Founders and sisters, Jenny Le and Oanh Le created Pho Bowl out of a deep appreciation for community, kindness, and a shared passion for comfort food.

Born in Vietnam, Jenny, Oanh, and her parents left the country in a small wooden boat. Their family was then picked up by the Chinese Navy in 1989 while afloat somewhere in the China Sea. They were then transferred to a refugee camp in China where they stayed for two years before settling in Boston. They moved homes several times, but what stayed constant was the family’s shared love of food and their love for one another, which was expressed through the meals they cooked.

Jenny remembers her mother cooking breakfast and dinner every morning and night, and her dedication and love for her children. She recalls, “There were always multiple dishes being served and there were moments when it was tough and awkward but all was forgotten after food was shared together.”

In 2018 Jenny moved to Phoenix to look for a better and brighter future. Oanh was already in Phoenix for 15 years at that time. Both sisters took time to look for the right location to expose customers to “food that loves you back.”

When creating Pho Bowl, Oanh and Jenny realized that Vietnamese food in the United States often misses its authentic rich flavor and deeply rooted heritage. Traditional Vietnamese broth can take up to 24 hours to brew, and originally was cooked over a wooden flame, and with gas cooking can take up to 9 hours to cook. For the owners it was paramount that they find a way to share Vietnamese tradition with an American twist – at Pho Bowl you can “build your own phở” and an open dining layout allows you be together with other customers to see that they are also enjoying the food. Each customer will receive the love and care that we were exposed with while growing up. Staff will make sure customers will be seen, heard, and looked after when they enter the restaurant.”

Pho Bowl is a place where you can be yourself. A space that nourishes and cares for your health and wellbeing.

Phở Bowl opened on September 1^st , 2018.