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oChef » Pho Huong Lan – Orlando
Pho Huong Lan - Orlando
Photo from Pho Huong Lan
Pho Huong Lan at a glance
Orlando Colonialtown South
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 99 of the guests
#89 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#4 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 5 in Orlando
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
504
Reviews
63.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic dishes
- Good value
- Casual atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Cleanliness issues
- Credit card fees
The restaurant Pho Huong Lan is a cherished Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in Orlando’s vibrant Colonialtown South neighborhood. Here, you can discover a culinary journey through Vietnam, with carefully prepared dishes that promise an authentic taste experience.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of pho or exploring new flavors, this spot offers a delightful escape into traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Pho Huong Lan
Pho Huong Lan offers a culinary experience centered around its well-regarded dishes, often praised for their authentic flavors and generous portions. Many appreciate the overall value for money, finding the pricing reasonable for the quality received.
The atmosphere is frequently described as casual and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant dining outing. However, some visits have been marred by inconsistent service, with reports of staff attitudes and order inaccuracies.
There are also notable concerns regarding cleanliness and the general upkeep of the dining space, which can detract from the experience. Parking can also be a challenge for some patrons.
Good
6.8
out of 10
504
Reviews
63.9%
Satisfaction
139
negative
43
neutral
322
positive
Pho Huong Lan garners a respectable overall score of 6.8, indicating a generally positive reception, yet customer satisfaction stands at a more mixed 63.9%. This suggests that while many find the experience good, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from 504 customer remarks, with 322 positive observations outweighing 139 negative ones. The restaurant’s strongest asset is its Food (7.8), frequently highlighted for its rich flavors and authenticity.
Value (6.2) is considered average, with some finding prices fair while others note minor issues. Both Ambience (5.9) and Service (5.3) fall into the average category, indicating areas where experiences can vary significantly, from friendly interactions to less accommodating encounters.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful dishes
- Good value proposition
- Welcoming, casual atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Cleanliness concerns (rats)
- Unexpected credit card fees
With a recommendation score of 7.3, Pho Huong Lan presents a compelling option for those prioritizing well-prepared, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re seeking robust flavors and generous portions, this spot is likely to satisfy your palate.
Be prepared for a casual setting where the food often takes center stage. However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service consistency and potential cleanliness issues.
While the food is a draw, these factors could impact your overall experience. Consider it a worthwhile visit if you’re willing to overlook some operational rough edges for a flavorful meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Huong Lan
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally delighted, with a strong 7.8 score indicating a good culinary experience and a 76.7% customer satisfaction rate reinforcing that positive sentiment. Many of the 221 positive comments rave about the exceptional pho and its rich and authentic broth. Guests consistently praise the generous portions and the overall authentic Vietnamese food experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as evidenced by 46 critical remarks. Some found the broth to be bland or salty, and occasionally, the noodles were described as too soft or broken. There were also mentions of lackluster meatballs and, in rare instances, concerns about spoiled beef tendons, suggesting some inconsistencies in quality.
Food
288
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
46
negative
21
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Pho Broth
- Generous Meat Portions
- Fresh Herbs, Veggies
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Broth Flavor
- Soft, Broken Noodles
- Meat Quality Concerns
Often praised
- foodI was super impressed. The broth was a good base, and I was so happy for the table sauces, which allowed me to get the flavors just to my liking. I highly recommend giving this place a go!
- phoWe visit this place every time we’re in Orlando. Their pho is so delicious, and I hope they keep it that way. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect score.
- PhoPho Huong Lan came highly recommended by a friend as a place not to miss, and I couldn’t agree more! The Pho was delicious and the portion plentiful. One tip I would give is if you’re planning to dine here and it’s later, call first, since they do run out and once it’s gone it’s gone.
- brothRegarding the broth: I rate it a 9/10. The broth is incredibly rich and flavorful, served hot, and tastes exactly like authentic Vietnamese Bun Bo. Regarding the noodles: There's not much to say here; the restaurant uses thick noodles, just like in Vietnam.
- meatThey are generous with their portions and have a good energy. Our pho came with the meat that was used for making the broth as well, and that was really nice; you can tell they are making it fresh. Our server was very nice; she had a baby and we loved how she was also taking care of her baby.
- FoodFood:5
- Bun Bo HueBun Bo Hue, which is equally delicious
- noodlesThe broth is incredibly rich and flavorful, served hot, and tastes exactly like authentic Vietnamese Bun Bo. Regarding the noodles: There's not much to say here; the restaurant uses thick noodles, just like in Vietnam. Regarding the meat: I also rate this a 9/10.
- pho brothpho broth was super flavorful and rich, definitely top notch
- beefMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their delicious pho. The beef was tender, and I appreciated that there were many meat options to add, just like in Vietnam. However, the parking was limited and difficult to find.
Frequently criticized
- foodOverall, the vibe was not good. TLDR; mediocre or subpar pho and bun bo hue (salty, lacking depth of flavor, no onions in pho). Rude servers, who we suspect were also management/owners.
- meatballsThe meatballs I ordered had a delightful hint of putrefaction
- noodlesnoodles was too soft and broken
- short ribsthe short ribs need a slight adjustment
- soupThe soup was old reused old bones with added water
- brothThe broth in Phở and Bún Bò Huế is a bit lacking
- food qualityfood quality dropped too much
- meatu can’t leave out meat in room temps
- veggies platefinding a drinking straw's paper wrapper in our veggies plate
- C2they said they don’t have it
If you're seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors, especially pho with rich broth and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. While there are occasional reports of inconsistencies, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a satisfying meal awaits most diners.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the service! Many guests have had some really positive experiences, with 60 positive remarks out of 131 total. Customers frequently praise the friendly staff and owner, often highlighting the quick service and overall great experience, making their visit enjoyable and efficient.
However, the service isnt without its challenges, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 45.8% and an average score of 5.3. There are 62 negative comments, often pointing to issues with the wait system and long wait times. Some guests also encountered rude staff or an unwelcoming attitude, which definitely put a damper on their visit.
Service
131
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
62
negative
9
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick, efficient service
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Engaging, nice owner
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff/owner
- Poor wait system
Often praised
- serviceIt's among the best I've had across the US. The food and service are beyond reproach for the value. A couple of things to be aware of before you go: 1.
- ServiceService is friendly and accommodating
- staffPho Houng Lan staff for the experience!
- ownerThe meat was perfectly cooked, and the broth tasted very clean and fresh. The owner was very interactive with the customers, and the atmosphere was lively.
- StaffStaff are fast, quick and efficient
- experiencenever once had a bad experience
- Owner VOwner V is a humble guy that has great personality
- VuVu is very friendly and nice!
- above & beyond serviceabove & beyond service they extended
- driveWorth the 90 min drive.
Frequently criticized
- serviceTLDR; mediocre or subpar pho and bun bo hue (salty, lacking depth of flavor, no onions in pho). Rude servers, who we suspect were also management/owners.
- orderOddly, the pho ga arrived before everyone else's orders without any explanation. She then missed an order that we repeated twice and shook her head at us as if we were at fault when she realized it. To make matters worse, the dish that eventually arrived was incorrect.
- wait timeUpon arrival, the seating arrangement was like a joke. The owner made us wait for a long time, then seated smaller groups who arrived after us before our larger party. They kept moving us from table to table, leaving us waiting.
- female serverThe female server who attended to us had a charm that could rival a cactus
- ownerThey kept moving us from table to table, leaving us waiting. When I questioned the seating arrangement, the owner rudely told us to eat or leave. I don't know if the food is good, but the service was absolutely awful.
- serverreluctantly agreed as though we were an inconvenience
- staffThe staff don’t even know how to apologize
- answer customerscan’t answer customers the name of each bowl
- apologizewith NO apology
- attitudeJust do first-come, first-served—it would be better. Don’t throw that kind of attitude in our faces.
If you're seeking quick service and a friendly owner, you might have a great experience here. However, be prepared for potential long waits or inconsistent staff interactions, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 and customer satisfaction at 47.6%. Many guests, accounting for 30 positive remarks out of 63 total, appreciate the atmosphere and vibe, often describing it as a friendly neighborhood restaurant with a lively or laid-back feel. The cleanliness and music and vibe are often praised, making it feel like a hidden gem with inside and outside seatings and good parking.
However, not everyone is charmed. A significant number of the 24 negative comments highlight issues with the atmosphere being noisy or the restaurant size being cramped and small space. Concerning reports of rat sightings and poor restroom conditions are dealbreakers for some.
Other concerns include challenging parking, a warm interior needing more AC, and declining cleanliness standards.
Ambience
63
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
24
negative
9
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly neighborhood vibe
- Lively atmosphere
- Inside/outside seating
What people don't like
- Cramped, small space
- Rat sightings
- Poor restroom conditions
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is a humble, family-run pho restaurant. Come here for the good food and nice casual atmosphere. The service was friendly and accommodating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the restaurant, everything was top notch.
- parkingthey have parking space available.
- ambiancelike the ambiance that has been curated
- energyhave a good energy
- hidden gemThis place is a hidden gem
- inside and outside seatingsThere's both inside and outside seatings as well
- music and vibethe music and vibe made me feel like home
- neighborhood restaurantIt's a friendly neighborhood restaurant
Frequently criticized
- ratThe service was also super fast, and the prices are very reasonable. However, I saw a rat or a mouse running through the section between the ceiling and the crown molding. I would come back here to eat, but the rat is very concerning.
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a significant letdown
- cleanlinessCleanliness has gone way downhill at this establishment
- crampedcan be cramped
- health inspectionsIt was concerning to learn that many other people have also mentioned spotting rats here. This is pretty gross, and I'm not sure how they pass health inspections.
- inside diningthe inside dining is usually warm need more AC
- interiorThe interior, which resembles a karaoke lounge, could be improved
- largest stallIt's unclear whose responsibility the restroom upkeep is. Additionally, I heard from another guest that the largest stall is not handicap friendly. The outside seating area is a plus for those with pets.
- napkinfinger blood on a clean, white napkin that was to be used on our mouths
- parkingThe beef was tender, and I appreciated that there were many meat options to add, just like in Vietnam. However, the parking was limited and difficult to find.
This spot offers a casual, lively neighborhood restaurant vibe that many enjoy, especially with its inside and outside seatings. However, be prepared for a potentially cramped space and be aware of concerning reports regarding cleanliness and even rat sightings, which could be a significant drawback for some.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are pleasantly surprised, with 11 positive opinions out of 22 total. Guests frequently praise the reasonable prices and excellent value for money, often noting how affordable the delicious food is. The availability of parking options also adds to the overall positive experience, contributing to a score of 6.2.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, with 7 negative opinions indicating a mixed bag. Some customers felt things were a bit pricey or encountered unexpected charges like a credit card fee without prior notice. Finding a parking space can also be a bit of a hassle, leading to a customer satisfaction of 50%.
Value
22
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Hidden card fees
- Difficult parking
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- pricesMy only minor observation, and not really a con, is that kids might not prefer the herbs in the kid's meal. Overall, it was amazing; the prices were reasonable, the pho was fantastic, and the Bun Bo Hue was equally delicious. I would definitely return; this is a true hidden gem.
- price$40 is enough to feed 2 people very full- good price!
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- PricesPrices are very reasonable!
- foodthe food is so cheap
- parking optionsFree parking lot
- value for moneyPho Lan turned out to be a great find! It offers great value for the money, and the food is truly authentic and delicious. It's among the best I've had across the US.
Frequently criticized
- credit card feeadded a 3% credit card fee without letting me know
- debit cardused a debit card, so I shouldn’t have to pay, but they didn’t let me know and took the money anyway
- fee to use credit carda fee to use credit card
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- priceI wished for that price they give like a quarter more.
- priceyit's very pricey
- ratingWe don't understand the 4.3 ⭐️ rating
If youre looking for good value and dont mind potential extra fees for card payments, this spot could be a great find. Just be aware of the payment methods and parking situation to avoid any surprises.
How are the prices at Pho Huong Lan?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 99 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, the vast majority of diners (77 out of 99) stick to that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a clear focus on value around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 99 reviews.
How this Vietnamese spot in Orlando stacks up against similar restaurants on value for money.
For a Vietnamese restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair, especially given how many people find value in that $11–$20 range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Huong Lan
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Scam and Wrong Order
My experience at Huong Lan 2 was a complete scam. The staff lacked basic customer service skills, failing to apologize for their mistakes. I became suspicious when others who arrived after me received their orders first.
It turned out they had given my order to another table. After a 30-minute wait, I finally received my food, only to discover it was the wrong dish – pho đặc biệt instead of what I ordered. The staff's response was a dismissive, “Oops, it’s pho đặc biệt, ” with no apology.
I was shocked by this lack of professionalism. Later, they brought out two messy bowls of pho, which looked like they had simply removed unwanted toppings. My bowl resembled leftovers, making me feel like a clown.
I will never return.
- staff1
- waiting time1
- order1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Delicious Pho, Difficult Parking
My experience at the restaurant was centered around their delicious pho. The beef was tender, and I appreciated that there were many meat options to add, just like in Vietnam. However, the parking was limited and difficult to find.
- pho9
- beef8
- meat options8
- parking3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Bun Bo Hue and Pho in Orlando
I've tried many restaurants in Orlando, but the Bun Bo Hue and Pho here are still the best. The food is excellent, with a perfect atmosphere and top-notch service.
- Bun Bo Hue10
- Pho10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Quick Lunch, Limited Options
My experience at this restaurant was centered around a quick lunch. The food was liked by those who enjoy soup, though it's important to note there are no vegetarian options, as even the soup broth is made with meat. The place is small and very popular, leading to a quick serving time.
Parking was in a free parking lot, but finding a spot was somewhat difficult. The price per person is estimated between $10–20, and the seating type is an indoor dining area. I would not recommend this place for vegetarians.
The wait time was non-existent, and the atmosphere received a rating of 3, while service and food were rated 4 and 3 respectively.
- food6
- place5
- food served8
- vegetarian options2
- recommendation for vegetarians2
- parking space3
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Consistent Short Ribs Needed
As a weekly patron, my experience at this restaurant is generally fantastic. The Service and Atmosphere both receive a perfect 5/5. The Food, while usually excellent, has one recurring issue: the short ribs.
They require a slight adjustment in the kitchen, specifically a longer braise to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Approximately one-third of the time, the short ribs are undercooked and difficult to bite. This inconsistency needs to be addressed to ensure a consistently enjoyable dining experience.
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
- Food8
- short ribs3
What Pho Huong Lan offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
FAQs
What dining options are available at Pho Huong Lan, and is it accessible?
Pho Huong Lan offers diverse dining options, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with comfortable seating and counter service. Catering is also available. For your convenience, the restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom.
Can I get delivery or takeout from Pho Huong Lan, and what should I know about parking or bringing my dog?
You can enjoy Pho Huong Lan with Delivery, No-contact delivery, Takeout, Curbside pickup, Dine-in, or Outdoor seating. Parking includes free street parking and a free lot, though finding a space can sometimes be tricky. For pet owners, dogs are welcome both inside and outside the restaurant.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Pho Huong Lan?
Pho Huong Lan holds an overall score of 6.8, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 63.9%. The Food (7.8) is highly rated, while Value (6.2), Ambience (5.9), and Service (5.3) are considered average.
Is Pho Huong Lan known for good food?
Yes, the restaurant is frequently praised for its flavorful and authentic dishes, particularly the pho and Bun Bo Hue. Many customers highlight the rich broth and quality of the meat and noodles.
What are common concerns at Pho Huong Lan?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service, including rude staff and order errors. There have also been concerns about cleanliness and the presence of unexpected credit card fees.