Food mega-influencer Keith Lee has once again shone a spotlight on Toronto, and one local family-run gem just received the utmost praise and an incredibly high rating.
Known for his honest, soft-spoken reviews that can turn a quiet mom-and-pop shop into a viral sensation overnight, the Las Vegas-based TikTok sensation with over 17 million followers recently touched down in Toronto for a whirlwind 24-hour visit. But it was his stop at Pho Ngoc Yen in the Entertainment District that took off this time, which was unsurprising to anyone familiar with the beloved Vietnamese restaurant.
In a video that has already garnered over 600K views, Lee stumbled upon the restaurant after setting out on foot to find pho. He ordered a massive bowl of beef short rib pho, paired with fresh sugar cane and passionfruit juices, and after just one sip of the rich, aromatic broth, the TikTok star sat in stunned silence – a rare moment for a creator who has tasted the best across North America.
Lee didn’t hold back on the superlatives, telling his audience that the bowl was “possibly the best pho” he has ever had in his entire life. He praised the depth of flavor highlighting the “incredible” amount of lemongrass and the richness of the broth, ultimately awarding the restaurant a stellar 9.4 out of 10 ranking.
The “Keith Lee Effect”
But for the owners of the family-run Vietnamese spot, this isn’t just a glowing review; it’s the start of the “Keith Lee Effect.”
In the past, Lee’s visits have caused local gems like Scarborough’s Sumaq and Ajax’s Biscuits to Baskets to see wait times double or even force temporary closures to keep up with the sudden surge in fans. Tan Trinh, one of the owners of Pho Ngoc Yen, says the team is already bracing for the influx.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the Adelaide Street location has caught the eye of a superstar. Over the summer, R&B singer Kehlani also dubbed the spot the “best Vietnamese food she’s ever eaten”, sparking a three-month-long spike in business.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of their signature broth or a newcomer looking to see if the hype is real, it’s safe to say you can probably anticipate a line-up.
You can find Pho Ngoc Yen at 442 Adelaide St W, with additional locations serving up those famous bowls across the GTA.
