I love pho, the national soup dish of Vietnam.. I’ve been searching for my favourite bowl of this superb soup that is chock-a-block with rice noodles, basil, lemongrass, bean sprouts and almost endless selections of protein, e.g,. beef, pork, solely vegetables, tofu, etc.

My visit to COM TAM LAC TIEN VIEN (NOT CON TAM….as I titled it), was my first and I think I made a poor choice choosing beef and pork pho. I’m Caucasian and not familiar with many of the items that Asians put in their recipes, e.g., gristly meat bits, much fat. This is a cultural perspective as a Westerner. I certainly honour Asian palates.

That said, my medium bowl of pho (enough for two) had lovely rare beef as ordered and lots of tasty rice noodle ribbons but the large piece of pork in it was off-putting. Frankly it looked like a mutant of pork and chicken with rays of tendon and gristle that looked winglike. For me, it was visually unappetizing.

The taste if the broth was delicious. The accompanying Thai basil and sprouts were tired and looked like they’d sat in the kitchen for a a bit.

It was a poor choice. The steamed rice and rice paper roll with shrimp were good, although, again the vegetables in the roll were not crisply fresh.

My guest enjoyed a rice and sparerib plate that he enjoyed mightily. I may try it on my next visit. The menu is extensive and the service, although friendly, is not too helpful as the staff’s English is minimal. and my Vietnamese nil. This is a family restaurant and so far it appears draws, understandably, Asian diners. Perhaps it wants to cater to that sector most.

Com Tam was previously a karoke bar and it still looks like one. It’s very kitschy – a plaster water feature stretches across one wall complete with water-wheel. It’s shabby and rather dusty – does nil for the decor.

The resto is downstairs so lighting isn’t the best although window seats at noon were well-lit by sunshine. The tables are adequate and well set and the high backed chairs are comfy. The dining room hygiene appears excellent..

Two other pho places have opened in the last month or so on York Boulevard and I intend to visit them too and to order some barbeque from the Chinese BBQ shop accross from the Vietnamese supermarket. This is a wonderful area to explore if you’re a fan and/or cook of Asian cuisine. There’s a scrupulously clean and well-stocked Korean-Japanese market just before you reach the restaurant.

So far, Little Vietnam on Mall Road on the Mountain wins hands down as serving the best pho. My succulent research continues…..