
Address and Contact Information
Address: 866 P.Ocampo St., Malate, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63 960 848 3333
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PhoMahal.vn
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Phở Mahal | Manila – Facebook
Phở Mahal (@phomahal.resto) · Manila – Instagram
Authentic Vietnamese Pho at Pho Mahal – TikTok
Reviews
That said, I think we came at a busy hour. I had to get utensils on my own, and there were so many people.
Maybe I’ll go back, and hopefully it wouldn’t be too busy then.
The milk coffee has quite a weird taste that I haven’t had before. Maybe I just don’t how Vietnamese coffee tastes, but it tastes like it has alcohol in it? The bitter flavor punches upwards at the back of your nose.
Also, the menu found online should be updated, the prices have slightly increased.
Interesting experience will try other foods in the menu next time.
The Bún Bò Huế (special with chicken and prawns) had great lemongrass flavour that really stood out, but it lacked the deep, rich beef bone broth flavour that usually makes the dish so comforting, I had to add heaps of sate to make it taste better. The nem ran Hà Nội (spring rolls) were crispy and flavourful, though a bit too oily.
The bánh mì was fresh but it really missed the pate and bơ (Vietnamese mayo) that give it that signature creamy, savoury flavour. The Cơm Gà Chiên Mắm (fish sauce glazed chicken) had a nice crisp texture but was a little too salty, which overpowered the rest of the plate. The egg coffee had a pleasant coffee flavour, just not as creamy or fluffy as expected from the egg.
Only giving 3 stars in terms of service coz I felt their crew’s hospitality depends on how you look. Just based on my observation which I dont want to elaborate further.
Atmosphere needs improvement bec aside from the space being cramped, their overall interior design needs improvement. I know it’s typical in Vietnam but for me, interior design/ ambiance also matters.
— I ordered a bowl of Phở for lunch (and wow, this has to be the best phở in the Philippines and I should know, the broth was clear and bright and full of flavor, and imo it’s better than the majority of vn restaurants even in SF/SJ/OC in California), as you can see I literally licked the bowl clean lol, while my wife had the Cơm Gà Chiên Mắm with rice (which is roasted fish sauce chicken leg, and she said it was tasty, similar to a 5-spice roast chicken). I also ordered a Cà Phê Dừa (vn coffee with condensed milk and coconut milk, so yummy )
— we arrived at the restaurant at 1130am, and it was already full with a waitlist. The tables were tightly squeezed together. It’s really cozy, and bustling with diners and staff. It has a hole-in-the-wall feel to it, which is not a negative. Some of the best food I’ve had in my life had been in HiTW restaurants
— since it’s outside of the touristy area, the menu prices were really reasonable. Incredible value for the unofficial “the best Phở in the Philippines”
— several of the staff are vn college students, they were really sweet esp after I spoke with them in vn
I can’t wait to return here to get my phở fix when we’re back in Manila
The Vibe & Space
The store’s online hype (especially from TikTok) sets high expectations, but the physical space simply can’t handle it. The restaurant is extremely narrow and cramped, which creates a poor customer experience. It feels less like an accidental overflow and more like a deliberate marketing strategy to ensure customers have no choice but to endure a lengthy wait. For an experience this frustrating, it’s hard to justify the effort.
Parking & Convenience
Accessibility is a major problem. Parking is nonexistent/very difficult. I had to spend significant time circling the block to find a spot. This logistical nightmare adds to the exhaustion of the visit.
Service Issue
A serious issue occurred at the register: I was short-changed by ₱100. Due to the high stress of the parking and the narrow, crowded space, I was too exhausted and rushed to take the time to complain, but this is unacceptable and requires attention.
The Food & Drinks
The food and drinks itself is the only redeeming factor. The rice and chicken meals were fantastic and the pho was satisfactory.
Bottom Line: The chefs are doing great work, but the front-of-house, space and service issues completely overshadow it. They need a larger location; one that can actually accommodate the crowd their great food and successful marketing have created.
Food portions are definitely worth it. Some of my favorites here are the chicken pho (N2), fried spring rolls (R2), and fish sauce glazed chicken (N3). Their Banh Mi is also good, I tried the B1, it has a really crispy baguette but I find the filling lacking and I wish there was some pâté in it.
I loved that the space is lively but it’s a bit cramped and could be improved. Nevertheless, the service tops it all, they’re very polite and staff is attentive to your order and needs. Definitely one of my comfort foods in Taft.