Le Tonkin

Sans aucun doute le meilleur resto vietnamien du secteur. Personnel attachant et serviable, les portions sont généreuses, savoureuses et abordables. Possiblement le meilleur calmar frit (à la vietnamienne) en ville.

On a tous NOTRE petit resto chinois. C’est le miens! Quand je veux un bon gros repas soupe, rouleaux, general tao, banane frite pour 20 $ environt c’est ma place. C’est un apporter votre vin et les portions sont généreuse, on dois s’atendre a rien d’exceptionel mais c’est réconfortant que le menu et le gout né change pas. L’ambiance est très calme, on entend parfois que le silence. Mais les Samedis soirs c’est bondé!

I’ve been coming here at least once a week for a few months now as it’s near my work so excuse my biased star rating.
The phõ at Le Tonkin varies from average to good, sometimes a bit on the salty side. My favourite meal so far has been the vermicelli platter with three meats. It comes with an imperial roll and the choice of a nice, light house soup or Tonkin salad for $ 17. Their calamari comes either as an appetiser or a plate with rice and salad (same portion size) and is decent but a bit over salted. Every other dish I tried here has been average to great with no other standouts.
Service is quick, even during slower periods. A good option if you are looking for a quick meal. Expect to pay 1 – 2 $ more than you would in Chinatown. As another poster has stated, I wish I could give them a 3.5.

Un méli-​mélo bien étiré, à tort, sur l’imaginaire préconçu. Le Tonkin nous propose un brouillon culinaire presque pan-​asiatique. Le fameux poulet du général Tao illustre d’ailleurs le menu. Déçu.
Toutefois, la composition du plat (vermicelle aux rouleaux impériaux) se dresse favorablement par l’autenticité de sa sauce aux poissons. À la fois relevée et justement sucrée.
Je félicite le service, car malgré un français quoique sommaire, notre serveuse a exercé un effort bienséant.

I’d be happy to give Tonkin a 3.5 star if that were possible, it really is a solid option up in Little Italy for fresh and super tasty Asian food. I certainly agree with Clare L that the menu is a little multi-​national to be successfully authentic Vietnamese but I can sympathize with the logic that puts General Tao on a menu while trying to stay afloat on a sparse-​ish stretch of street. (This strip is brightening quickly though and no doubt Tonkin’s kindly fresh face is helping make the change.)
The grilled chicken phở and rare beef are both delicious, inexpensive, light and perfect for delivery when you’re feeling under the weather or you know, just lazy. The beef balls weirded us out because of the texture, and the ribs were disappointing but in both cases this was due to our misguided expectations not kitchen problems. The imperial rolls are good stuffed stuffs — not greasy, light, yummy enough that these days we each get our own order (screw you sharing!) The house soup is a hot and sour that, while not life changing, has the proper bite and fresh ingredients.
Tonkin is a solid A-​OK and a half and I’m so glad they are among the people in my neighborhood.