Pho Lien has been a Côte-des-Neiges institution for nearly 25 years, drawing crowds daily with its Vietnamese fare. Located at the corner of Côte St. Catherine and Côte-des-Neiges, it focuses on what truly matters: incredible food. Madame Lien Lee, the restaurant’s namesake, has drawn up a menu that keeps loyal locals and students returning for inexpensive bowls of pho and other favourites.

The star attraction here is, unsurprisingly, the soup. It’s got a crystal-clear, aromatic broth and perfectly cooked rice noodles with 15 variations, from classic rare beef to tripe and tendon. Weekenders can enjoy a special spicy soup, while the vermicelli rice plates, like the diced pork with peanuts and salad, round out the menu.