Iconic Pho Bac Revs Up Quirky ‘Pho Mobile’ As Part of Its First-Ever Delivery Service

Just like many pivoting from dining service to takeout due to COVID-19 measures, Seattle’s original pho purveyors are trying to get creative. Little Saigon’s Pho Bac Sup Shop has been offering takeout in multiple forms since all dining rooms in Washington state shut down, and will launch its first-ever delivery option Wednesday, building out a so-called Pho Mobile as part of the effort — a tricked out old parking enforcement vehicle it purchased at auction years ago.

The tiny truck has been puttering around the neighborhood on trial runs, serving pho out of the back, almost like an “ice cream truck,” says co-owner Yenvy Pham. But it will be put into commission as part of Pho Bac’s new delivery service, with Pham’s brother Khoa and others behind the wheel. A portion of sales from the Pho Mobile will go to the Chinatown-International District Relief Fund and to provide medical supplies to the International Community Health Services.

Until the Pho Mobile is fully ramped up, takeout is the main option at Pho Bac Sup Shop and its offshoots in Denny Triangle and Rainier Valley (the well-known Boat restaurant is closed for now). Since the chainlet’s well-known pho doesn’t travel well as a takeout dish, Pho Bac offers several selections. There’s Pho Now, a paper bowl of pho that the restaurant recommends diners consume within 20 minutes; and Pho Later, with broth, noodles, and toppings packaged separately.

Those who want to stock up on pho broth can do so (32-oz containers are available), while there are also a couple family meal deals on offer, one of which includes appetizers, bun bo hue, and the popular ube cheesecake from Hood Famous Bakeshop, with the option to add a bottle of wine for $20. Online ordering for pickup is available daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pham says things could change any day, but the Pho Bac team is trying to stay nimble — and stay clear of Johnny Law, apparently. As Khoa was driving the Pho Mobile from South Lake Union Tuesday, he said an actual parking enforcement official was on his tail, “running lights.” When the officer did finally catch up, she reportedly admonished Khoa for the “Seattle Pho Dept” logo on the back of the vehicle and said it was too similar to a police logo. “I was puzzled she wasn’t going to report me for my expired tabs,” he said.