Growing up in Vancouver, BC I had my fair share of pho. I've also experienced the vast degrees of pho offered in Seattle from $5 college grade to higher end at $14-15 a bowl. And let me tell you, the college pho is complete shit. Since arriving in NYC I've tried some of the allegedly "top" pho spots in the city. I was awfully disappointed. Who would think that a tiny random Vietnamese restaurant in Paris could offer some of the finest pho I've ever had? I've never been to Vietnam so I am sure that's a whole other ball game. But of all the pho(s) I've ever had, Bonjour Vietnam is my favorite. I've been going there since 2012 and have probably gone 10 times easily. I go every time I'm in Paris. This last trip I went three times in one week!
Pho is a very simple dish with regards to its flavors. What differentiates Bonjour Vietnam is the quality of ingredients. Firstly, the broth was exceptional—I have no idea what it's comprised of or technique used but it tasted so fresh. Secondly, the noodles were perfect—not the flimsy cheap instant noodle-like crap you get at most places. They were firm, not too soft and not too hard. Thirdly, the meat was real meat. It's not the mystery meat you'll find at typical pho establishments. And lastly, the onions and basil were very fresh. When you go you'll notice they don't serve you within 2 seconds of ordering, because they are actually making the food from scratch! This clean-cut bowl of pho is a good idea any day of the week. If you ever find yourself in Paris hungover, sick, cold or just craving a nice bowl of noodle soup then stop by Bonjour Vietnam. This is where the locals dine during their lunch break.
If you've ever had pho in North America, you'll know that you'll tend to smell like shit after eating. But truly great pho does not cause an odor stain. When I go to Bonjour Vietnam, nobody knows where I've eaten based on my body odor. I think there is an inverse relationship between quality and smell level. The higher the quality, the lower the stink level.
The picture above does not do this place justice. Can you see the thickness and depth of the noodles? The freshness of the meat?
A small bowl of pho is 8 euros and 10 euros for the large. I recommend the large bowl. Very reasonably priced.
A few things to note. There are three locations. The original and the best one in my opinion (I've been to all three) is on 6 rue de thouin. There is a second Bonjour Vietnam literally on the corner of the same block. The third location is about a block away on 85 rue du cardinal lemoine and has been re-branded as Restaurant Vietnamien Mouffetard Saigon's. All three are within a one block radius of each other.
They are open every day from 12pm to 3pm and reopens again at 7pm till 11pm. They are closed on Sundays. Sometimes the hours are a bit weird so I would call in advance just to be sure! No reservations needed, but the best time to go for lunch is around noon right when it opens or around 2pm right before it closes.