Grand Rapids’ top 5 places for pho

Pho (pronounced fuh) is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with broth, noodles, spices and herbs, and meat — beef or chicken primarily. Gaining popularity in the United States in recent years, the filling soup is perfect for a cold day or to ease an oncoming cough and cold. There are several places around Grand Rapids offering the steaming dish; check out our top 5 places for pho.

Asian Palace Pho 99

Asian Palace Pho 99 offers a variety of pho options including beef, chicken, shrimp and vegetable-based pho. The beef-based options include rare or well-done beef, brisket or beef ball. Whichever way you order yours, enjoy the wafting aromas of this flavorful dish. 141 28th St. SE

Lai Thai Kitchen

Tucked in a shopping plaza off Leonard Street, Lai Thai Kitchen is a hidden gem on the city’s northeast side. You’ll find seven types of pho here. Choose from the traditional beef pho made with rare prime beef or try something different like the pho meatballs. If you are vegetarian, this is the place for you; order the pho with veggie broth and vegetables. 1621 Leonard St. NE

Pho 616

Pho 616 is one of the only places you can crush your pho craving without leaving downtown. It’s perfect for lunch or for grab and go on your way home from work. The restaurant offers beef- and chicken-based pho. The beef pho uses thin-sliced flank steak and meatballs with a side of Thai basil leaves, bean sprouts and lime — add Sriracha for “sweet, sour and spicy all in one bite.” Opened in August 2017 in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market by owner Ty Nguyen with his mother Cam Loan Nguyen’s pho recipe, Pho 616 offers traditional Vietnamese fare in a to-go setting. 435 Ionia Ave. SW

Pho Soc Trang

Located inside Wei Wei Palace, Pho Soc Trang offers phenomenal pho. This is the place to go if you want traditional beef-based pho with plenty of options to choose from. A number of its pho options include beef brisket, tendon and tripe. 4242 S. Division Ave.

Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar

If you are looking for ambiance along with your pho, perhaps for date night, try Ginza on the corner of Michigan Street and Diamond Avenue. Recently opened, Ginza offers a contemporary, big-city atmosphere with a large menu to satisfy the hungriest of diners. The menu is limited in its pho options, offering a traditional beef broth pho with basil leaves, scallions, green onions, lime jalapeños, rice noodles and, of course, beef. 1015 Michigan St. NE