoutout to the very kind server lady!
Ordered a spicy & sour chicken pho. It was just alright. I have tried better phos in other states. Service wise, staff were generally friendly, but service was a bit off - I ordered no onions and with basil, but it came exactly the opposite way lol. No big deal, but just not a good impression. Maybe Little Saigon area has more authentic choices?
Today, it’s the first time I came pho Passion & Mintea. I tried Pho with sour & spicy broth unbelievable, it’s so tasty. I have read comments before i came there. I thought that quality pho as price. I loved steak there because they used filet mignon. I think that they are one of restaurants in using sanjose goods beef for steak pho. I recommend everyone should come there to try.
Been here twice in 2 weeks, mostly because our favorite spot doesn't open on Mondays.Last week, I wasn't very impressed with the actual flavor of the broth, but today I was definitely not impressed.Too pricey ($14.95) for mediocre pho.I didnt even bother taking a pic of my unimpressive soup, EITHER TIME!I highly recommend Pho Cong Ly instead.
The noodles are way toooo salty. A bug is also found in the drink. Not good, not anything special. Not recommended.
Frankly, I’m quite pleased with their quality and amazed that we have such a gem just a few blocks away. The reason I highly recommend this restaurant is they passed all of my flavor tests;(A) How it tastes without basil and lemon (great),(B) How it tastes with sriracha and hoisin sauce (flavor pops),(C) How it tastes with basil and lemon, (blends perfectly).I always like to test the flavors without and with all extra ingredients to give a decent comparison to other places. I usually order Pho Tai Bo Vien, and as of today, Pho Passion is the place I will look forward to with my next Pho meal. The meal would definitely would pair well with a tea or a light beer (though I don’t recall if they sell alcohol).Lastly, I loved how the seats were spaced far enough to accommodate social distancing. I get anxiety when I’m too close to people, and I’d much rather respect peoples spaces while enjoying my meals unlike some areas where people are still eating elbow to elbow, which is a shame. But if you’re ever around Santa Clara Street just between 7th and 8th street, come check out Pho Passion and enjoy yourself a wonderful meal.