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| - I'm a bit surprised at some of the lackluster reviews for Gai Lai.
I've been here about 5 times or so during the past 3 months, and each time I've been plenty satisfied with the food, the prices, and the service.
I've noticed that the prices are higher for the dinner and weekend menu compared to the lunch menu, while the portions seem to be the same.
Yes, I've eaten at Superior Pho and No. 1 Pho, as well a few other Asian/Thai/Vietnamese places around town. Am I an expert? No. But I know what I like.
I will say I haven't tried the Pho here yet, but I have tried the Pad Thai, a couple of the rice dishes, the Banh Mi sandwich, the Tom Yum soup, and the spring rolls. The Pad Thai portions are huge, the last time I counted 15 large shrimp on my plate, along with about a dozen chunks of chicken. Needless to say, half my portion went home with me for dinner.
The lunch portion is $11.95, which I think is a fair price considering the size. The Tom Yum (hot and sour soup) was hot, spicy, and delicious each and every time I've ordered it, and the cup portion actually comes in a bowl, and the bowl portions are served in the huge bowls used for Pho.
The Banh Mi sandwich was good, not spectacular, and not unlike the one I've had at Superior Pho, or even the $3 one at the to-go counter at Park 2 Shop.
Finally, is this authentic food? I don't know, I've never been to Vietnam, Thailand, or anywhere in Asia, so I can't really say with certainty as have other reviewers, but I think it's good food, and a good value.
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