Wyoming
Eating Wyoming: Casper's Pho Saigon Has Loyal Following For Its…
CASPER — Customers say the little family restaurant on the corner of East 12th and South Beverly streets may be nearly 8,200 miles from Vietnam, but serves up some seriously legit pho, or rice noodle soup.
Just ask Anna Tran who, with companion Jim Thompson, were checking out Pho Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant for the first time on a recent afternoon.
“I usually don’t like to go out for pho. I think most restaurants don’t make it very well, and so far this is excellent. I say that truthfully,” said Tran, who recently moved to Casper. “I usually don’t like to order pho when I go out to Vietnamese restaurants.”
“And she was born in Vietnam,” Thompson interjected. “Her parents only speak Vietnamese, that’s what they cook at home a lot. She is very familiar with this.”
The small, 10-table eatery in the Beverly Plaza offers traditional Vietnamese fare from a family that arrived in Wyoming from Vietnam in 2003.
Manager Hieu Le, the only family member who speaks English, said staff includes his father, mother and his wife, Thuy.
They’ve been serving up their family recipes since Jan. 1, 2014, Le said.
Pho Specialty
The specialty is the pho, pronounced as fuh, soup with bone broth, rice noodles and thin slices of meat. It’s garnished with spices, fresh herbs, onions, while bean sprouts, lime, hot peppers and various hot sauces that can be added for taste.
Le and most others in the culinary industry believe the dish began in Saigon, but its true origin isn’t known for sure.
Pho Saigon offers six varieties of the soup that, depending on the selection, includes either rare steak, meatballs, chicken, shrimp or a combination. The soup is served in a big bowl steamy hot with plenty of long rice noodles. A large spoon, chopsticks and fork are the utensils needed to conquer it.
Kisa King, visiting Casper from Oklahoma, uses chopsticks.
She said whenever she visits the Oil City she always goes to the restaurant.
“It’s the best food, it has the best flavor,” she said. “Other places I’ve tried in Oklahoma are no match for it. My favorite is … the meatball pho and the spring rolls.”
The spring rolls come in rice paper with lettuce, shrimp, and “a really good peanut sauce,” she said.
Her companion, Daniel Groom, characterized the food as “good” and “something different than burgers and quesadillas.”
Le said in addition to the menu, which lists the restaurant’s dishes in Vietnamese names, he created a companion photo book that shows each dish, so people know exactly what they are ordering.
-
Anna Tran and Jim Thompson were checking out Pho Saigon for the first time. Tran said the pho soup was “legit” and the broth better than what she can make. She grew up in a Vietnamese family. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Cowboy State Daily recently tried the Pho Ga dish at Pho Saigon. The pho soups come with hot broth seasoned with spices and herbs filled with rice noodles and a side of bean sprouts, lime and hot peppers that can be added to the soup as desired. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Emma Plett and Nate Holloway ordered takeout from Pho Saigon. Hollway, of Laramie, said he always tries to stop at the restaurant when he is in town. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Pho Saigon has seating for just more than 20 people with individual tables. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Pho Saigon Manager Hieu Le said in his spare time he likes to make clay figurines and create paintings. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Pho Saigon Manager Hieu Le has painted all of the poster-like artwork that covers the walls at Pho Saigon. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily)
Egg Rolls, Rice Noodle Bowls And More
In addition to the pho, the restaurant offers egg rolls, a selection of rice noodle bowls with different meat and vegetable selections such as bun tom, a dish that includes noodles, shrimp, vegetables and a lime chili fish sauce.
There are also five lo mein dishes with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and one’s selection of meat. The menu also includes five different rice platters such as com suon dai han, rice and barbecued beef with vegetables in their version.
Laramie’s Nate Holloway was visiting Casper with his girlfriend, Emma Plett, and ordered some takeout.
“I usually go for lo mein, it’s a stir-fried soft noodle with veggies and whatever meat you like,” he said. “This is actually the first Vietnamese restaurant I came to when I was younger and lived in town.”
In addition to the food, the drink menu includes a variety of milk teas and tasty fruit flavored ice teas.
Le said from time to time the restaurant will offer specials that he advertises on Facebook.
Cowboy State Daily’s visit included a big bowl of pho with chicken and some peach iced tea.
Core Following
After 10 years in business, Le said the restaurant has developed a relationship with a core group of customers. A family atmosphere is the goal.
“They have supported us. And sometimes we take care of them, too,” he said. “It’s not about the money we want from customer, we want them to have a good time here and know that it’s a place that feels like home.”
The restaurant interior includes colorful plastic plants that resemble the plants and fruit that can be found in Southeast Asia. On the walls are distinctive poster-sized paintings Le has created in his off time. He also has several hand-crafted clay figurines he makes for sale.
“When I am not working, that is my hobby,” he said. “I didn’t take any art classes, that is just me and me alone.”
The family was able to make their way to Casper thanks to an aunt who married a World War II veteran stationed in Vietnam during that war. She came to the country in the early 1950s.
In Vietnam, Le said his family moved from place to place until they, like many other immigrants, came to America for a better life.
“Over there the poverty is really bad. You eat what you make,” he said.
Le said his mother and father generally run the restaurant’s kitchen and his wife helps as a waitress. He fills in and does whatever is needed. They make enough for a living, but not enough quite yet to hire help.
They just continue to trust the restaurant for their future.
Pho Saigon is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“It’s all about having a good time, have a good meal, you come happy and you leave happy,” Le said.
Contact Dale Killingbeck at dale@cowboystatedaily.com
-
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Jayesh Patil via Google) -
Casper may be 8,200 miles from Vietnam, but Pho Saigon is as legit as it gets. (Pho Saigon via Facebook) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Kyle Green via Google) -
Casper may be 8,200 miles from Vietnam, but Pho Saigon is as legit as it gets. (Pho Saigon via Facebook) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Joshua Baughcum via Google) -
Casper may be 8,200 miles from Vietnam, but Pho Saigon is as legit as it gets. (Pho Saigon via Facebook) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (John Hettgar via Google) -
Casper may be 8,200 miles from Vietnam, but Pho Saigon is as legit as it gets. (Pho Saigon via Facebook) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Grace Woolfolk via Google) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Daniel Garcia via Google) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Brian Bassett via Google) -
Customers rave about the authentic food at Pho Saigon in Casper, Wyoming. (Aaron Kaylor via Google)
Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, Cap City News is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.
Candidates were asked:
- What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
- If elected, how will you address these challenges?
- What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the Cap City News Election Tracker.
Jessica Crowder (R), Wyoming House District 43
What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
Wyoming is built on hard work, strong communities, and the responsible use of our natural resources. The families in House District 43 and Wyoming face real challenges — from the need for a more resilient, diverse economy to the increasing outmigration of young people. Wyoming families also face rising costs of healthcare, housing and more. House District 43 deserves a representative that puts people first and works to strengthen the place we call home through steady and thoughtful leadership.
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
As a legislator, I will use my experience working with landowners, businesses, and local governments to support the industries that define Wyoming while encouraging thoughtful growth and diversification. Our future depends on good jobs, strong schools, and communities where families can put down roots and thrive. We can honor the values that make Wyoming what it is while building something that lasts—an economy that works for working people, an education system that prepares the next generation, and communities that remain resilient and connected.
The rising cost of healthcare and the difficulty of accessing services are real challenges for Wyoming families. We need reforms that reduce costs, expand access—including to mental health resources—and meet people where they are. The 2026 Health Insurance Affordability Task Force is working to address rising costs, and I will work with this group and others to develop effective solutions that deliver the quality care our communities deserve.
Tax and housing reforms must be reviewed for possible refinement so people can afford to buy homes, stay in their homes, and build equity and pride of place. At the same time, every Wyoming county depends on a different mix of revenue, and we all rely on stable, predictable local funding for essential services. I will participate in honest, informed conversations about how to provide relief to those who need it most without jeopardizing essential services.
Wyoming’s economy depends on our core industries and new businesses that invest here. Both need clear, consistent processes and regulations so they have confidence in choosing Wyoming. Economic growth also relies on strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce. When these pieces work together—predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure, workforce readiness, and responsible budgeting—they create a stable environment that encourages growth, provides good jobs, and protects taxpayers.
What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
I believe we maintain and create opportunity by respecting the people who live here and the land that sustains us. I grew up on a ranch and now raise my family in Laramie County, where we run a ranch and small business, so I understand the challenges facing families, landowners, and employers. With over 20 years of experience in agriculture, land management, and public policy, I’ve supported working lands, defended local interests, and strengthened communities. The values that guide this work—practical problem solving, respect for local knowledge, and a commitment to community—have broad application beyond land management and would serve me well in the legislature.
Related
TETON COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health recently confirmed two additional cases of measles in Teton County, bringing the statewide total to six cases, with five cases having occurred in Teton County.
A release from the WDH states that one recently-confirmed case is an adult with no identified links to the previous three Teton County cases, while the other case is also an adult, who had direct exposure to a previously identified case.
“This underscores the highly contagious nature of the measles virus,” the release states.
According to the release, the public may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and times:
Target Jackson Hole, 510 S Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 5, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 6, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 7, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Smith’s Food and Drug, 1425 South Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 8, 2026, 9:00 AM through noon
“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death,” the release states. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection.”
For more information on measles, including case counts, exposure locations, and guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the Wyoming Department of Health website.
Related
-
Michigan3 minutes agoMichigan health expert talks impact of Canadian wildfire smoke: There’s really a long list of who is at risk”
-
Massachusetts9 minutes agoThe science behind Massachusetts’ wildfire smoke-darkened skies
-
Minnesota15 minutes agoMinnesota United Statement on International Friendly | Minnesota United FC
-
Mississippi21 minutes agoGPS data tracks boat Mississippi teen Nolan Wells was on before he went missing
-
Missouri27 minutes agoMissouri teen Gabbriana Boyster shot dead in home as mom makes horrifying discovery; 3 friends charged
-
Montana33 minutes agoPhotos: Helena Senators sweep home doubleheader from Billings Royals
-
Nebraska39 minutes agoOmaha hospice nurse speaks out after Nebraska AG disciplinary action
-
Nevada45 minutes agoSparks weekend road closures are slated
