By Paige Hoblak (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: September 19, 2012
104-45863 Yale Road West
Chilliwack, BC
(604) 392-1112
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $6 to $10
Pho Galaxy is the epitome of a dive restaurant and I mean this in the best way possible. When you walk into this little hole in the wall you will most likely want to turn away. It is definitely not what you would call a fine dining experience. Pho Galaxy is a no-frills restaurant that focuses solely on one thing: the food.
Vietnam-born Al Trieu, the owner of this little gem, has taken authentic Vietnamese flavours and ingredients and brought them to us. It’s clear he takes pride in what he does, from the way he personally greets my boyfriend and I every time we come in, to the passion that goes into each masterfully-crafted dish.
The broth to his signature soups, Pho, takes many hours of slow cooking to get just the right fusion of flavours. The broth acts as the foundation for these incredible soups, which are then accompanied by fresh vegetables and your protein of choice. A side plate with fresh sprouts, Thai basil, and lime comes with your soup to dress it up according to your personal taste.
The Pho is definitely the highlight, evident from your first taste. My personal favourite is the vegetarian hot and sour soup which comes with rice or vermicelli noodles, all for just $6.25. It always blows me away that my boyfriend and I can both eat for under $20 and the best part is that I usually come out with leftovers due to the generous portions.
If you are not a Pho person, you would be surprised at the variety that you still have to choose from. They have a variety of familiar Chinese dishes, such as mixed veggies and chicken on chow mein for $8.95 or the honey garlic (or sweet and sour) chicken for $9.45. They also have Indian-inspired dishes, such as curried chicken on rice for $8.95.
Pho Galaxy has some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted. Although their Chinese and Indian dishes are very good, if you are a first timer, the Pho is a must. This is not the kind of place where you go once and forget about. You will find their Pho extremely addictive, which isn’t such a bad thing considering the prices.
If you are ever in the area you have to try this place out. Remember not to get discouraged by the dive-like appearance of the place, because it is truly an authentic Vietnamese eating experience.
