Pho purists, look away. Everyone else, get ready to design your own bowl. Renso Pho-Potle is about to give Toronto its first restaurant where customers build their own customizable pho.
The concept first made waves back in June, with an opening originally expected at the end of August. A delay followed, but we reported in early October that the doors were set to open within a few weeks, so the wait may now be over. Check the restaurant’s social channels for current hours.
The format is simple. Diners choose their broth, protein, seasonings and garnishes, so no two bowls need to look or taste the same. The inspiration comes from Vietnam’s street food culture, where every vendor’s cart has its own personality and every regular has a preferred way to dress a bowl.
That customization angle could be a smart fit for Toronto. The city is full of people with strong pho opinions, from spice-level devotees to herb maximalists, and a restaurant that hands over the controls makes the meal feel personal. It also lowers the barrier for first-timers who may not know which combination to order.
As fall turns colder, a steaming bowl of noodle soup you designed yourself is hard to beat.
Plan a pho night with friends, build the bowl you have been dreaming about and report back. What is your perfect broth-and-protein combo?