Authentic Vietnamese flavours served at Steak and Pho in Katong

Steak and Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant along East Coast Road, provides a homely Vietnamese dining experience. It focuses on classic Vietnamese fare and steaks.

Steak and Pho in Katong

Steak and Pho is a modest Vietnamese eatery with simple charm. Located a few doors down from the popular cafe June Coffee, the restaurant bar occupies an old shophouse along East Coast Road. Its small dining hall is air-conditioned, while a sheltered outdoor area under the awning offers a taste of kerbside dining

The interior decor is basic – functional. Yet, the Vietnamese touch is evident in its wall accents, crockery, and the quiet hospitality of the staff. Most of the service team and kitchen crew are Vietnamese, adding a sense of authenticity to the place.

Service was friendly and efficient. Orders were taken quickly, and the service team switched between English and Vietnamese with ease. For diners unfamiliar with certain dishes, staff members were willing to explain flavours and make suggestions.

Menu of Steak & Pho

Steak and Pho’s menu is broad. There are sections for pho, banh mi and steaks, as well as vegetarian options. Hot pots are also featured. The variety suggests that the restaurant aims to appeal to both Vietnamese diners looking for home flavours and others seeking grilled meats and comfort food.

Below are pictures of a few pages from the menu of Steak & Pho.

Dinner at Steak & Pho

During our visit, we ordered the Sliced Beef & Meatball Pho Noodle Soup ($12.90) and the Grilled Pork Chop Rice ($12.90). Both dishes arrived within 15 minutes of ordering. We also had the hot ginger lemon tea ($4.90) and iced Vietnamese coffee ($5.20).

The pho came in a generous bowl with a fragrant broth. The beef slices were tender and thinly sliced, just right to cook through in the hot soup. The meatballs had a springy texture. Fresh herbs and vegetables were served on the side, along with bean sprouts. The broth had depth of flavour without being too heavy. The rice noodles held their texture well, not too soft, not too firm.

The Grilled Pork Chop Rice was served as a generous one-dish meal. The pork chops had caramelised edges from grilling, with a dark glaze that suggested they had been marinated beforehand. The marinade seemed fish sauce-based, giving the meat savoury and slightly sweet flavours, fairly typical of Vietnamese cooking.

A sunny-side-up egg was placed on top of a mound of steamed white rice. A wedge of Vietnamese omelette, golden yellow with black sesame seeds, added another protein element. The pickled vegetables helped balance the richness of the pork chop. The dish had the appeal of a home-style Vietnamese meal and was enjoyable overall.

The hot ginger lemon tea was a soothing balance of spice and citrus, mild but refreshing. The iced Vietnamese coffee was bold and strong, as expected.

Good Neighbourhood Vietnamese Restaurant

The clientele during our visit to Steak & Pho included both Vietnamese patrons and non-Vietnamese diners. The presence of Vietnamese customers often serves as an informal indicator of authenticity.

Steak and Pho is a good neighbourhood Vietnamese restaurant & bar. It stays true to its identity with honest flavours and reasonable prices. The varied menu caters to different tastes, making it easy to find something for everyone. This unpretentious spot along East Coast Road serves authentic Vietnamese food in a relaxed setting, perfect for casual meals. It is a good option for regular dining in the East Coast area.