Pho Thai Street Food & Bakery in Columbia: Vietnamese and Thai Pastries, Soups, and Sandwiches

What Pho Thai Street Food & Bakery serves

Pho Thai Street Food & Bakery is a casual counter-service spot in Columbia that combines a Vietnamese pho restaurant with a Thai and Vietnamese bakery. You order at the counter, and the kitchen prepares your food while you wait or find a seat. The menu splits between hot dishes—pho, curries, and stir-fries—and baked goods that change daily, including Thai custard tarts, Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, and sweet breads.

The bakery side is where the operation stands out. Unlike a standard American bakery, the cases hold items you won't find at chain shops: egg custard tarts with flaky pastry and silky filling, coconut buns, and Vietnamese coffee cake. The banh mi sandwiches come on house-baked bread, filled with Vietnamese cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and mayo. Pho—the beef or chicken broth soup with rice noodles—is made in-house and available in regular or large bowls.

Key Takeaways

• The bakery case rotates daily, so arriving early gives you the widest selection of custard tarts, coconut buns, and other pastries.
• Banh mi sandwiches are built to order on house-baked bread and work well for lunch or a quick meal between errands.
• Pho comes in beef or chicken varieties and is made fresh daily, with broth simmered for hours.
• The restaurant is counter-service with a small dining area, so it suits a quick stop rather than a long sit-down meal.

The bakery case and what to expect

The pastries at Pho Thai rotate based on what the kitchen baked that morning, so the selection changes day to day. Custard tarts—the signature item—have a buttery, crisp exterior and a smooth, slightly sweet egg custard center. They're best eaten the same day. Coconut buns are soft and slightly sweet, with shredded coconut baked into the dough. You'll also find items like taro buns, red bean pastries, and Vietnamese coffee cake, depending on the day.

Prices for individual pastries typically run between $1 and $3, making them affordable for a quick snack or dessert. The bakery also sells whole cakes and larger items if you call ahead to order. Because inventory changes daily and popular items sell out by mid-afternoon, arriving before noon gives you the best selection.

Banh mi sandwiches and other handheld options

Banh mi sandwiches are Vietnamese-style sandwiches built on crispy, airy bread with a soft interior. Pho Thai makes their own bread daily, which is the foundation of a good banh mi. The fillings typically include Vietnamese cold cuts (like head cheese or pâté), pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and mayo. You can order variations with grilled chicken, pork, or tofu.

These sandwiches are substantial enough for lunch and cost between $6 and $9 depending on the protein. They travel well if you're taking food back to work or eating in your car. The bread stays crispy for a couple of hours, though the sandwich is best eaten within an hour of purchase.

Pho and hot soups

Pho is a Vietnamese beef or chicken broth soup served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thin slices of meat. At Pho Thai, the broth is simmered for many hours to develop depth of flavor. You order at the counter, specify beef or chicken, and choose your bowl size. The kitchen brings it to your table steaming hot, with a side plate of fresh basil, lime wedges, jalapeño, and bean sprouts that you add to taste.

A regular bowl costs around $9 to $11, and a large bowl runs $11 to $13, depending on the protein. The broth is the star here—it's clear, aromatic, and noticeably different from pho at chains. The restaurant also serves other soups and curries, including Thai red curry and Vietnamese chicken curry, if you want something beyond pho.

Hours, location, and what to bring

Pho Thai Street Food & Bakery is located in Columbia and operates as a counter-service restaurant with limited seating. Hours vary, so it's worth checking ahead before your first visit. The space is small and casual—think quick lunch spot rather than a place to linger for hours. Parking is typically available in the lot or on the street nearby.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. If you're ordering a whole cake or a large catering order, calling ahead is a good idea to make sure they have what you want. For a single banh mi or bowl of pho, you can walk in and order without advance notice, though wait times during lunch rush (around noon to 1 p.m.) can stretch to 15 or 20 minutes.

Why the bakery matters in Columbia's food scene

Vietnamese and Thai bakeries are uncommon in Columbia, which makes Pho Thai a rare place to find authentic pastries and breads from Southeast Asia. The custard tarts and banh mi bread are made in-house rather than shipped in, and the recipes reflect the owner's background and training. This kind of specificity—a bakery that knows how to make a proper custard tart or a crispy banh mi bread—is what distinguishes a neighborhood spot from a generic Asian restaurant.

The combination of pho and bakery under one roof is practical too. You can grab a pastry and coffee for breakfast, come back for a banh mi at lunch, or pick up a custard tart as dessert on your way home. It's the kind of place that rewards regulars who learn the daily rotation and know when to arrive for the best selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive to get the best pastries?

Arrive before noon, ideally between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Popular items like custard tarts often sell out by early afternoon. If you have a specific pastry in mind, calling ahead to ask if they have it that day can save you a trip.

Can I order a whole cake or catering from Pho Thai?

Yes. Call ahead to discuss what you need, when you need it, and any dietary preferences. The kitchen can usually accommodate orders placed a few days in advance. Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the cake.

Is the pho broth made fresh daily?

Yes. The broth is simmered for hours each day, which is why it tastes noticeably richer than pho at many chain restaurants. The quality is consistent because they make it in-house rather than using a base or concentrate.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Banh mi can be made with tofu instead of meat, and pho can be ordered with vegetable broth and tofu. Many of the pastries are vegetarian, though some contain egg or dairy. Ask at the counter about specific items if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I eat here or is it takeout only?

There is a small dining area with a few tables, so you can eat in. However, the space is limited and designed for quick meals rather than lingering. Takeout is the primary model, and most customers eat and leave within 20 to 30 minutes.