As Koreans have made Vietnam one of its top tourist destinations in recent years, the interest in its cuisine has also gained attention with the number of restaurants dedicated to the Southeast Asian country over the years.
Pho Lai Ngoc, a locally-based chain now with 12 locations around the Busan and Gyeongnam area, offers quality Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.
According to its website, the company emphasizes its dedication to crafting “a broth that no one can imitate.”
They focus heavily on its broth, recognizing it as the crucial element that defines the taste of its dishes.
Vietnamese rice noodle broth typically varies by region, with southern and northern Vietnamese styles offering distinct flavors.
Each region also features chicken-based or beef-based broths. They spend over 13 hours preparing its base broth daily, meticulously boiling more than five varieties with region-specific ingredients to capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
Rather than relying on a single broth for convenience, they commit to showcasing the diverse regional flavors of Vietnam, aligning with its corporate philosophy.
This approach provides customers with an authentic experience that even locals may find rare, as they can savor the unique characteristics of both southern and northern Vietnamese cuisine.
The restaurants feature the usual Vietnamese standards as its menu features traditional Vietnamese dishes, including pho, bun cha, and fried rice, showcasing diverse regional flavors.
Highlights include beef pho, bun bo hue, crispy banh xeo, and savory rice dishes like Com Suon.
Diners can enjoy spring rolls, banh mi, and dessert options like Quay An Pho for a complete experience.
Prices for main meals range from 9,500 won to 16,000 won, with bahn mi’s costing 7,000 won and appetizers ranging from 6,000 won and up.
Soda and Vietnamese beer are also available for purchase.
The dining experience is self-serve, kiosk order, making it easier for you to enjoy your dining experience at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a quality dining experience that is affordable, it’s definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Restaurant Information
Pho Lai Ngoc
12 locations around Busan/Gyeongnam
Open: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, closed Wednesday
