Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Houston, TX

North America

United States

# Saito & Pho – Authentic Vietnamese and Japanese Cuisine in Houston
Saito & Pho, located in Houston, TX, is a hidden gem specializing in Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. Known for its flavorful pho and bun bo hue, this restaurant has garnered a loyal following due to its generous portions and welcoming atmosphere. Established in a modest strip mall, Saito & Pho has become a community favorite, praised for its delicious broth and variety of toppings. With a focus on quality and customer service, this eatery continues to thrive, offering a unique blend of culinary traditions that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.

## History
### The story of Saito & Pho
Saito & Pho was founded with a vision to create a dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of both Vietnam and Japan. The restaurant aims to provide authentic flavors while maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere for its patrons. The owner, whose family heritage includes Japanese roots, has infused the menu with a unique blend of Vietnamese and Japanese dishes, making it a distinctive spot in Houston's diverse food scene.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in a small strip mall in Houston, TX.
- Gained popularity for its authentic pho and bun bo hue.
- Expanded menu to include Japanese dishes such as katsu and teriyaki.
- Developed a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth recommendations.
- Recognized in local reviews for its generous portion sizes and friendly service.

### Cultural and local influence
Saito & Pho has become a cultural touchstone in the Houston community, reflecting the city's diverse culinary landscape. The restaurant not only serves traditional Vietnamese and Japanese dishes but also incorporates local flavors and ingredients. This blending of cultures has attracted a wide range of customers, fostering a sense of community among food lovers who appreciate authentic cuisine.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant continues to uphold its founding vision by focusing on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant since its inception, are dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. Saito & Pho remains committed to evolving its menu while staying true to its roots, ensuring that each dish is prepared with care and authenticity.

## Community
### Community involvement
Saito & Pho actively engages with the local community by participating in neighborhood events and supporting local initiatives. The restaurant has become a gathering place for families and friends, often hosting informal events that celebrate Vietnamese and Japanese culture. By fostering a sense of belonging, Saito & Pho has solidified its role as a community hub.

### Community notion about the place
Locals regard Saito & Pho as a reliable spot for delicious and authentic Vietnamese and Japanese food. Many customers appreciate the restaurant's unpretentious atmosphere and the friendly service provided by the staff. The consistent quality of the food has earned Saito & Pho a reputation as a go-to destination for comfort food, making it a beloved establishment in the area.

### Events and gatherings
The restaurant hosts various events throughout the year, including special promotions and themed nights that highlight different aspects of Vietnamese and Japanese culture. These gatherings not only draw in regular customers but also attract new visitors eager to experience the unique offerings. Saito & Pho's commitment to community engagement enhances its reputation and strengthens its ties to the neighborhood.

## Offerings
### What Saito & Pho offers
Saito & Pho features a diverse menu that includes a variety of Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. The restaurant is particularly known for its pho and bun bo hue, both of which are prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. In addition to these staples, the menu also includes sushi, katsu, and other Japanese favorites, providing customers with a wide range of options to choose from.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Saito & Pho is characterized by a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Customers can expect prompt service and a cozy setting that encourages relaxation and enjoyment. The restaurant's focus on generous portion sizes ensures that diners leave satisfied, whether they are enjoying a steaming bowl of pho or a flavorful plate of bun bo hue. The combination of authentic flavors and a friendly environment makes each visit memorable.

### Events and packages
Saito & Pho offers various dining packages and specials that cater to different occasions. Whether it's a family gathering, a casual lunch with friends, or a special celebration, the restaurant provides options that accommodate groups of all sizes. These packages often include a selection of popular dishes, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors and share their favorites with one another.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy dining area with a casual ambiance
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Takeout and delivery options available
- Special promotions and event nights
- Family-friendly environment

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Saito & Pho highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the dining experience. Many customers praise the restaurant for its generous portions, flavorful broth, and friendly service. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in the quality of certain dishes, particularly regarding the texture of the noodles in pho.

### Compliments and strengths
- Generous portion sizes that leave customers satisfied.
- Flavorful broth in both pho and bun bo hue.
- Friendly and welcoming staff who enhance the dining experience.
- Unique blend of Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine that appeals to a broad audience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- Some diners have noted that the quality of the pho noodles can vary, with reports of noodles being clumped together.
- While the bun bo hue is generally well-received, some customers feel it could benefit from a stronger lemongrass flavor.
- The restaurant's ambiance is described as casual, which may not appeal to those seeking a more upscale dining experience.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Saito & Pho is regarded as a solid choice for those craving authentic Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine. While there are minor inconsistencies in certain dishes, the restaurant's strengths in portion size, flavor, and service make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality ensure that Saito & Pho remains a beloved spot in Houston's culinary landscape.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Saito & Pho is conveniently located at 13614 Bellaire Blvd, D10, Houston, TX 77083. Situated in a commercial strip mall, the restaurant is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The surrounding area features a variety of shops and eateries, making it a great spot to explore after enjoying a meal. Houston's vibrant culture and diverse neighborhoods are reflected in the nearby attractions, offering visitors a chance to experience the city's unique charm.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Saito & Pho serve** Saito & Pho specializes in Vietnamese and Japanese dishes.
**Is there takeout available at Saito & Pho** Yes, the restaurant offers takeout and delivery options.
**What are the restaurant hours** Saito & Pho is open for lunch and dinner, but hours may vary.
**Is Saito & Pho family-friendly** Yes, the restaurant provides a welcoming environment for families.
**Can I host events at Saito & Pho** Yes, the restaurant offers dining packages for group gatherings.

## Visit Saito & Pho Today
Saito & Pho invites you to experience its authentic Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. With a menu that features delicious pho, bun bo hue, and a variety of other dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers in Houston. The welcoming community vibe and commitment to quality ensure that every visit is a delightful experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Saito & Pho promises a satisfying dining experience that you won't want to miss.

cf089260-6d5b-444d-8668-2fee3b3e8efb

Great pho and maybe the best bun bo hue in Houston, but not by a huge margin where I would go out of the way for it every time. They give an insane amount of meat here in both the pho and BBH (was delighted with 2 big pork bones in my BBH), so that was great--just wish they gave more noodles, especially with the amount of meat given. The variety of vegetables given here for the bun bo hue was excellent and unique from other restaurants. Will definitely be back!

54fa61b8-0e8e-4c9e-ba0c-d3289212684d

Bun bo Hue is so good. Ordered to-go and I had ro say it was the best Bunbo Hue I have ever had from a store. The broth was very fragant with a lot of lemongrass. Love it.

a9c73fae-3cb7-4ff9-83a3-6da97f695950

They have Vietnamese and Japanese food. Pho broth is delicious. If you order the L they will give you more toppings as well not just noodles. It's a bit dingy and toppings on the table aren't clean but still decent food

2f2e5968-b1fc-461e-b179-50aa245acc98

If I didn't read the reviews, there was absolutely no way I would have found this great spot. The service was amazing, it could have been the owner but he was on point. It's fairly small yet cozy. The food was delicious. Family will definitely come back.

f456f150-4785-423b-994b-e2b11fdf4055

3.5. It's good (at first).... It's a little hole in the wall. Very Vietnamese. As standard Vietnamese as you can get. Service sitting down was quick and painless. Ok, here we go.... Food was GREAT (at first). Broth was great. Meat was great. BUT (maybe it was just our bowls) the pho noodles were STUCK together. Normally, once you add the soup, it comes apart but I was fighting my clump of pho noodles the whole time. There is a reason WHY it seems like there is so much meat (and yes, it did seem like a lot of meat), the noodles are so clumped together that you just eat it faster. That's the con. The pro is that the noodles tasted great. Besides the fight against the noodles, the soup seemed to lose flavor as I was eating. It just tasted more and more bland as I ate. I don't get it. Maybe it's just me. But that's my take. AND their L bowls seem more M than L. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Would I come back? Yes, still a GOOD bowl of pho minus my gripes. Looking forward to the run back.

2547e1cb-c763-4cf2-8951-70c8a41204d4

Great spot for Bun Bo Hue. I've heard this place recommended several times through word of mouth for BBH and finally got to try it today. The broth is on the lighter side, and definitely not spicy even if you order it spicy. However, with some shrimp paste and sate, broth finally hits the spot. My favorite part was the variety of vegetables - banana flower, raw water spinach, cabbage, among others. It's been a hot minute since I had water spinach and banana blossom in my BBH. The bowl also had a good variety of meat - shanks, pork leg, cha lua, pork blood. The spring rolls, on the other hand, were incredibly sad. Wrapped loosely with just vermicelli and lettuce, cha lua slices floating in the middle instead of hugging the rolls, dipped in a pale sauce. I wouldn't recommend this one. The older uncle server was incredibly friendly and funny. He told me the owner's dad is actually Japanese, hence the few attention grabbing Japanese dishes on the menu (katsu, steak, teriyaki). Vietnamese and Japanese on the same menu is such a rarity, so I do want to return and try their Japanese dishes.

a3fca024-b964-4387-9334-528cb94bb91e

I love this spot, the first two times I ordered through DoorDash, I was not disappointed at all. I got a custom Pho with brisket, rare steak & beef ball. The broth had good umami flavor and it didn't need any Sriracha or hoisin sauce. The meat was tendered and not chewy. For a small they are really generous on the meats & noodles. To be honest I wasn't able to finish my food & had a good amount to save for later. I can't imagine how much they'll give you for a large. I was so satisfied that I decided to dine in with a friend. This time I ordered their bun Bo hue and my friend got a small pho. Once again the portion size for a small is very filling and will have you leaving full. The broth for my bun Bo hue was tasty I just wished it had more lemongrass flavor. Luckily they had that stinky shrimp paste to add onto the soup. My friend can eat but he couldn't finish his Pho. Flavor wise it was delicious and had a good sweetness to it as well. I can tell it was made from love. The entire staff was extremely friendly and welcoming, this is something you usually won't see in Chinatown. Overall, the food was a 4 but I'll give it a 5 because the staff was awesome and the portions are filling. I'm all about quality but this spot delivers with quality and quantity. Will I come back? You bet I will.

d0128ecd-f1d4-468e-8e3c-4a5a823ff2e1

This place is nestled in a desolate commercial strip mall that looks to be struggling. The water fountain was drained and the storefront sign looked worn and faded - nothing seemed to draw my desire to eat here... yet there were a decent amount of customers eating. I ordered the bun bo hue noodles. Food came out quick and steaming hot. Lots of meat and broth tasted great! With the added slices of jalapeño, bundle of fresh herbs, and squirt of lime, I was a happy camper. Not the best I had in Houston, but I wouldn't mind ordering it again. The kids enjoyed their rice plate. It's always nice when the kids enjoy their food. Service was friendly and prompt. No complaints.

5c830fe2-e767-4543-97fe-38a9b77022c5

Saito & Pho is squarely in the middle of the pack when it comes to pho spots in Chinatown. It's a pretty standard in terms of interior and decor. There is the fish tank against the wall, soup spoons stacked in the middle of the table, and hoisin and siracha. We tried pho dac biet, bun bo hue, and com thit nuong (grilled pork). Bun bo hue: the meat, pork blood, and cha were tasty. The noodles had a good bounce but the soup was just okay for me. I think it was missing a bit of spice. It certainly had the bun bo hue taste but felt like it was missing a little something. Rice plate with grilled pork. The grilled pork was a little dry and didn't have the right flavor. It was okay, but didn't have the grilled flavor. Not quite sure what was missing though.

38db009e-dcef-4997-aeaa-2b8f51cd6c06

My go to for bun Bo hue. It's always consistent every time we go there. The workers are always friendly especially the old man there. I haven't tried their pho or other foods beside BBH. The place use to be a sushi restaurant so it's very casual.

Discover Saito & Pho in Houston, TX for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting. Experience rich flavors and friendly service. Book your table today!

Saito & Pho Restaurant in Houston, TX - Best Local Cuisine

Houston

Saito & Pho

Texas

Discover Saito & Pho on Bellaire Blvd, Houston. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes, friendly service, and a warm ambiance. Visit us today!

Saito & Pho in Houston, TX - Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

Learn about Saito & Pho, a top Vietnamese restaurant in Houston. Experience delicious dishes, friendly staff, and a welcoming environment. Come dine with us!

About Saito & Pho in Houston, TX - Your Favorite Vietnamese Spot

Opening hours for Saito & Pho, Houston. Find opening hours for Saito & Pho, Houston, TX on 13614 Bellaire Blvd, D10.

Saito & Pho Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Saito & Pho

Pho Dung

Que Huong Bistro

Pho V