Carrollton’s Old Denton Road corridor is famous around DFW for one thing: Korean BBQ. What doesn’t get talked about nearly as much is that the same stretch of road, and the neighborhoods around it, is also home to some of the best Vietnamese pho in North Texas. If you’ve already made the trip out for Korean BBQ, here’s your reason to come back.
More Than One Cuisine on the Same Street
Old Denton Road’s transformation into a Korean food destination is well documented, over 100 Korean restaurants line the corridor today. What’s less known is that Carrollton’s broader Asian food scene runs deeper than any one cuisine. Vietnamese spots have quietly built a following here for years, some sitting just blocks from the Korean BBQ strip.
What Makes Good Pho
Pho comes down to the broth, simmered for hours with beef bones and aromatics like star anise and charred ginger, then finished with rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of protein. A good bowl should taste layered, not just salty, and the broth-to-noodle ratio matters as much as what’s on top.
The Picks
Pho Big Bowl (1025 W Hebron Pkwy, Suite 140) is known for a darker, richer, more savory broth than the typical clear pho you’ll find elsewhere. They care enough about the ratio of broth to ingredients that they only sell their signature pho in the large size to-go, worth knowing before you order.
Pho Bistro (3052 Old Denton Rd, Suite 112) has been family-owned since 2003 and sits right on the same corridor as the Korean BBQ strip. It’s a strong stop for vegetarians too, with a dedicated meat-free menu alongside the traditional bowls.
Pho Pasteur II (1972 E Belt Line Rd, Suite 120) has been serving traditional, delicately balanced pho since 1998, one of the longer-standing Vietnamese kitchens in the area.
Pro Tips
Order the broth size you actually want, some spots (like Pho Big Bowl) only do large to-go portions. And don’t be afraid to ask for extra herbs and lime on the side, most kitchens will happily load up a plate of Thai basil, bean sprouts, and jalapeño for you to dress the bowl yourself.
[Already read about Carrollton’s Koreatown? Check out our guide to the neighborhood’s Korean BBQ scene →]
[See more Carrollton restaurants and food spots on Talk of Carrollton →]
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