Golden Turtle's Great Pho
125 Ossington Ave
Phone: 416-531-1601
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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.
Comments (17)
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.
Stopped in tonight and it was awesome. I totally understand what you're saying about the flavour. Mmmmm.
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.
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.
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.
I'm Viet, I love Viet food, and this place is pure flavour.
Hands down, the best in the Toronto. If not the best in the GTA, period. I only eat the Pho Dac Biet, Pho Tai Nam or Pho Ga, pending on what I'm craving for.
I could totally see myself in a Harold & Kumar-like movie about me trying to get to this place after hitting up some mary jane, haha.
A++++++++++++++++++++++
how is that picture supposed to be pho? when did pho come with bell peppers in it and weird deformed pink shaped thing? what is that supposed to be? tofu? shrimp? are you guys serious?
I'm Viet and I despise this place. I can't believe people voted their crappy "pho" #1.
The best place for me so far, is Pho Dau Bo in Mississauga on Dundas St....IF you're willing to make the drive. The soup is fantastic and flavourful, and the beef slices are good. Just make sure you come well before closing time (11 pm) for the best bowl.
Pho Linh is not that bad for Toronto pho. Sometimes it disappoints, but if I were in T.O. and I needed a pho fix, I would go there. Palace is ok too. and Pho Hung is ok.
Couldn't agree more with Michelle.
Pho Dau Bo is the best pho period.
I have never been to this place though, however your picture looks like a disgrace to pho everywhere!
Looks more like Won Ton Soup to me.
Went here tonight!!!
great stuff, the pho was really good with small beef balls.
And this area isnt ghetto, its so nice.!
Pho can be eaten anytime of day or night. You can have it in a "beef" broth or with "chicken", but not with tofu & vegies!
If you're looking for good value, beautifully clean fresh design, a true authentic taste and ambiance of Vietnamese & Thai cuisine, check out this place at 769 The Queensway, Etobicoke(at Royal York) its called MOSAIC ASIAN KITCHEN + WINE BAR. They also have a great selections of wines & martinis!
The place closer to Queen with the red sign that's across from XPACE has way better broth and the people who work there are much nicer. I find Golden Turtle's broth to be quite bland in comparison. The only this this place has going for it is outdoor seating which is pretty unheard of for Pho spot (from my experience).
I went there on Monday and the pho was very good. A tad on the sweet side for my taste but a bit of hot sauce balanced it out. My friend had one of the soups at the back of the menu (something with satay) which was spicier and also really good. So far best pho I've had in the city.
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