We wanted a quick casual meal for a reasonable price this evening. We went to Kim Lan at about 830pm (it closes at 9pm) and were literally in and out in a half hour. Service very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu which is quite lengthy! The restaurant was clean and not too busy. We had a seat and ordered the chicken pho soup and the shrimp and spring rolls on vermicelli. The soup literally came out in 3 minutes, hot and well seasoned. I had to wait for my meal - this happened before at this restaurant the one other time we have been here. I think everyone should eat together, no? So, no big deal, I waited and sipped my jasmine tea (only $1 for a pot of it!). The vermicelli that arrived before me was a bit clumpy, likely the last batch of it made before they shut the place down. I had asked for my meal to be extra spicy and there was supposed to be satay on the shrimp. I politely told the gal I could not taste anything spicy thus she took the satay off the bill saving me 50 cents. :) As always I had my cayenne pepper with me that saved the dish. The spring rolls were hot, crispy and deelish. The shrimp were good too, not overcooked and I found the portion sizes to be quite generous. I have had better bowls but I ate it all and we both left satisfied. I do not know of anywhere else in Calgary where 2 people can eat for $20 total.
Thanks Kim Lan for providing us what we came for - quick and casual dining!
(Kim Lan is located in the Beacon Hill shopping centre so PARKING is never an issue. This is one of many things I love about living in the burbs!)