Short Introduction
Da Lat is not only famous for its beautiful scenery but also for its unique dishes. One of the must-try specialties is artichoke pho — a combination of traditional pho and Da Lat’s signature artichoke. Phở Atiso Trường Thái stands out with its slogan: "Delicious or Free" — a bold claim that makes many diners curious enough to try.
Real Experience (July 29, 2025)
On July 29, 2025, I first planned to visit Bấu Xì Giùn, but since it was too crowded, I switched to Phở Atiso Trường Thái. The restaurant’s interior was nicely decorated, warm, and cozy. I ordered a special pho – 99k.
First Impressions
- Broth: light, slightly sweet from artichoke, not greasy.
- Artichoke: slightly crunchy, mildly bitter with a sweet aftertaste — a unique touch.
- Beef & noodles: thinly sliced tender beef; white pho noodles with a nice chewiness.
Overall: the portion was filling and reasonable, but personally I found it not as impressive as expected from the slogan. It was tasty, but not mind-blowing.
Comparison with Bấu Xì Giùn
After trying both, I realized the food quality is quite similar. The main difference lies in the crowd:
- Bấu Xì Giùn: always packed, lots of people come due to advertising/Google Maps → long waits, crowded atmosphere.
- Phở Atiso Trường Thái: much less crowded, minimal waiting, more relaxed experience.
So if you don’t like squeezing into crowds, Phở Atiso Trường Thái is a reasonable choice — same quality but with less waiting time.
Prices
- Regular bowl: ~40,000 – 60,000 VND
- Special bowl (what I had): 99,000 VND
The price is fair compared to Da Lat’s tourism market, especially for a pho that includes artichoke — a creative and nutritious twist.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique pho with artichoke — good for health.
- Nice, clean, and airy interior.
- Less crowded than the more famous neighboring restaurant, no long queues.
Cons
- The artichoke flavor may be unusual for some (slightly bitter taste).
- The broth is light — those who prefer bold traditional flavors might find it a bit bland.
Conclusion & Tips
Phở Atiso Trường Thái Da Lat is worth a try if you want to explore a new flavor in Da Lat. After experiencing both Phở Atiso Trường Thái and Bấu Xì Giùn, I find them quite similar in quality. So, spread out between the two — you’ll enjoy your meal more comfortably without the crowd.
If you want to try: go during off-peak hours to avoid waiting, and order the special bowl to fully experience the artichoke flavor and form your own opinion.
