My First Time Trying Pho – A Slurp Worth Remembering

We found ourselves on Grainger Street in Newcastle, just by the Monument and Metro station, and on a bit of a whim decided to try Pho, the Vietnamese restaurant I’d heard bits about but never actually been to. The street outside was buzzing, the sun was out, and the smell drifting from the front doors was enough to seal the deal—even before checking the menu.

That said, when I did glance at the prices posted outside, I hesitated. It looked a bit steep for a casual lunch. But before I could overthink it, a cheerful waiter popped out to let us know we’d timed it just right — “You’re lucky to get a table, we’ve been packed all day!” he said, adding that the last couple of weeks had been quieter. I assumed the run of extreme heat had kept people away.

We went in. And I’m glad we did.

A Quick Bit About Pho (the Restaurant)

Pho isn’t just the name of Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup—it’s also a growing UK restaurant chain started by Stephen and Jules Wall in 2005, after a trip to Vietnam inspired them to bring authentic Vietnamese street food to British diners. The brand now has dozens of locations across the country, but it still feels personal and intentional: the kind of place that values fresh ingredients, flavour-packed broths, and a welcoming atmosphere over anything too polished or corporate.

"The inside was cool, calm, and surprisingly well put together—earthy tones, warm lighting, nothing too forced. It didn’t feel like a chain."

We weren’t served by one particular person; instead, we were looked after by what felt like the whole front-of-house team. Every member of staff we interacted with was friendly, helpful, and knew their stuff. I spotted a herb I didn’t recognise on the side plate—sawtooth herb—and when I asked, the server was quick to explain what it was and how it’s used. It might seem a small thing, but it stood out to me. It’s not often you get that level of care in a busy city-centre spot.

I ordered the Hanoi-style garlic steak pho, and honestly, it hit every note. The broth was deep and warming, clearly cooked with patience, and packed with savoury complexity. The steak was tender and well-seasoned, but what pushed the whole thing to another level was the platter of fresh herbs, lime, and chilli on the side. I don’t know if that’s always part of the pho experience, but it needs to be. Being able to layer in mint, coriander, sawtooth, bean sprouts — it made the bowl feel alive. Every mouthful was a bit different.

Caitlin wasn’t hugely hungry, so she went for the spring rolls—and honestly, they were some of the best we’ve ever had. Nothing like the deep-fried, greasy versions you might get from a Chinese takeaway (I know Pho is Vietnamese not Chinese). These were packed with fresh, bright flavour and had a delicate crispness that made them feel light but satisfying.

To drink, I tried the Saigon cider, a Vietnamese cider I hadn’t come across before. It was crisp, slightly sweet, and paired perfectly with the food. It’s always a nice bonus when a place offers something authentic and a bit unexpected on the drinks list.

I’d happily go back to Pho. It felt family-friendly, relaxed, and the menu struck that sweet spot between healthy and satisfying. While I initially thought the prices were a bit high, I was wrong. The portion sizes were generous, the quality was clear, and in the end, it felt more than fair for what we got.

If you’re in Newcastle and looking for something a little different—whether it’s your first time trying Vietnamese food or you’re already a fan—Pho is absolutely worth a visit.

Peace and Love x