Pho T and N vs Pho Tai

First off, why the hell do I have to drive to Poulsbo WA to get decent Pho?  Why are all the good restaurants opening in Poulbo? oh well.

I had my first Pho at T and N. I have yet to find another pho as good. I get the vegetarian Pho. This is really not Pho. Pho is made from beef marrow.  But, in the USA, it's considered Pho. Vegetarian stock with tofu.

The stock is very flavorful. T and N has three separate stocks. Traditional Beef marrow, Chicken and Vegetarian. Am told the two meat broth is very good too.

Joe, the manager/owner is one of the most friendly guys you will ever come across in a restaurant. He sometimes acts like it is his personal dining room in his house, and we are his guests. I was taken back a bit the first time he ribbed me for not eating my mushrooms. He told me there were expensive. At first I though, so? But they are special, expensive mushrooms. I don't like mushrooms, I appreciated him letting me know that I should order without mushrooms. 

Now that we know Joe better, he spends a lot of time at our table. Sometimes too much time. He loves to tell us how we "should be eating it". How its eaten traditionally. His intentions are the best, but sometimes I just want to eat!  However, I can't imagine a T and N without Joe.

I have tried the fresh rolls and I find them to be great as well. They use a very good tofu.


Pho Tai opened before Summer. Coincidentally, it is on the other side of the shopping complex from T and N.

The building is brand new. It appeared ready to open many months ago, but never did. It just sat there for many months. One day, it opened.

They do offer a vegetarian Pho, just like T and N.  It comes with carrots and celery in the soup. I don't care for that. The broth is good, not quite as good at T and N. 

The Vietnamese sandwiches are GREAT!  Fresh baked bread from a 3rd generation Vietnamese bakery in Seattle. The bread alone is fabulous. Filled with Tofu, lettuce, carrot shreds and cilantro. this is a great sandwich, for $4.19!

Pho Tai is new. I've had the Pho twice now and it was different both times. I will try again at some point, but for now, T and N is my Pho source. I will be back for the sandwiches. I will be back because, its a nicer space than T and N. It's new, has nice comfy booths. It is more comfortable than T and N.
Overall T and N wins. Now, would someone open a place on Bainbridge?