Pho By Night Menu Highlights: From Rare Beef to Seafood Specials
Discover Ottawa’s Most Talked-About Vietnamese Menu
When it comes to authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Ottawa, Pho By Night stands as a culinary landmark. Located on Dalhousie Street in the heart of the ByWard Market, this late-night favorite blends traditional Vietnamese recipes with local Ottawa warmth. The menu showcases everything from delicate rare beef pho to indulgent seafood specials, making it a must-visit for pho enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
In this in-depth feature, we’ll explore the most iconic dishes on the Pho By Night menu — the secret behind their legendary broth, their unique approach to sourcing ingredients, and how the restaurant has become synonymous with comfort food done right.
The Star of the Show: Rare Beef Pho (Phở Tái)
No dish captures the heart of Vietnamese cuisine quite like Pho Tai, or rare beef noodle soup. Served piping hot, the rich beef bone broth is simmered for hours — sometimes more than 12 — to achieve its signature clarity and depth. At Pho By Night, this process is a labor of love, resulting in a broth that’s aromatic yet balanced, infused with notes of star anise, ginger, cinnamon, and clove.
The thin slices of rare beef are added just before serving, cooking gently in the broth to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Diners can elevate the flavor with the classic herb tray — fresh basil, lime, bean sprouts, and chili — a touch explored in their Herb Tray Masterclass article.
Seafood Specials: Ocean Freshness in Every Spoon
If you’re craving something beyond beef, the Seafood Pho at Pho By Night brings ocean flavors to the table. This aromatic variation combines shrimp, squid, crab sticks, and scallops with the restaurant’s signature light broth, creating a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is satisfying.
Paired with a drizzle of homemade chili oil or hoisin sauce, this pho is a reminder of Vietnam’s deep coastal roots — a perfect choice for those who love lighter, umami-rich bowls. Fans of seafood-based Vietnamese cuisine will also enjoy reading Ottawa Halal-Friendly Vietnamese Restaurant with Vegan & Seafood Options, which celebrates inclusive menu offerings for every dietary preference.
Chicken Pho (Phở Gà): A Soothing Alternative
The Chicken Pho at Pho By Night is simplicity perfected. Made with chicken bones, ginger, and fish sauce, it’s lighter than the beef version but no less flavorful. This dish shines for diners who want something wholesome and comforting, especially during Ottawa’s long winters.
To experience why locals call this their “sick day soup”, pair it with a side of Vietnamese iced coffee — a match explored further in their piece on Pairing Vietnamese Coffee and Tea with Pho.
Vermicelli Bowls (Bún): Light, Fresh, and Flavorful
For those who prefer a non-soup option, Pho By Night’s customized vermicelli bowls are a standout. Guests can build their own combinations with grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, shrimp, or tofu — all served over cool rice noodles with shredded lettuce, cucumber, and pickled carrots.
A drizzle of nuoc cham (Vietnamese fish sauce dressing) ties everything together, balancing sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Learn more about creating your own bowl in Customized Vermicelli Bowl in Ottawa.
Vegetarian and Vegan Pho: A Growing Favorite
With plant-based dining on the rise, Pho By Night has mastered the art of vegan pho. Instead of bone broth, chefs craft a rich base from roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. The Vegan Pho features tofu, bok choy, and mushrooms — all swimming in an umami-packed, MSG-free broth.
Their commitment to inclusive dining has made them a leader in Ottawa’s vegan scene. For a deeper dive, check out Best Vegan Pho in Ottawa (2025 Guide).
Seafood Fried Noodles and Stir-Fries
Beyond pho, Pho By Night also offers a variety of stir-fried dishes. The Seafood Crispy Egg Noodles (Mi Xào Don Hải Sản) are particularly popular — golden noodles topped with shrimp, squid, and vegetables in a silky sauce. It’s a balance of texture and flavor, ideal for those looking for something heartier than soup.
If you’re interested in comparing regional influences, their piece on Vietnamese Food vs. Korean Food: What’s the Main Difference? is a fascinating read on how these cuisines diverge in preparation and spice.
Bánh Mì Sandwiches: A Bite of Saigon in Ottawa
While pho is the star, Pho By Night’s Bánh Mì deserves its own spotlight. These Vietnamese sandwiches combine crusty baguettes with savory fillings like lemongrass chicken, grilled pork, or tofu, accented by pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a swipe of chili mayo.
Visit Best Bánh Mì Series in Ottawa to explore how Pho By Night elevates this street classic into a gourmet experience.
No MSG, Just Flavor
In an era where diners care deeply about what’s in their food, Pho By Night proudly offers no MSG delights. Instead, they rely on traditional slow-cooking techniques and natural umami from bones, vegetables, and spices. You can learn more about this approach in their feature, No MSG Delights at Pho By Night.
This commitment to quality aligns with global health standards — as emphasized by health authorities such as Health Canada, which advocates transparency in food sourcing and preparation.
Pairing with Vietnamese Coffee: A Perfect End
No meal at Pho By Night is complete without a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá). The slow-drip brewing method, using condensed milk and dark-roasted beans, creates a smooth, bold finish that perfectly complements pho’s savory depth.
To dive into the cultural background, check out Vietnamese Coffee in the Global Culinary Scene and discover how Vietnam became the world’s second-largest coffee producer — a detail echoed in reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Catering and Private Events
Pho By Night isn’t just a dine-in favorite — their catering services bring authentic Vietnamese flavors to weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings. The customizable menus can feature everything from pho stations to spring rolls and vermicelli platters.
If you’re planning an event, explore Pho Catering Ideas for Your Next Event in Ottawa for inspiration.
The Broth Behind the Magic
Every bowl of pho begins with the broth, and Pho By Night’s broth is nothing short of legendary. Using local halal-certified beef and chicken bones, herbs, and filtered water, their chefs simmer the stock to perfection. This balance of clarity and flavor is what keeps Ottawa foodies coming back year-round — as celebrated in The Secret to a Perfect Bowl of Pho.
Visit Pho By Night in ByWard Market
Whether you’re searching for authentic pho near Parliament Hill, a late-night dining spot in Ottawa, or simply the best Vietnamese restaurant downtown, Pho By Night is the answer. The restaurant is known for its warm service, vibrant ambiance, and consistently excellent food.
Learn more about the experience in Best Pho in Ottawa – Why Locals Love Pho By Night, or Contact Pho By Night to reserve your table or place an order for takeout.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most popular dishes at Pho By Night?
The most ordered items include Rare Beef Pho, Seafood Pho, Vermicelli Bowls, and Bánh Mì sandwiches. Their Vietnamese iced coffee is also a fan favorite.
2. Does Pho By Night offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes. The restaurant offers a dedicated Vegan Pho and several gluten-free dishes, ensuring everyone can enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors.
3. Is Pho By Night halal-friendly?
Absolutely. Pho By Night proudly serves halal-certified chicken and beef options, detailed in their Halal-Friendly Pho Ottawa guide.
4. Can I order Pho By Night for events or catering?
Yes. The restaurant provides catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Visit their Catering Page for details.
5. What makes Pho By Night’s broth special?
Their broth is made by simmering bones, herbs, and spices for hours — no shortcuts, no MSG — ensuring a deep, natural flavor that defines every bowl.
