I’d been wanting to try the Michelin-recommended Ca Phe Rang for ages—and I finally made it. Tucked away at the tail end of Chinatown, this cozy spot sits at 147 Spadina Avenue, just north of Richmond Street. It’s the passion project of the legendary Matty Matheson and his mentor Rang Nguyen, serving up Vietnamese comfort food with heart.
The space is tiny—just 18 seats—and the open kitchen takes up about the same amount of room. I’d describe the vibe as shabby chic without the chic: more grunge meets dive bar, with a laid-back coolness that grows on you. The place could use a fresh coat of paint and a deep clean, but honestly, it felt like stepping into a back-alley eatery in Vietnam. Plastic plants, kitschy décor, and a TV playing cartoons complete the look.
The menu is concise and straightforward, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. We started with the fresh rolls, featuring coconut shrimp and sriracha mayo —a delicious, solid choice. Their pho (pronounced pha) comes with all the classic garnishes: bean sprouts, Thai basil, mint, cilantro, and fresh chili. You’ll find plenty of rice noodles, onion, and your choice of protein—brisket, roast beef, beef balls, or tendon. I found the broth a little underwhelming—lukewarm and lacking depth—but we missed out on the side sauces, which might’ve helped.
The standout dish? The chicken wings. You can choose between salt, pepper, and garlic, or the fish and caramel sauce—we went with the latter, and they were finger-licking good with just the right amount of kick.
We skipped their famous Banh Mi, a kind of Vietnamese submarine sandwich (which gets rave reviews), but wrapped up with the only dessert on offer: a flan topped with brûléed banana and whipped cream—simple and satisfying.
Drinks are pretty basic: beers, soda, a couple of cocktails, two wines (a cheap white and red), and a few non-alcoholic options. I tried the lemongrass soda—refreshing but a little too sweet for my taste.
Parking can be tricky, but there is a lot behind the building off Richmond Street.
All in all, while the menu is limited and the setting rough around the edges, we enjoyed a casual, comforting meal. Sometimes, you just want to dig into good food without dressing up. And Ca Phe Rang delivers exactly that.
Happy dining,
Shanea
07/03/2025
