Viet Ai
“The menu is pretty big, but most of it is taken up by an incredible variety of different phos and vermicelli noodle dishes.”
“The grilled beef is strongly flavorful and the sesame dressing makes the noodles succulent.”
“The tapioca for the bubble tea was a bit too soft, it lacked the gummy bear like chew.”
Viet Ai
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Just walked in and was greeted immediately by the waiters. They were all very quick to seat and serve and my food came out within 5 mins, but mind you I got pho so there's a pot just sitting in the back. It was very quiet, only 2 other diners in during lunch time on Saturday.
I ordered the extra large all combo pho. All the meats were tender, but the noodles were overly boiled. Pho noodles should be a bit more el Dante. There was plenty of meat to noodle ratio. And most importantly, the broth…. It was unfortunately quite bland, but I am rating this 4 stars because it's the only viet place within a 10 mile radius that I could find, also, it was just as good if not better than the dozen or so pho restaurants I tried in NYC. Apparently, the good pho is on the west coast or in Texas.
I also ordered to go the salt and pepper shrimp. This is typically one of my favorite dishes after pho of course, so I'll check back in later to update my review!
Prices were average ranging from $9.5-$13. The pho bowls were all one size except the extra large bowl I ordered which if compared to the majority of restaurants would've technically been a large bowl not extra large. I mean, I didn't even get full.
But again, I give it this rating cause of its sole representation in the area.
UPDATE: so I got home and opened up my salt and pepper shrimp, it was $13, plus I added $3 for extra shrimp. This was the smallest looking batch of food I have ever gotten. $16 and it could barely make me full (I don't eat that much to begin with). I remember during my visit, the waitress had asked the cook if this was with extra and he responded yes so I was expecting a good amount. Was I up for a surprise. I take away 1 star for portion size and quality of the take out. I have also posted a picture of the entree that I got to go. I am very disappointed and will not be returning even if it's the only viet place in the area. I
Viet Ai was recommended to me and it was suggested to try their pho soup. I went with a coworker over lunch on a weekday to try that dish.
There was plenty of seating and the staff was welcoming. I agree with the other Yelper that you should have an idea of what you want before you get in.
I went with the Pho Bo Lui (rice noodles with beef). The beef came out separate from the soup along with a side dish of basil, sprouts, and lime. The grilled beef was sweet and had bits of onion stuffed inside. The broth of the pho was not too salty, which is how you know you're getting a quality dish. The broth also was made with beef bone to give it a rich flavor.
The Pho bowls were only $7.50. If you wanted an additional platter of beef and brisket that's an extra $2.00. I didn't see the size of this but it may be something you would want to split if you're already getting Pho Bo Lui. I really enjoyed my experience here and I'm looking forward to having pho again!
I'm giving this place a 4 – even though I was not really a fan of the Pho. Viet Ai could have done the Pho a little better, in terms of having a more complex and robustly flavored broth, noodles that didn't stick together, and have more side herbs and veggies than, 2 pieces of jalapeno and 1 stick of what was definitely not Thai basil.
The 4 is for the really fast service, and friendly and attentive staff.
The grilled sliced pork with white rice is my new favorite dish. It comes with a few slices of tomato and cucumber. simple and perfect!
I got the #1 pho (which has an assortment of meats). The small bowl is $7.50 and the large bowl is $8.50. The small bowl is filling if you are on the so-so hungry range, but if you're really hungry, I'd recommend the big bowl. They put long pieces of uncooked onion, which I dislike, so I ended up picking them out. They gave me lemon instead of lime this time and I thought it affected the taste of my pho (that's why I took off a star). They also provided basil and bean sprouts, and have sriracha and hoisin sauce that you can add.
Overall, food and service were great. Definitely give it a try.
Viet Ai is an unassuming little shop sandwiched between KFC and Panera. We came in with family and we were hungry for a meal after all the activities of the day.
The waitress was attentive and sweet. We were relieved to hear Vietnamese being spoken in the kitchen and hoped that it would translate to piping hot and tasty bowls of pho. That was exactly what we got!
What we ordered:
+ Spring rolls – a bit on the tiny side, but perfectly fresh and crunchy
+ 2 pho – told that it matched the quality of Elmhurst, NY pho
+ Pork chop rice – on the thin side, but very tender and perfectly barbequed
+ Beef bun – flavorful and good
+ Mushroom and tofu stir fry – pretty generic but not bad
We'll definitely be back soon!
This place is a small and cozy, they have a huge menu, by Vietnamese cuisine standards. I like all of their drinks choices, must try the vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk.
The fried squid was cooked well, crispy, the pieces were a bit big, but really good. The Bun Bo Xao Sate was really good too, a bit too many noodles, but cooked really well. My wife liked her Pho, but she said it did not have enough broth.
This place is a definitely a good choice in the area for Vietnamese food.
best egg rolls ever period
not a fan of the pho…
rice dish is good too
But egg rolls are a must here