Kid-friendly pho lunch near Sunae Station, cilantro on the side: Camon

Why we took our child to Camon near Sunae Station

Camon Bundang Sunae Station Flagship (까몬 분당수내역직영점) is a Vietnamese pho restaurant close to Sunae Station, known as a good spot for a pho lunch. I had business in Bundang on the weekend, so I parked near Sunae Station and headed to Camon for a quick lunch. It's close to the station, and my child usually loves pho, so we went.

The sign is written in colorful Vietnamese, and the exterior already has that local feel, so my expectations went up right away.

What's on the Camon menu?

The menu is split into noodles, meals and sides. Under noodles, Camon pho is the standard, with several other kinds such as spicy brisket pho and bone-in pho. Meals include fried rice, bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) and banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake)!

There's a nice variety of Vietnamese dishes to choose from. Prices aren't too high either, so it's an easy lunch with family or friends.

Atmosphere and seating at Camon

There's a waiting area in front of the restaurant, so you can wait there if there's a line. Even the floor tiles there have a Vietnamese pattern, which makes it feel like you're really there.

Inside, the details are amazing too: exotic posters on the walls, and those classic plastic chairs and tables that capture the local vibe. We once took a trip to Vietnam together, so whenever I visit a pho place, especially one with this much Vietnamese character, it brings back memories of that trip.

There were plenty of tables, mostly for 2 or 4 people. The restaurant isn't big, but I loved the feel of the interior.

A self-bar with side dishes and even hair ties

The self-bar sits in front of a glass window, and the lighting suits it really well. It has side dishes like Vietnamese chili peppers and pickled radish that you can help yourself to.

There are also hair ties, which is a thoughtful touch. Women with long hair can tie it back while eating pho.

Camon pho and the water spinach set: how was the taste?

We ordered Camon pho, and one of them as the Camon pho with water spinach set. Gongsim is short for gongsimchae, the vegetable that's a staple of Southeast Asian cooking, usually called morning glory (water spinach) in English, served here as a side dish.

We also ordered a bowl of rice. My child needs rice, so I got it to go with the pho.

The Camon pho's deep, rich meaty aroma was the highlight. As you'd expect from a broth simmered for a long time, the first sip filled my mouth with a hearty savoriness. Since it's served without cilantro, the spices aren't overpowering, and it's a clean, mild style suited to Korean tastes, easy to keep sipping. Since my child eats it too, I liked that it came without cilantro.

Cilantro on request, served separately in a basket

At Camon, if you ask for cilantro they prepare it separately in a basket. But for me, pho isn't pho without cilantro, so I asked right away.

Putting cilantro in the pho and tasting its aroma as I eat makes the pho even better, I think. If you like cilantro like me, just add it; if you don't like the smell, just eat the pho as it comes.

Sauces are also provided, so if you'd like to eat your pho with sauce, that works well too.

Is Camon near Sunae Station worth visiting with a child?

If you want authentic Vietnamese flavors and an exotic mood near Sunae Station, I'd recommend Camon Bundang Sunae Station Flagship without hesitation. Recalling our Vietnam memories with my child, I loved getting a travel feeling in everyday life without flying far, and the pho tasted great too, which made it even better.