Restaurants

Golden Turtle's Great Pho

125 Ossington Ave
Phone: 416-531-1601

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  • Posted by Tim
  • April 22, 2006

Rating: 3.9/5 (11 votes cast)

20070529_goldenturtle.jpg
I live near a stretch on Ossington (between Queen and Dundas) overflowing with vietnamese eateries. I'm a regular customer of one of them, a place called Golden Turtle (otherwise known as Rua Vang) and in my experience this place serves up the best pho in the city.

While I'm also a fan of previously reviewed pho joints (and 2005 Best of Indie Toronto Nominees) Pho Hung and Pho 88, there's something about the flavours in the #13 Pho Rau Cai Tau Hu (Tofu & vegetable in noodle soup - $6) that make it, um, addictive; and the perfect meal on a rainy day like today.

Usually I get takeout and that's what the picture above shows. Everything's packaged in the standard way - soup in one container, rice noodles in the other, and a plastic bag with bean sprouts, lime and other additives.

Golden Turtle lacks the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of Pho Hung, and to a lesser extent Pho 88. It just never seems to get quite as busy, but does fill up around dinner time some nights.

For the non veggie or even non pho aficianados, there's plenty on the menu to choose from - over 160 options ranging from duck congee to grilled shrimp and pineapple with vermicelli.

Golden Turtle Restaurant, 125 Ossington (at Argyle). 416-531-1601.

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i'm sold! next time hanging out in trinity bellwoods i'll choose turtle over chippies ;)

Posted by: rotenblog [TypeKey Profile Page] at April 22, 2006 8:58 PM

Hmm, I've always hit the Pho house that's just south of Dundas on the east side (sorry, I rarely look at names) but I might have to give Golden Turtle a try.

Posted by: St Dan at April 22, 2006 9:20 PM

Stopped in tonight and it was awesome. I totally understand what you're saying about the flavour. Mmmmm.

Posted by: Tanja at July 15, 2006 2:02 AM

Don't go out of your way to come to his place. Not spectacular, average at best. Their large Pho is tiny, the quail didn't taste fresh and I've had better spring rolls in food courts. If you happen to be in the neighbourhood (which is a little on the ghetto side) and happen to be really hungery, it serves a purpose. Can only comment on what I had though, don't know about the rest of the menu. Quality may have slipped since that last couple of postings.

Posted by: Thanh at April 23, 2007 12:37 PM

I have been to this place a number of times as I live in the neighborhood (or "ghetto" as Thanh the expert speller calls it) and am a fan. The #1 pho is delicious (and the specialty) and I've had other entrees and appetizers and liked all of them. Highly recommend Golden Turtle.

Posted by: Melinda at August 8, 2007 7:31 PM

I've been a fan of Golden Turtle for over eight years, since they were at their older location just up the street. I can say that the quality has been consistently excellent, contrary to the opinion of our friend Thanh. I have tried dozens of other Pho restaurants in town, and I still consider Golden Turtle to be the best. The old special #1 and the current #6 and 13 are still my faves. One of my top 3 cheap eats in TO.

Posted by: Dave at June 12, 2008 8:50 PM

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