Random Delicious Thing: Braised Beef Short Rib Pho in Etobicoke

By Jennifer Bain | Published April 17, 2026

Random Delicious Thing shines a bi-weekly spotlight on things you really must eat across Canada.

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A gorgeous bowl of beef short rib pho from Pho Ngoc Yen’s Etobicoke branch/Jennifer Bain

WHAT: Braised beef short rib pho (phở sườn bò)

WHERE: Pho Ngoc Yen, 1596 The Queensway, Etobicoke (plus branches in Mississauga and Toronto)

PRICE: $31

DISH DECONSTRUCTION: Beef short ribs are braised overnight in a rich broth scented with star anise and lemongrass. One huge fall-off-the bone meaty rib is served atop a generous bowl of rice noodles that’s garnished with cilantro and green onion. Thai basil, bean sprouts and red cabbage come on a side plate to add as you wish, and there are lime wedges for squeezing plus dollops of optional hoisin and hot sauce.

WHY: Bursting with flavour, this pricey pho is easily divided into two meals if you can bring yourself to save half for takeout.

FUN FACT: This family-run gem launched in Mississauga in 2017 to instant success before expanding to Etobicoke in 2023 and then downtown Toronto in 2025. Led by executive chef Tri Tran, Pho Ngoc Yen has scored tons of awards and legions of loyal customers, but in March it was blessed with the “Keith Lee Effect.” The American food celebrity quietly visited the Adelaide Street location, tried the short rib pho, told his TikTok/Instagram followers “this might be the best pho I’ve ever had in my life” and gave the Vietnamese soup a 9.4/10. Lee also ordered sugarcane juice and passionfruit juice.

Be generous adding Thai basil, bean sprouts and cabbage to your pho at Pho Ngoc Yen/Jennifer Bain