Realllly excited to feature An Loi on the blog! This hidden gem has a menu that will make your taste buds sing, featuring pho, banh mi, vermicelli, and so much more.
While not my absolute favorite pho spot in Maryland, An Loi still hits the spot with its tasty offerings, reasonable prices, and welcoming service. Here’s a rundown of the delicious dishes we got:
And if you’re eating your way around Columbia, I put together a whole roundup of must try restaurants in the area.
First up, the Pho Tai ($12) – a classic choice. Whether it’s sweltering hot or freezing cold outside, I can’t resist a steaming bowl of pho. The “small” portion was just right, and the accompanying veggies were super fresh.
Then we got a bowl of their Cold Spicy Noodles ($13.50). This was my first time getting this here, and it reminded me of Korean bibimyun with its mixed noodles, vegetables, and house special sauce. The tang of the pickled cabbage was a nice touch, and although it’s marked as spicy, it’s not too, too hot. The texture of the noodles was fantastic, but I recommend enjoying this one when you dine in for the best experience. The side of pho broth was a nice surprise!
For those craving a non-noodle dish, the Lemongrass Chicken ($12.95 for lunch, $13.95 for dinner) is a winner. Think sliced chicken stir-fried with lemongrass and spiced chili, accompanied by rice, nuoc mam, and various vegetables. Delicious and highly recommended!
Don’t forget to wash it all down with their Vietnamese Coffee ($4.50). It’s a classic that never disappoints.
Portions at An Loi are generous, especially with the Cold Spicy Noodle that feels never-ending! The pricing is affordable, and they even offer lunch and dinner options for different entrees. The service is consistently on point, with friendly staff and speedy food delivery.
So, have you been to An Loi yet? Let me know in the comments below. And while we’re at it, I’d love to hear about your favorite pho places as well – maybe I’ll find a new fave restaurant to add to my list!
If you want another Vietnamese spot worth knowing in Maryland, Phowheels in Burtonsville is Maryland’s first Vietnamese drive-thru and brings a totally different angle: roti tacos, shaky beef rice bowls, and Vietnamese cheesesteaks alongside the classic pho lineup.
📍7104 Minstrel Way #9, Columbia
⏰ Su-Th 11-9pm, F & Sa 11-9:30pm
For more on delicious Columbia eats, click here.