By: Madelynn Loring, staff writer
Upon entering Thái Bảo Vietnamese, the ambiance prepares you for one of the best meals of your life. Paris by Night, a long-running Vietnamese musical production, plays on a box television underneath small mirror displays covered in flowers. Young children and college students alike stare in awe at the aquarium display beneath the register. The staff offer a warm welcome and are truly passionate about their work.
But the heart and soul of any restaurant is the food, and Thái Bảo Vietnamese never fails. Offering everything from cultural staples to specials piled with various decadent meats and vegetables, Thái Bảo Vietnamese packs a flavourful, authentic punch in every bite. If you’re looking for a first taste of Vietnamese culture, go for the phở. Phở (pronounced fuh, as in pho-ck you) is a traditional noodle soup dish. Blending spices and herbs, phở broth is a delicious blend of sour and savory, and can be accompanied by red meats and vegetables alongside classic rice noodles. Additionally, phở from Thái Bảo Vietnamese are accompanied by a platter of possible add-ons. A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a few bean sprouts can add even greater depth to this delicious meal.
This is the place to eat where the locals do. Sandra Vo, fellow staff writer at the Highlander says that the authentic flavors and offerings reminds her of home and how much she’d “taken [her] mother’s cooking for granted” after moving away from home. But, located just east of the Regis Bookstore, Thái Bảo offers a journey into Vietnamese cuisine for those longing for a taste of home and for those just discovering it. The dozens of menu options mean that there is something for everyone at this restaurant, including vegetarians. From phở to rice bowls, stir fry to lo mien, and even Vietnamese hot pot, the possibilities are all but endless. With this culinary magic just a ten minute walk from campus, heading to Thái Bảo Vietnamese is a no-brainer.
photos by: Madelynn Loring