Rainy days call for noodle soup, and Pho Miss Saigon in Glen Burnie is exactly the spot I’d chase a bowl down at. Pho Miss Saigon in Glen Burnie has been slinging Vietnamese staples since 2005, and if you’re looking for a good bowl of pho in the Glen Burnie area, this is the spot I’d point you to.
My friend and I came in hungry and left defeated in the best way, because the portions are no joke. The pho is what they’re known for, but the sleeper here is the fried shrimp egg rolls, which are quite possibly the best fried Vietnamese spring rolls I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. Service was great, the pricing’s reasonable, and there’s something reassuring about a spot that’s been doing this in the same neighborhood since 2005. Come hungry and start with the rolls!
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What Makes Pho Miss Saigon A Must Visit?
What sets Pho Miss Saigon apart is longevity and focus. They’ve been open since 2005, and that kind of staying power in one neighborhood usually means the regulars keep them honest. The menu runs through a whole slew of Vietnamese staples, but the pho’s the headliner, built on a broth that holds up without any gimmicks.
It’s an unpretentious, walk-in, order-and-settle-in kind of place, the sort of neighborhood Vietnamese spot every area deserves and not every one has. Glen Burnie’s quietly become a real little Asian-food pocket, and between Pho Miss Saigon for pho and Ramenya for ramen, you can eat noodle soup here all week and not repeat yourself.
What to Order at Pho Miss Saigon
Cha Gio (Fried Shrimp Egg Rolls)
Start here, no debate. These are fried egg rolls with shrimp, and they are quite possibly the best fried Vietnamese spring rolls I’ve ever had, full stop. That’s not a line I throw around, so take it seriously. If you get one thing off this review, make it these!
Goi Cuon (Fresh Summer Rolls)
The fresh summer rolls are the cool, light counter to the fried rolls, stuffed with shrimp, pork and veggies. The texture of the summer rolls is so good, and they come with a dipping sauce that pulls everything together. Get both rolls to start and you’ve basically built the perfect opening spread!
Pho Chin, Small ($, well-done brisket)
We both got size small and still couldn’t finish, so plan accordingly, because small here is plenty of food. The pho chin comes with well-done brisket, and even the small bowl was plenty of food. Honestly the small is the move unless you’re starving.
Pho Chin Gau, Small (brisket and fat brisket)
This is the one for the brisket lovers. Pho chin gau layers in both well-done brisket and the richer fat brisket, so you get both cuts in one bowl. Same generous small bowl, same can’t-finish-it portion. A great way to taste the difference the cuts make in one bowl.
Thai Tea
Round it out with a Thai tea, the classic sweet-and-creamy counter to a savory, brothy bowl. A classic for a reason.
What Is Pho Chin?
Pho chin is pho served with well-done brisket, one of the most common beef options you’ll see on a Vietnamese menu. The brisket is simmered until tender and sliced thin, so it soaks up the broth rather than fighting it, which makes it a great pick if you’d rather skip the rare steak that cooks in the bowl. Order the chin gau version and you get both the lean well-done brisket and the softer fat brisket together.
The Vibe and Experience
This is a straightforward, comfortable neighborhood spot, not a scene, and that’s the appeal. Service was great, and there’s a private parking lot out front so you’re not hunting for a space. It’s walk-in only, so no need to fuss with a reservation, just show up. A couple of things worth knowing up front, they don’t serve alcohol and there’s no outdoor seating, so it’s really built for a focused, satisfying lunch or dinner. Solo, with a friend, or feeding the family, it works for all of it.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 111 Crain Highway N #5, Glen Burnie, MD 21061.
- Hours: lunch specials run 10am-3pm Mon-Fri. Posted hours vary a bit across listings, so call ahead to confirm the day you’re going.
- Price range: inexpensive and reasonable, with those weekday lunch specials making it an even better deal.
- Portions: big. A small pho was plenty for each of us, so order with that in mind.
- Parking: private lot on site.
- Good to know: walk-in only (no reservations), takeout available, they accept cards, and there’s no alcohol or outdoor seating.
- Order ahead: you can check the menu and order online through their online ordering page, or call 410-761-8721.
Is Pho Miss Saigon Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you judge a spot by its starters, because those fried egg rolls alone are worth the trip. It’s reasonable, the portions are huge, and it’s a solid Vietnamese spot in Glen Burnie worth knowing about. If you’re doing an Asian-food lap of the area, swing by Koi Sushi on another visit to round things out.
Have you guys been to Pho Miss Saigon yet? Tell me your go-to pho order in the comments, Nomsters, and save this for the next rainy day when only noodle soup will do.