Green onion cakes and pho. Is there a meal that is more representative of Edmonton than that? Jennifer Cockrall wrote about the magic connection between Edmonton and pho back in 2013, and there’s no way I am going to top her prose. And green onion cakes? Come on. Not being a fan of green onion cakes is about as un-Edmonton as saying McDavid is overrated or that you’re not all bothered by the never-ending road work in this city.
So, this week, I enjoyed The Most Edmonton Lunch of All at Dong Khoi, which has just opened its doors on Stony Plain Road, where you’ll find all the spots to get work done on your vehicle. It’s in an unassuming spot in a strip mall, but the yellow sign will help you find it.
Dong Khoi isn’t new, but it’s new to Edmonton. It existed in downtown Morinville, but the owners decided to make the move into the city. Let it be known that Morinville holds a special place in my heart, as it’s the first place I held down a newspaper job. I was a kid straight out of school in Toronto, and Morinville is where there were so many firsts for me, from my first time covering cow mutilations to the first (but certainly not last) death threat I’ve ever received.
So, I got the rare beef and meatball soup, and an order of Edmonton’s favourite foodstuff. The green onion cakes looked like baked versions of those neck pillows people use when they’re flying, and the dipping sauce was nicely sweet, with just a hint of heat. On their own, they make for a substantial snack.
Then came the pho. Did it measure up? Damn straight. Packed with green onions and lots of meat, the broth had a sweet quality in the background that was new to me. On a snowy day, it was just the thing I needed. And, yes, the portion sizes are more than generous. Even if you’re a ravenous eater, there’s going to be some left over for the take-out container at the end.
With the LRT construction just to the east, opening a restaurant on Stony Plain Road is a challenge. But, finding this spot is well worth the reward.
Dong Khoi
Glenwood | 16209 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton | 780.213.9098
