In search of: Vegetarian Pho

Since moving to Seattle in December, I have yet to find a decent Pho restaurant that serves vegetarian Pho.  Ok, before I go any further, I realize there is no such thing, true Pho is made of Beef brisket. I know, I know.

However, some places do make a vegetarian Pho, cause, this isn't Vietnam.

T and N Pho in Poulsbo has the best veggie Pho I have ever had. We love that place. Bronwen loves thier chicken stock (also not REAL Pho). We both have yet to find a replacement. That being said, B has found plenty of decent chicken Pho, but I have yet to find a decent Veggie Pho.

I've actually been searching for this before I moved. I first tried the  place at the Greyhound station on 8th and Stewart. This is when I first learned that just because they have veggie Pho on the menu, it doesn't necessarily mean it is vegetarian. This place (since closed) gave me veggie pho, Tofu and vegetables, in Chicken stock!  DOH!

My boss loves the place on 6th and Pine. Cafe Saigon I think its called. It is downstairs. They do have a vegetarian Pho. I have had it a few times. It is ok. It's no T and N.

Pho Bac in International District was decent, I tried it a year ago, I might have to give it another try.

Since we moved here,  I have tried:

Than Brothers http://www.thanbrothers.com/    I actually thought this was a small family owned place. There are 14 of them!  The best part of this Pho is the cream puff they give you with your check. Yum!

The Pho is decent, and vegetarian. They are fast food. You sit down, order, they go in and get it. Its pre made. It's ok, but no T and N.

Saigon Boat Cafe - Alki Ave.  It's on the beach, that is the best part. It was decent. No T and N.

Pho White Center - 16th and Roxbury. I think it has a new name now. We went there last week. I asked if they have vegetarian Pho. She went to the back to talk to the cook. Yes.  It took forever.

It was decent, but it was no T and N.

Pho 99. 15th and Roxbury.   I was super hungry Sunday am after a nice run down the beach. I wanted something healthy. I was super tempted to go to Christos and pig out on a big omelet and hash browns.  I went to Yelp and entered  "Vegetarian Pho"  I found a place in White Center. I raced up there. I sat down, I  read the menu. No vegetarian Pho. In fact, they didn't even have Chicken stock. Beef only. bummer, they open early too. I want Pho for breakfast. That only makes things harder.

I found a place down the street called "Deli and Pho" I think. It is next to the Huong Long Asian super store. I went in and hesitantly asked if they have vegetarian Pho. She went to the kitchen to ask. Yes!  This time mine came out fast. It came out before other people who ordered before me!

It was lame. It was basically a ton of veggies, a few noodles, served in hot water! No taste at all. So bland. I added stuff to it, but I couldnt salvage it. I ate most of it out of sheer hunger and it was the most vegetables I have even seen in a bowl of Pho. I couldn't even eat it all!  It was definitely no T and N.