Nestled in the heart of Saint John, Pho Hung Van offers an authentic culinary journey that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, this charming restaurant is renowned for its rich, fragrant pho and expertly grilled dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia.
When you step into Pho Hung Van, you’re greeted with an inviting atmosphere where warmth and authenticity permeate every aspect of the dining experience. The aroma of simmering beef bones, star anise, and fresh herbs wafts through the air, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable meal.
Their menu boasts an impressive variety of dishes, with the star undoubtedly being their pho. Whether it’s the Pho beef rare beef (CA$18.99) tenderly sliced and swimming in a deeply savory broth, or the Pho special (CA$20.99) that layers brisket, rare beef, and meatballs for a symphony of textures and tastes, each bowl is a masterpiece of flavor and balance. For those craving a little heat, the Bun bo hue special (CA$20.99) offers a spicy vermicelli broth infused with lemongrass, ginger, and fragrant spices – a bold, comforting choice that delights the palate.
Grilled meat lovers will find genuine satisfaction in dishes like Grill pork on noodles or Grill beef on rice, where juicy chargrilled meats meet fresh vegetables and delicate noodles, all tied together with a perfectly balanced fish sauce dip. The addition of fried egg rolls alongside vermicelli adds a tantalizing crisp contrast that keeps diners coming back for more.
Regular patrons and first-timers alike rave about the generous portions and the unmistakable authenticity of Pho Hung Van’s offerings. Mr. Bogdahn highlights it as the go-to place for a proper, “enormous bowl of pho,” while Peter Desotto appreciates the genuine Vietnamese experience that fills a void in Saint John’s dining scene.
Service here is typically prompt and friendly, enhancing the overall welcoming vibe. Though takeout can occasionally prioritize timing challenges, as noted by Hazelie Sebastian, the quality of the pho and spring rolls remains consistently outstanding.
Pho Hung Van isn’t just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese home cooking, carefully crafted by owner Lee and his team. Whether you’re a pho connoisseur or new to Vietnamese flavors, expect your senses to be awakened and your cravings satisfied.
For those visiting Saint John, this eatery is a gem that shines brightly—a rare find where each spoonful echoes tradition, care, and irresistible flavor.
Contact Information:
36 Main St W, Saint John, NB E2M 3N1, Canada
Phone: +1 506-333-6877
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Mr. Bogdahn
08/12/2025
For quite some time I was looking for a place to get a proper soup during my lunch break. This is the place! An authentic Vietnamese ???????? restaurant to get a enormous bowl of pho! Highly-highly recommended
Peter Desotto
01/12/2025
Love this Resto!!! Authentic Vietnamese Pho at reasonable prices. St John is void of authentic ethnic restaurants and just when I gave up trying I bumped into this gem. Food and atmosphere are everything I look for in Vietnamese. I have travelled Vietnam and eat Pho 3x a week in Ontario.
Daniel Miller
17/11/2025
Very tasty! By far the best pho in Saint John. I got the spicy vermicelli beef and it was delicious. Tons of flavour. My wife got the pho special and it was pretty good but definitely not as good as my dish. The spring rolls were also very good. Service was very fast and friendly.
Joseph Bowman
11/11/2025
This place is so good. My daughter and I stopped by chance when I needed to pick her up from the ferry. Since moving to Bangor ME from the Washington DC area good pho has been something we missed. This was authentic and perfect Vietnamese pho and we will likely stop on our trips to and from NS in the future.
Hazelie Sebastian
02/11/2025
We visited on a Friday at 5 pm, but our food didn't arrive until 7 pm. It seemed like takeout orders were prioritized. The pho and spring rolls were delicious, and I'd definitely recommend them. However, the rice meals were just average and took an hour to arrive. The banh mi's bread was too hard, which was a disappointment - it would have been great if it were fresh and soft. The service was also a letdown, partly due to a language barrier. Overall, I'd recommend the pho, but suggest taking it to go - dining in might not be the best experience. Update: We went back after a couple of months, and it’s still the tastiest pho I’ve had after trying different spots! Now that I know what to expect with the language, the experience was much easier than before. We were seated quickly and our food came out fast. If you’re visiting, their pho is a must-try!
Lord Stanley (Lifepilot)
08/10/2025
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pho Hung Van, the sole Vietnamese pho restaurant in Saint John, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was enveloped by an atmosphere that radiated warmth, authenticity, and a deep commitment to culinary excellence. This establishment, under the stewardship of its remarkable owner, Lee, stands as a beacon of Vietnamese culture and cuisine in the heart of the city, and it’s a destination I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Lee, the charismatic and dedicated proprietor, is the soul of Pho Hung Van. His genuine passion for his craft shines through in every interaction, as he greets guests with a radiant smile and an infectious enthusiasm that instantly makes you feel like a cherished regular. His hands-on approach ensures that every detail, from the preparation of the dishes to the ambiance of the dining room, is executed with care and precision. It’s rare to encounter such a personal touch in today’s fast-paced world, and Lee’s commitment to his patrons elevates the entire experience to something truly special. The menu at Pho Hung Van is a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese flavors, with each dish crafted to showcase the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques. The star of the show, undoubtedly, is the pho—a steaming bowl of pure bliss that arrives at the table with an intoxicating aroma. The broth, simmered to perfection, is a complex symphony of spices, herbs, and rich depth that warms you from the inside out. Paired with tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef and noodles that strike the perfect balance of soft and springy, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and exhilarating. The accompanying plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chilies allows you to customize each spoonful, adding layers of brightness and heat that make every bite a revelation. Beyond the pho, the menu shines with other delights, such as the spring rolls, which are a masterclass in texture and flavor. These golden, crispy parcels are packed with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and just the right touch of seasoning, served with a dipping sauce that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. Each dish, whether it’s the vibrant vermicelli bowls or the fragrant rice plates, bursts with freshness and authenticity, reflecting the care and expertise poured into every step of the preparation process. It’s clear that the ingredients are sourced with intention, and the execution is flawless, resulting in plates that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The ambiance of Pho Hung Van complements the food perfectly. The dining space is cozy yet lively, with a welcoming vibe that invites you to linger and savor every moment. The decor subtly nods to Vietnamese heritage, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrant—a perfect backdrop for a meal that’s as much about connection as it is about cuisine. Whether you’re dining solo, catching up with friends, or bringing family, the setting fosters a sense of community that’s rare and refreshing. What truly sets Pho Hung Van apart, though, is the sense of heart woven into every aspect of the experience. Lee’s dedication to his guests and his craft transforms a simple meal into a memorable journey. His attentiveness ensures that every need is met, whether it’s a recommendation for first-timers or a thoughtful check-in to ensure everything is to your liking. It’s this level of care that turns a visit to Pho Hung Van into more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and hospitality. In a city brimming with dining options, Pho Hung Van stands out as a singular destination for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a place where every dish tells a story, every bite sparks joy, and every visit leaves you eager to return. He even allowed us to play our own music and gave us food exactly as we asked for it to be served.
Thuy Zhang
01/10/2025
We visited Saint John for 2 days and we ended up having dinner here twice because the food is so delicious, probably some of the best meals we had during our trip in New Brunswick. We also ordered takeout bánh mì for our lunch when we went to Kejimkujik National Park. We're very pleased that this Vietnamese restaurant in a small town like Saint John is representing Vietnamese cuisine well and we had a great time chatting with anh Hùng and his wife.