Memphis, TNVietnamese

Pho Saigon is a longstanding Poplar Avenue restaurant where pho, vermicelli, rice plates, and familiar starters form a broad Vietnamese menu. Begin with pho to understand the broth, then return for a dry noodle or rice dish rather than trying to cover everything at once. The independent dining room remains a dependable bridge between Binghampton and East Memphis.

Lotus is a family-run Summer Avenue restaurant with pho, noodle dishes, soups, and Vietnamese specialties served in an unassuming room. Ask about dishes beyond the most familiar bowl, especially when the kitchen has a house specialty available. A shared starter and contrasting noodle preparation reveal more of the menu than ordering two similar soups.

Tuyen's Asian Bistro brings a personal Vietnamese menu to North Cleveland, including egg rolls, tofu lemongrass, noodle bowls, wonton soup, and lotus salad. Start with the lotus salad or another bright preparation before moving to a warmer noodle or soup course. The compact Midtown setting supports a focused meal and conversation with the people running it.

Pho So 8 serves Vietnamese food at Ridgeway and Winchester in Hickory Hill. Its banh mi pairs charred pork with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables on crisp bread; the attached market offers another stop after the meal.

Bao Toan brings a family-led Vietnamese menu to Crosstown Concourse, pairing familiar recipes with contemporary presentations. Start with a shared plate, then choose contrasting mains to see how the kitchen moves between tradition and its own ideas.