It was almost as good as the one in langley but it's too expensive for the amount given.
N
This used to be my go-to pho spot… until today.
I’ve been a loyal customer here for years and always looked forward to my visits—until today’s experience completely changed how I feel about this place.
Our server was lovely and polite from the start. I ordered my usual iced coffee and pho, and decided to try the papaya salad for the first time. I’ve had papaya salad at many places and always enjoy it, so I was excited to try theirs. But the moment I took my first bite, I gagged. The sauce tasted rancid, and when I flipped over a piece of shrimp, I noticed it hadn’t been cleaned properly—there was still visible waste. I immediately lost my appetite.
I didn’t want to make a big scene, especially because our server was so kind. I just politely let him know that I didn’t enjoy it and that the taste was really off. He offered to pack it to go, but I said no thank you, I didn’t want it—I just hoped it could be removed from the bill since I didn’t eat it. He went to speak to his manager and returned to say they wouldn’t remove it.
So I asked to speak with the manager myself. What shocked me was how he immediately began the conversation with, “I’m not taking it off the bill.” No greeting, no curiosity about what was wrong—just immediate defensiveness.
I calmly explained that we’re regulars, and I never complain or return food. I took one bite, gagged, and noticed an improperly cleaned shrimp. I even flipped the shrimp over on purpose to show him. He scoffed, and instead of taking accountability, he blamed food costs and said, “It’s not my fault you didn’t like it.” I told him I wasn’t trying to get out of paying just because I didn’t “like” it—I literally didn’t eat it because it tasted off and was poorly prepared.
Had I eaten the whole thing and then complained, that would be different. But I took one bite. This wasn’t about the $14—it was about how the situation was handled.
I should note that even their voicemail says, “Thank you for calling White Lotus Café, where your satisfaction is our priority.” But in this case, customer satisfaction clearly wasn’t a priority.
He could’ve offered to make another dish. Earlier, our server had kindly offered to add new shrimp, which I declined because the whole experience had already put me off. But the manager didn’t try to resolve the situation or de-escalate—instead, he became aggressive and dismissive. He pointed his finger out and said, “Don’t tell me how to treat my customers.” Then he scoffed and said, “Whatever, whatever, just take it off,” in a way that was incredibly demeaning.
It was truly appalling behavior from someone running a business. As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for over seven years, I know that sometimes, yes, you lose a little money when a dish isn’t up to standard. But it’s part of earning customer loyalty and trust. The dish was not only unappetizing—it was improperly prepared. And I tried to explain that, calmly and respectfully.
What upsets me most is how easily this could have been resolved with basic professionalism and care.
To end on a positive note, our server was great the entire time—he stayed respectful and kind, even as we were leaving. I tried to tip him separately, but he told me they pool tips, which was unfortunate because he truly deserved better than the way his boss behaved. Honestly, the manager could learn a thing or two from his staff.
Sadly, I won’t be returning. It’s disappointing to see a place I once loved fall so short of the basic values they claim to stand for.
Rachel S
Service and atmosphere are both good. Food is not. Not sure how their meat is made but it’s very chewy for all four types of meat we ordered Won’t come back again
Adam P
I've been here twice over the course of 3 years, and their bigger plates of food was fine. But stay away from their bahn mi. Bread was dry and barely had any meat. I didn't finish it.
Cee S
Live in the area, love the home service. Great food. Been a regular
A K
Ordered pho totaling 120 dollars this included 3 chicken pho soups. They delivered to soups that totals 2 chicken balls cut in half, broth and noodles. I phoned and asked them what happened to the image advertised. They said that is how it comes. I did not pay $120 for hot water and noodles. I will never come back to this place. The staff was incredibly rude and made me come back to deliver food which they set aside. I hope they don’t try to reuse it. If I can give zero stars I would.
Patrick Tong
Soup base too sweet, didn't taste like pho soup base. My first time there and my last time order from white lotus cafe
Jenna Lew-Cooke
Really yummy Vietnamese food! My partner and I frequently go out for Vietnamese food and we were not disappointed in this restaurant. I ordered the wonton soup and he ordered the bun bohue and the broth was amazing for both. We also ordered spring rolls and they were tasty too. We will be coming back.
Ella
Perfect sandwiches and wonton. All their foods are really good.
Mark Lui
Truly a hidden gem. Small restaurant of 5 tables, Decore is nice and new. Super clean washrooms. Big parking lot with plenty of spots as well as residential parking.
The pho is good, soup comes out hot. The bun MI bread isn't too crunchy and hard that it'll cut your mouth. The rice dishes portions are big and the chicken is tender.
Out of the way, but will be visiting often.
Update: havent visited much despite my previous review indicating so. But it seems like they got more space not too big but it never felt tight. Inside was clean and simple, very calming ambience. Pho was still good, and appropriately priced The Banh Mi bread is still great (not crunchy and hard) Will visit again for lunch, hopefully not years apart :)
Have been here a few times now. The chicken bahn mi is extremely dry making the chicken very chewy. Ordered spring rolls over the phone and came home with salad rolls. Not worth going back, been disappointed every time. Wanted to like it as it's in close proximity to where we live.
Lincoln Alexander
Great food (my favorites are Pho House Special, Beef Stew and Wonton in Noodle Soup. Staff are very friendly.
Adam Stein
Great food, good service. Exceptional value.
Jesse Chan
Consistently delicious, always friendly and helpful, great prices.
Amanda De Castro
The pho broth is the best we’ve ever had. Also the banh mis are a must try
It was almost as good as the one in langley but it's too expensive for the amount given.
This used to be my go-to pho spot… until today.
I’ve been a loyal customer here for years and always looked forward to my visits—until today’s experience completely changed how I feel about this place.
Our server was lovely and polite from the start. I ordered my usual iced coffee and pho, and decided to try the papaya salad for the first time. I’ve had papaya salad at many places and always enjoy it, so I was excited to try theirs. But the moment I took my first bite, I gagged. The sauce tasted rancid, and when I flipped over a piece of shrimp, I noticed it hadn’t been cleaned properly—there was still visible waste. I immediately lost my appetite.
I didn’t want to make a big scene, especially because our server was so kind. I just politely let him know that I didn’t enjoy it and that the taste was really off. He offered to pack it to go, but I said no thank you, I didn’t want it—I just hoped it could be removed from the bill since I didn’t eat it. He went to speak to his manager and returned to say they wouldn’t remove it.
So I asked to speak with the manager myself. What shocked me was how he immediately began the conversation with, “I’m not taking it off the bill.” No greeting, no curiosity about what was wrong—just immediate defensiveness.
I calmly explained that we’re regulars, and I never complain or return food. I took one bite, gagged, and noticed an improperly cleaned shrimp. I even flipped the shrimp over on purpose to show him. He scoffed, and instead of taking accountability, he blamed food costs and said, “It’s not my fault you didn’t like it.” I told him I wasn’t trying to get out of paying just because I didn’t “like” it—I literally didn’t eat it because it tasted off and was poorly prepared.
Had I eaten the whole thing and then complained, that would be different. But I took one bite. This wasn’t about the $14—it was about how the situation was handled.
I should note that even their voicemail says, “Thank you for calling White Lotus Café, where your satisfaction is our priority.” But in this case, customer satisfaction clearly wasn’t a priority.
He could’ve offered to make another dish. Earlier, our server had kindly offered to add new shrimp, which I declined because the whole experience had already put me off. But the manager didn’t try to resolve the situation or de-escalate—instead, he became aggressive and dismissive. He pointed his finger out and said, “Don’t tell me how to treat my customers.” Then he scoffed and said, “Whatever, whatever, just take it off,” in a way that was incredibly demeaning.
It was truly appalling behavior from someone running a business. As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for over seven years, I know that sometimes, yes, you lose a little money when a dish isn’t up to standard. But it’s part of earning customer loyalty and trust. The dish was not only unappetizing—it was improperly prepared. And I tried to explain that, calmly and respectfully.
What upsets me most is how easily this could have been resolved with basic professionalism and care.
To end on a positive note, our server was great the entire time—he stayed respectful and kind, even as we were leaving. I tried to tip him separately, but he told me they pool tips, which was unfortunate because he truly deserved better than the way his boss behaved. Honestly, the manager could learn a thing or two from his staff.
Sadly, I won’t be returning. It’s disappointing to see a place I once loved fall so short of the basic values they claim to stand for.
Service and atmosphere are both good. Food is not. Not sure how their meat is made but it’s very chewy for all four types of meat we ordered
Won’t come back again
I've been here twice over the course of 3 years, and their bigger plates of food was fine. But stay away from their bahn mi. Bread was dry and barely had any meat. I didn't finish it.
Live in the area, love the home service. Great food. Been a regular
Ordered pho totaling 120 dollars this included 3 chicken pho soups. They delivered to soups that totals 2 chicken balls cut in half, broth and noodles. I phoned and asked them what happened to the image advertised. They said that is how it comes. I did not pay $120 for hot water and noodles. I will never come back to this place. The staff was incredibly rude and made me come back to deliver food which they set aside. I hope they don’t try to reuse it. If I can give zero stars I would.
Soup base too sweet, didn't taste like pho soup base. My first time there and my last time order from white lotus cafe
Really yummy Vietnamese food! My partner and I frequently go out for Vietnamese food and we were not disappointed in this restaurant. I ordered the wonton soup and he ordered the bun bohue and the broth was amazing for both. We also ordered spring rolls and they were tasty too. We will be coming back.
Perfect sandwiches and wonton. All their foods are really good.
Truly a hidden gem. Small restaurant of 5 tables, Decore is nice and new. Super clean washrooms. Big parking lot with plenty of spots as well as residential parking.
The pho is good, soup comes out hot. The bun MI bread isn't too crunchy and hard that it'll cut your mouth. The rice dishes portions are big and the chicken is tender.
Out of the way, but will be visiting often.
Update: havent visited much despite my previous review indicating so. But it seems like they got more space not too big but it never felt tight. Inside was clean and simple, very calming ambience.
Pho was still good, and appropriately priced
The Banh Mi bread is still great (not crunchy and hard)
Will visit again for lunch, hopefully not years apart :)
Restaurantji Recommends
Have been here a few times now. The chicken bahn mi is extremely dry making the chicken very chewy. Ordered spring rolls over the phone and came home with salad rolls. Not worth going back, been disappointed every time. Wanted to like it as it's in close proximity to where we live.
Great food (my favorites are Pho House Special, Beef Stew and Wonton in Noodle Soup. Staff are very friendly.
Great food, good service. Exceptional value.
Consistently delicious, always friendly and helpful, great prices.
The pho broth is the best we’ve ever had. Also the banh mis are a must try
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