Pho Cue Kitchen is one of those places you notice because of the queue first. Walk along Faulkner Street in Chinatown at lunchtime and you’ll usually see a line of people edging towards the door, even on grey Manchester afternoons.
That naturally raises the question most people type into Google is Pho Cue Kitchen worth the wait, or is it just another city centre spot boosted by TikTok?
After a weekday visit at peak lunch, here’s the honest answer for Greater Manchester diners.
Location, access and what the room feels like
Pho Cue Kitchen sits right in the middle of Chinatown, a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street tram stop and the main bus routes. If you work around Deansgate, Spinningfields or the Northern Quarter, it’s an easy 10 to 15 minute walk.
Driving in from Trafford, Salford or Stockport is doable but you’re dealing with typical Manchester city centre parking prices and weekend congestion. This is far easier by tram or train.
Inside, Pho Cue Kitchen is compact. Tables are close together, and during busy periods every seat is taken. There’s a clear view of bowls coming out of the kitchen, steam rising constantly from the broth pots. It feels more like a tight, busy canteen than a polished chain restaurant.
If you prefer space and soft lighting, this won’t be your spot. If you care more about what’s in the bowl, you probably won’t mind.
The food: broth depth, portion size and menu prices
The main reason people search for Pho Cue Kitchen is simple the pho.
A good bowl of pho in Manchester comes down to a few markers. The broth should be clear, not cloudy. It should taste layered rather than just salty. You want a gentle sheen of fat on top, proper depth from slow simmering and fresh herbs on the side.
On my visit, Pho Cue Kitchen delivered on those fundamentals.
The rare beef pho arrived quickly. The broth was clear with a noticeable but balanced aroma of star anise and beef. It had depth without feeling heavy. The beef slices were thin enough to cook in the broth without going tough, and there was a generous amount of rice noodles underneath.
Herbs and beansprouts were fresh, not wilted. Lime and chilli were provided so you can adjust heat and acidity to taste.
Portion size is one of the stronger points. A standard bowl at Pho Cue Kitchen is filling. Most adults will not need a side unless especially hungry. Compared with other Vietnamese food Manchester offers, the value stacks up well.
Menu price breakdown
- Classic beef or chicken pho: low to mid teens
- “Special” bowls with mixed meats or seafood: mid teens
- Starters such as salt and pepper wings, ribs or crispy squid: around seven to eight pounds
- Banh mi: similar mid range pricing
For Manchester city centre dining in 2026, that sits in a fair bracket. It’s slightly above the very basic Chinatown cafes but cheaper than many high street chains for a larger, more authentic bowl.
Standout dishes
The glazed pork ribs are worth ordering if you’re sharing. Sticky, soft inside with a bit of chew on the outside.
Crispy squid and soft shell crab were well fried and not greasy, which is where some places slip.
One small criticism. At peak time, the room can get hot and service can feel brisk rather than warm. You’re not rushed out, but tables do turn quickly.
Service, queues and atmosphere
Pho Cue Kitchen runs at pace. At weekday lunch, tables fill fast and the queue moves steadily. If you arrive between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, expect a wait.
Evenings, especially Friday and Saturday, can see queues forming outside onto Faulkner Street. Booking ahead is sensible if you don’t want to stand around.
Service is efficient and direct. Orders are taken quickly, food follows soon after. Staff are happy to answer questions about spice levels or dietary needs, and there are vegan options beyond just one token dish.
Noise levels rise when the room is full. Bowls clatter, conversations overlap and the atmosphere is lively rather than calm. For a quick, focused meal, it works well. For a long, quiet catch up, it may feel tight.
The crowd is mixed. City centre workers, students, families and groups of friends. A noticeable number of Asian diners, which is often a good sign when judging pho in Manchester.
Is Pho Cue Kitchen worth it for Greater Manchester diners?
For most people, yes.
Pho Cue Kitchen gets the core right. The broth is properly made. Portions are generous. Prices are realistic for the city centre.
It suits:
- Office workers wanting a warming lunch
- Students after a filling bowl that won’t wipe out their budget
- Weekend diners from Salford, Trafford or Stockport who don’t mind a queue
It may not suit:
- Anyone who hates waiting
- Large groups needing space for prams
- Diners wanting a quiet, romantic setting
In the wider Vietnamese food Manchester scene, Pho Cue Kitchen sits comfortably near the top for pho quality without feeling overdesigned or overhyped.
Practical details: spend, timing and takeaway
Typical spend per person at Pho Cue Kitchen is around £18 to £25 if you order a starter, main and drink. Just a bowl of pho keeps you closer to the mid teens.
Best times to visit:
- Just after opening for lunch
- Early evening midweek
- Avoid peak Saturday nights if you dislike queues
Pho Cue Kitchen also offers takeaway, and pho travels reasonably well when broth and noodles are packed separately. Delivery availability can vary by platform, so check your usual apps before ordering.
If you’re building out a broader Manchester guide, phrases like Vietnamese food Manchester, Manchester city centre dining and pho in Manchester would naturally link to comparison pieces and area roundups.
Final verdict
Pho Cue Kitchen does not rely on polished interiors or heavy marketing. It relies on solid broth, fair pricing and steady service.
In a Manchester city centre dining scene that can sometimes prioritise style over substance, Pho Cue Kitchen keeps the focus where it should be. On the bowl.
If you are willing to queue at busy times, it earns its place on the shortlist for anyone serious about pho in Manchester.
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FAQs
How much does Pho Cue Kitchen cost?
Most mains sit in the low to mid teens, with starters around seven to eight pounds. For central Manchester, that’s fair value given the portion sizes.
Do you need to book Pho Cue Kitchen?
For weekends and evenings, booking is recommended. At weekday lunch you may still queue, but turnover is fairly quick.
Is Pho Cue Kitchen the best pho in Manchester?
It is among the stronger options for broth depth and portion size. You may find calmer rooms elsewhere, but for straightforward, flavour focused pho, Pho Cue Kitchen holds its own.
