Pho Ca Dao Restaurant

Looking for a pho in the early early morning: We tried out 3 places, all of them where quite fine on El Cajon - but here the broth was the best. I eat pho on a regular basis: 1-2 per week in Europe. I even startet cooking them on my own for the taste of the broth. *Parking: easy- there is a super market behind, therefore sufficient spaces *service: as soon as we sat, Menue was brought as well as water (cup with lid for the kid). Soup was delivered rapidly, service was awake- refilled water 3 times *Quality: broth has a fresh taste, a lot of star anise. Served hot- spices and herbs came in a sufficient amount. *price: equal and fair as the others, 13 $ for a large one and 12$ for a small one. *hours: it really opens at 7am- we ate at 8:00. After comparing 3 on El Cajon and 5th Ave, my quality „pho“ sensor is totally happy with that broth. So I return right now for another nice breakfast.

Tried this place 2x. The first time was via Uber Eats and 2nd time in person. Uber Eats: I personally hate ordering Pho to go, but I didn't have a choice since I was really sick. To my surprise, it tasted good for takeout. I ordered Pho Tai Gau (rare steak and brisket) regular size, the Charbroiled Lemon Grass Beef Fresh Spring Rolls and Charbroiled Chicken Spring Rolls. Ordering on Uber eats was a little annoying since it forced me to choose an add on (extra noodles/soup/meat) and I didn't want to, but I really wanted Pho. It was an unnecessary forced upcharge, with no way around it but I sucked it up. The Pho was a solid 3/5 for take out so I was excited to try it in person when I felt better. My partner liked the beef rolls but he didn't like the chicken rolls. Dine in: I finally felt better so I went in person to try it out. This time I ordered the Pho Ca Dao Special (large size) and Charbroiled Pork Spring Rolls. Wow. Blew my mind. It was so good! If you like authentic Pho, this is it (in my opinion). I didn't feel thirsty or get a headache after eating it, which leads me to believe they don't use MSG or use too much salt. Nicely sized portion, I will probably order a regular size next time... The rolls were really good too, one order comes with two rolls so it's shareable. Cleanliness 4/5. Food 5/5. Service 5/5. Sat me down immediately. Took my order. Received my food in decent timing, let me enjoy my food and didn't rush me. That is one thing that annoys me, getting my tab before I am done eating, and good thing they didn't cuz I ordered some more rolls to take home to my partner. Bonus: they close at 9pm and they are located in a plaza with a parking lot.