Tucked away in an unassuming corner of the city, Da Kao Vietnamese may look like a simple hole-in-the-wall, but step inside, and you’ll find a place that hums with quiet confidence. The cafeteria-style setting is no-frills, yet the warmth of the service and the intoxicating aromas of sizzling meats and fragrant herbs instantly set the stage for something special.
I arrived with my bearded companion, Mike—a man who wastes no time when faced with good food. He devoured two beef salad rolls with practiced ease, but I took my time, savoring my pork rolls with a knowing smirk. The pork was the clear winner—succulent, generously portioned, and kissed with just the right amount of seasoning to awaken the palate.
But the true seduction came in the form of the Char Siu BBQ pork banh mi. The bread—golden-crusted, airy, with that perfect crackle as you bite down—was nothing short of a revelation. And the meat? A slow, lingering symphony of smoky sweetness, marinated to perfection, each bite melting into the next.
Da Kao doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It doesn’t need to. The food speaks in whispers and shouts, teasing and satisfying in equal measure. And yes—I’ll be back. Some pleasures are simply too good to resist.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Salim K
Terrible food, check out anywhere else.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kyna Tiet
Item ordered: Pho Dac Biet and Taro chips Broth: Nothing special Noodles: Cooked properly, it was fine Meat: Nothing spectacular. Didn't have tendon, which is a favorite. Garnishes and condiments: Nothing special.
Wish they didn't sprinkle so much salt on the taro chips. They were otherwise delicious.
Service: Server needs to turn his head and check people who sit by the door more often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Other Other
I was really disappointed with my visit to Da Kao Bistro. The food was subpar at best, and it felt like everything was made with the cheapest ingredients possible. The pho was very oily and the beef was horrible. It’s clear they’re cutting corners to save money, and it shows in the quality. For what I paid, I expected much better. I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
F K
Avoid Da Kao Bistro at all costs. The meat in the Pho was clearly off. The staff did not care at all when I told them there was a problem. When I checked Alberta Health Services inspection reports they have been previously cited for "Frozen foods are being improperly thawed."
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Farzana Shariff
I thought I'd try this restaurant, despite some of the bad reviews. Sadly, I was very disappointed with this restaurant. The quality of ingredients was poor and the food tasted bad. Would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Death Dragon
I had a terrible experience at Da Kao Bistro. The food tasted spoiled, and when I brought it up to the staff, they argued with me, claiming I must not have tasted Pho before and insisted their food is always loved. Their dismissive attitude and lack of professionalism were shocking and they did nothing to address my concerns (except charge me in full). I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rebecca H.
Nice to see more establishments in the west end. However, I found nothing special about the dishes that makes this place stand out.
Mujo Personal
This place is ok, not great, but not horrible.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Sumi Ousha
Ambience is okay. Presentation of food was okay. Quality was okay. Fish sauce tasted okay — needed to be stronger. Service was great.
Good flavor and good service. Is not like those traditional Vietnamese place I used to go. This is a bit different and more like street food. Worth to try
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
N chow
We love to try something new, that’s why we are here.
We want to have some pho tonight. We google and found this place.
We ordered special beef noodles soup, Hue beef noodles and grilled pork sausage.
We love the pork sausage very much , taste very good, not too salty.
Noodles in good position, and soup tastes really good
Will come back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mikey Mudry
By far the best experience I’ve ever had and the food was outstanding. The authentic music and feel of the restaurant had a transformation for me to Vietnam while at ate here. I’ll being coming back for sure!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jimvee Castillo
The food and service is great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
David urquhart
Food was so good and fresh. Bahn Mi and soup combo is such a good deal.
A Sensory Journey at Da Kao Vietnamese
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of the city, Da Kao Vietnamese may look like a simple hole-in-the-wall, but step inside, and you’ll find a place that hums with quiet confidence. The cafeteria-style setting is no-frills, yet the warmth of the service and the intoxicating aromas of sizzling meats and fragrant herbs instantly set the stage for something special.
I arrived with my bearded companion, Mike—a man who wastes no time when faced with good food. He devoured two beef salad rolls with practiced ease, but I took my time, savoring my pork rolls with a knowing smirk. The pork was the clear winner—succulent, generously portioned, and kissed with just the right amount of seasoning to awaken the palate.
But the true seduction came in the form of the Char Siu BBQ pork banh mi. The bread—golden-crusted, airy, with that perfect crackle as you bite down—was nothing short of a revelation. And the meat? A slow, lingering symphony of smoky sweetness, marinated to perfection, each bite melting into the next.
Da Kao doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It doesn’t need to. The food speaks in whispers and shouts, teasing and satisfying in equal measure. And yes—I’ll be back. Some pleasures are simply too good to resist.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Terrible food, check out anywhere else.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Item ordered: Pho Dac Biet and Taro chips
Broth: Nothing special
Noodles: Cooked properly, it was fine
Meat: Nothing spectacular. Didn't have tendon, which is a favorite.
Garnishes and condiments: Nothing special.
Wish they didn't sprinkle so much salt on the taro chips. They were otherwise delicious.
Service: Server needs to turn his head and check people who sit by the door more often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
I was really disappointed with my visit to Da Kao Bistro. The food was subpar at best, and it felt like everything was made with the cheapest ingredients possible. The pho was very oily and the beef was horrible. It’s clear they’re cutting corners to save money, and it shows in the quality. For what I paid, I expected much better. I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Avoid Da Kao Bistro at all costs. The meat in the Pho was clearly off. The staff did not care at all when I told them there was a problem. When I checked Alberta Health Services inspection reports they have been previously cited for "Frozen foods are being improperly thawed."
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I thought I'd try this restaurant, despite some of the bad reviews. Sadly, I was very disappointed with this restaurant. The quality of ingredients was poor and the food tasted bad. Would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I had a terrible experience at Da Kao Bistro. The food tasted spoiled, and when I brought it up to the staff, they argued with me, claiming I must not have tasted Pho before and insisted their food is always loved. Their dismissive attitude and lack of professionalism were shocking and they did nothing to address my concerns (except charge me in full). I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nice to see more establishments in the west end. However, I found nothing special about the dishes that makes this place stand out.
This place is ok, not great, but not horrible.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Ambience is okay. Presentation of food was okay. Quality was okay. Fish sauce tasted okay — needed to be stronger. Service was great.
Restaurantji Recommends
Good flavor and good service. Is not like those traditional Vietnamese place I used to go. This is a bit different and more like street food. Worth to try
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
We love to try something new, that’s why we are here.
We want to have some pho tonight. We google and found this place.
We ordered special beef noodles soup, Hue beef noodles and grilled pork sausage.
We love the pork sausage very much , taste very good, not too salty.
Noodles in good position, and soup tastes really good
Will come back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
By far the best experience I’ve ever had and the food was outstanding. The authentic music and feel of the restaurant had a transformation for me to Vietnam while at ate here. I’ll being coming back for sure!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service is great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was so good and fresh. Bahn Mi and soup combo is such a good deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lemongrass Banh MI, Salad Rolls
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