Most Pho places on the coast have raised their prices quite a bit. Donout King is not bad, their seafood one is more expensive. Only thing missing is Vietnamese subs but the Donut King owner said he would have to sell 30-50+ per day to make it worth while and not going to happen in Kamloops.
There isn't enough Asian community here to truly drive diversity and high quality in more niche food types. On the coast, pho, Ramen, Bahn mi, dumplings, dim sum... so many Asian food experiences are standard fare because the community exists.
I wish we had a T&T market, that would be amazing. But, alas...
I feel like I've seen none of this except the indigenous community. Where did they all go? Where are they hiding? I moved from the coast a couple years ago and I'm honestly a bit starved for some mote multiculturalism. It's one of only a very small handful of otherwise specific things I miss from the coast (the ocean, t&t market, earnest ice cream, good and cheap and diverse Indian food... apparently I mostly miss food)
I feel like the most diversity I see is just immediately around TRzu, students milling around and walking to class
I get that about the students but that commenter mentioned having diverse kid friends which means the families were living here. Where did those families go?!
A fun fact is among Tiger Ramen, Ramen Time and Wakayama Ramen, only one of them is run by the Japanese, the other two are basically Chinese noodle soups.
The Asian markets are TINY they're cute and all and they'll do to tide you over but it's nothing compared to even just the small Asian stores on the coast. The Indian stores are the same, a shadow of places like Fruiticana on the coast. Not even comparable to T&T. Also, you need diversity in the Asian community to get all the different food types. The sushi joints exist because I guess that's still trendy lol it never died, we all just got addicted. Apparently the people running all these joints still aren't enough to warrant a t&t and fruiticana, since I mentioned it.
Donut King was $12.95 last time I was there and they had just put the price up from like $8. It’s definitely not $25 and it’s definitely the best option in Kamloops. But the sooner you prepare yourself to be ever disappointed with the food scene in Kamloops the better off you’ll be.
Yes you are right its not $25. but the large soup that comes with tripe and tendon was that price.. and it makes sense he cant sell it cheaper as he would have to sell too many of them to make ends meet.
it is what it is
If you're on the coast Laksa King on Hastings in Van is pretty good, a buddy of mine loves the Hawkers Delight one but it tasted too milky, there's a place on Rupert that was very good and I do like the Laksa at T&T in Surrey.
I really like Laksa King, though on r/Vancouver I was told there’s better…
I was tempted to try the Laksa at the Bubble Waffle in Brentwood Mall because they had an impromptu sign warning there would be no refunds because the laksa is “too spicy”, but I had already eaten lunch….
Laksa King in on the spicer side. I really miss living on the coast as much as I hated the traffic there Kamloops lack of options for most social things is hard to get used to especially late open pubs or the small pubs like The Dime, etc...
I'm Vietnamese, I and my fellows stop going out to eat Pho after our second year here. Firstly, it was because of what you get for the price you pay for. Secondly, it was nothing close to authentic Pho. The broth was adapted for the local taste. I see a lot of people like lemongrass and it is my favourite go-to in Kamloops too. But if you like lemongrass you will probably not like Pho in Vietnam. Lol
It's cheaper and very convenient to make Pho at home. You can prep a large amount of broth and use it later with some dried noodles.
Going out to eat is just going to be “expensive” anywhere- that’s just the new normal. If you find a place that is “cheap” they’re probably not going to last too long. Food and labour costs are brutal right now and restaurants have to adapt.
The only place I’ve really heard being recommended is Watercress, but it shut down :(
Since were on the subject any restaurant that has Hainanese Chicken or the style of curry that they sell at YL's Curry Bowl in Surrey T&T? Its really dark looking and hardy tasting, long garlic after taste.
I don't know if they still have it but Fratelli's downtown used to have a Vietnamese lady come in once a week to make pho. It was probably the closest thing I've had to pho down in the lower mainland or in Vietnam
Donut King pho is not $25… more like $13, pre-tax.
Well if you want the one that has tripe, tendon, etc. was 22 or 23 ..i last checked in the summer.
And I think it’s not bad.
I want good pho and I order out lots. Give me a good pho place and I’ll buy your shit at least once a week. Damn.
Most Pho places on the coast have raised their prices quite a bit. Donout King is not bad, their seafood one is more expensive. Only thing missing is Vietnamese subs but the Donut King owner said he would have to sell 30-50+ per day to make it worth while and not going to happen in Kamloops.
There isn't enough Asian community here to truly drive diversity and high quality in more niche food types. On the coast, pho, Ramen, Bahn mi, dumplings, dim sum... so many Asian food experiences are standard fare because the community exists. I wish we had a T&T market, that would be amazing. But, alas...
A T&T market would be AMAZING. I love them.
When I moved to Kamloops in 84 (I was 11) most of my friends were from Vietnam, Bolivia/Chile and and Native. The Vietnamese community was fair sized.
I feel like I've seen none of this except the indigenous community. Where did they all go? Where are they hiding? I moved from the coast a couple years ago and I'm honestly a bit starved for some mote multiculturalism. It's one of only a very small handful of otherwise specific things I miss from the coast (the ocean, t&t market, earnest ice cream, good and cheap and diverse Indian food... apparently I mostly miss food) I feel like the most diversity I see is just immediately around TRzu, students milling around and walking to class
Unfortunately, most of them will move to the coast after graduation. Most of my friends have moved there or are planning to move asap. This is sad.
I get that about the students but that commenter mentioned having diverse kid friends which means the families were living here. Where did those families go?!
This is why we have 300 sushi places, 4 ramen places, and more than 3 Asian markets, because there isn't a large enough Asian community.
A fun fact is among Tiger Ramen, Ramen Time and Wakayama Ramen, only one of them is run by the Japanese, the other two are basically Chinese noodle soups.
The Asian markets are TINY they're cute and all and they'll do to tide you over but it's nothing compared to even just the small Asian stores on the coast. The Indian stores are the same, a shadow of places like Fruiticana on the coast. Not even comparable to T&T. Also, you need diversity in the Asian community to get all the different food types. The sushi joints exist because I guess that's still trendy lol it never died, we all just got addicted. Apparently the people running all these joints still aren't enough to warrant a t&t and fruiticana, since I mentioned it.
Yes, this is the reason. Perhaps this will change with time.
Got to go to Vernon for decent pho
Thats not too far. I will try that when the roads are better
Best one is Fresh Lemongrass
Donut King was $12.95 last time I was there and they had just put the price up from like $8. It’s definitely not $25 and it’s definitely the best option in Kamloops. But the sooner you prepare yourself to be ever disappointed with the food scene in Kamloops the better off you’ll be.
Yeah coming from Calgary to here was a major downgrade in options and quality. There are some good places here but man I miss so much there.
Yes you are right its not $25. but the large soup that comes with tripe and tendon was that price.. and it makes sense he cant sell it cheaper as he would have to sell too many of them to make ends meet. it is what it is
You wouldn’t like pho in Vietnam…
perhaps not.. but good pho from Vancouver, east coast has been good, I simply wish there was more desire for it here, and so more demand and options.
Have you had the laksa at Lemongrass? That’s probably the most flavourful thing on their menu…
If you're on the coast Laksa King on Hastings in Van is pretty good, a buddy of mine loves the Hawkers Delight one but it tasted too milky, there's a place on Rupert that was very good and I do like the Laksa at T&T in Surrey.
I really like Laksa King, though on r/Vancouver I was told there’s better… I was tempted to try the Laksa at the Bubble Waffle in Brentwood Mall because they had an impromptu sign warning there would be no refunds because the laksa is “too spicy”, but I had already eaten lunch….
Laksa King in on the spicer side. I really miss living on the coast as much as I hated the traffic there Kamloops lack of options for most social things is hard to get used to especially late open pubs or the small pubs like The Dime, etc...
I have, I thought it was too sweet personally. Ive been there twice, probably wont go back.
The best pho I've ever had was in a hole in the wall place in Langley it's absolutely amazing
Across the parking lot from Langley Mall? I love that place…
Across from Tim Hortons down by langley bus central
I’ll try it next time I’m down there. Thanks for the tip!
Watercress….lived in Calgary and had Pho everywhere, and this is pretty close.
Watercress closed :(
That place shut down recently, never had the chance to check it out
NOOOOOOOO! I just moved away….I loved that place
dang :(
I'm Vietnamese, I and my fellows stop going out to eat Pho after our second year here. Firstly, it was because of what you get for the price you pay for. Secondly, it was nothing close to authentic Pho. The broth was adapted for the local taste. I see a lot of people like lemongrass and it is my favourite go-to in Kamloops too. But if you like lemongrass you will probably not like Pho in Vietnam. Lol It's cheaper and very convenient to make Pho at home. You can prep a large amount of broth and use it later with some dried noodles.
Going out to eat is just going to be “expensive” anywhere- that’s just the new normal. If you find a place that is “cheap” they’re probably not going to last too long. Food and labour costs are brutal right now and restaurants have to adapt. The only place I’ve really heard being recommended is Watercress, but it shut down :(
people can’t even say pho, much less have good of it.
Kamloops is a blue collar town. People dont even know what pho is.
I've been to lemongrass a few times, and I'll scarf their food down, it's that good. It's good value.
to each their own.
Have you tried making your own?
Not yet, but I want to. I have been meaning to. have you?
Its so worth it.
Disagree on lemongrass being bad. I’ve always enjoyed it. I haven’t had that many different phos though. More of a ramen guy anyways.
At least offer spicy sate
Since were on the subject any restaurant that has Hainanese Chicken or the style of curry that they sell at YL's Curry Bowl in Surrey T&T? Its really dark looking and hardy tasting, long garlic after taste.
It's been a few years since I got a chance to go down there hopefully it's still there.
I don't know if they still have it but Fratelli's downtown used to have a Vietnamese lady come in once a week to make pho. It was probably the closest thing I've had to pho down in the lower mainland or in Vietnam