Pho Element

Tried vegetarian pho. Was really yummy. Tried take out. Next time will dine in with family. Would recommend for sure.

We were looking for something hot, hearty, and quick for dinner when we stumbled upon Pho Element. We called about 20 minutes before arriving, and the staff was really friendly and accommodating. When we walked in as a party of seven, the host we spoke to on the phone had already set aside a table for us, even though the place was pretty busy. He also gave us some great recommendations, and we were able to order quickly.We started with imperial rolls and spring rolls before getting our mains. I had the Bun Thit Nuong (BBQ pork vermicelli bowl), and it was good -- flavorful, with generous portions and toppings.Parking can be a bit tough depending on the time, but I'd definitely come back!

Very yummy and great with kids! 8 of us came early on a recent Saturday evening and were quickly given a big round table for 8 with a "lazy Susan." We shared lots of bowls of pho and they brought out cute plastic bowls and spoons for all the young kids. The vibe is casual and clean and our party all had a great time. The mini candies were a big hit with the kids too. All the pho's we tried were great and I particularly loved the veggie pho with beef broth. The rice noodles in the pho are so good here!

We visited Pho Element on a busy Friday night and had a short 10-minute wait for a table for three. The service was incredibly fast and friendly, which we appreciated.We ordered the five spice chicken noodle soup, beef noodle soup, Vietnamese coffee, and a mango drink. Even the "small" portion sizes were quite generous. The broth in both soups was flavorful and the meat was tender. They were out of beef broth so we had to settle for chiken broth. The noodles were pretty good as well. I wish there was more meat in the pho. It definitely felt a little heavy on the noodles than the meat. Overall, we had a good experience at Pho Element. The food was tasty and the service was excellent. We would definitely return and try some of their other dishes.

Came here for lunch with my coworker who recommended this spot and I am so glad he did! The service is extremely fast, and the place filled up for lunch on a Friday by noon. We started with their Saigon butter tofu, which was to dieeee for. Really thin and crispy outside, soft and creamy inside, and seasoned with the savory fragrance of peppers and onions. It was such a yummy starter and something even tofu haters could enjoy. Before the tofu could even cool down enough to eat, our main entrees came out to the table. I got the chicken and giblets pho and they were not stingy with the amount of poached chicken and chicken parts in there. I loved dipping the meat in a mix of hoisin and hot sauce. The broth was clean yet flavorful which paired so well with the silky wide rice noodles. For all the times I've had pho, I appreciated that I got 2 completely new items to me! My only wish is they would provide bean sprouts and basil. If I lived closer, I would be here all the time.

Sometimes, after waiting 3.5 hours in a government office trying to authenticate a document. A girl just needs a solid/ no-frills hot noodle soup to restore the faith for humanity in a chilly winter afternoon! LOL!Since it's my first time here, I played It safe. I had a small rare beef & brisket pho. The soup was piping hot like it's supposed to be. The rare sliced beef is half cooked which is perfect! They are so tender, juicy and flavorful. The briskets, on the other hand, are a bit dry. I think next time I'm gonna just get the pho with all rare meats.The papaya salad with chicken is fantastic as well. It came with a lot of peanut pieces, fried onion and garlic. The seasoning is light, not too much fish sauce, which I appreciate it.One thing I definitely wanna mention is that the restaurant is very clean. The table is not sticky. The sauce jars are not sticky. This is a big plus!!!This is a nice solid eatery. It's very convenient that they don't take lunch breaks, which allows me to have a satisfied meal 3 o'clock in the afternoon!

Very busy and popular place. You sign in at the tell tablet and they are pretty good about fast seating. Good quality pho with large portions of meat. Noodles are a little different but good. One of the best in the area. The crispy imperial rolls are a tasty appetizer. Casual with fast and efficient service.

I was visiting a friend who moved to San Mateo and we decided to get some pho for this rainy day. Parking is definitely not easy around here, but we managed to find one around the corner, super tight, but we made it.Luckily it wasn't busy when we arrived and were seated right away.We ordered some imperial rolls - it was solid, but for some reason had a hint of a nice lemon-y zesty flavor. Perhaps it was in the fish sauce?? but I liked it. lolpho dac biet (small) - Now I was bummed when I saw no tripe. BECAUSE I LOVE TRIPE. but it IS northern style so I said FINEEE. For a size small. It was very satisfying and filling. I ALMOST couldn't finish it. LOL but!! what sold me...was the BROTH. I always taste the broth and am usually unimpressed. I haven't found a favorite pho place still. THE SOUP HERE IS GOOOOOOD. Flavorful and hits the soullllll~~~.If I didn't live 30 mins away, this would be my new go-to spot. Although the parking deters me....typical viet restaurant vibes, but service was really good and accommodating.

It's been YEARS since I last stepped foot in Pho Element. But I was visiting my parents, and my mom was craving some pho. So we decided to give this place another try.Upon entering on a Sunday, they were pretty packed but thankfully was able to seat us after a 15min wait. One thing to keep in mind about the pho here is that unlike the traditional pho noodles that are used, Pho Element serves Northern style pho. Which consists of wide noodles and does not come with bean sprout and mint condiments. The broth was very clear, and everyone enjoyed their bowls for the most part.They have a small, private lot in the back. However, it fills up quickly and is hard to pull in and out of. You're better off looking for free street parking either on El Camino, or on one of the residential streets.

Alright, let me paint the scene for y'all: we're pulling up, and--no joke--we get into a car accident right outside. Not exactly how we planned to start the meal, but the staff here? Absolute legends. The waiters rushed to check on us, genuinely concerned, and honestly, that alone deserves a shoutout. Once we assured them we were fine, they flipped the vibe right back to joyful and playful, cracking jokes like, "Oh, car accident? Drink some pho to wash the trauma down!" Honestly, how could you not love these guys?Now, onto the food. We started with the egg rolls, and let me tell you, these are not your average egg rolls. Perfectly crispy on the outside, with a flavorful, savory filling that hits just right when you dip it into that tangy fish sauce. As for the beef pho, it's exactly what you want out of a good bowl--rich, aromatic broth, tender beef slices that practically melt in your mouth, and noodles cooked to perfection. Every bite feels like a hug from the inside.And the best part? The price here is chef's kiss. For the quality of food you're getting, it's such a steal, especially in the Bay Area. Plus, this place is deceptively spacious. They can seat a surprising number of people, so it's perfect for everything from a quick solo meal to a family gathering.5/5 stars. Between the killer food, the amazing price, and great staff, Pho Element is the real deal. If you're nearby, don't just drive by--stop in, even if your car has to take a hit to get there (kidding, but also, kind of not).