Is there such a thing as bad Pho? It's been my experience that there is either good Pho or really, really good Pho and now I feel like I've had both. My local Pho destination is good. It's satisfying and totally hits the spot when I have a craving for that hot mess of noodley deliciousness packed into a bowl. But then I tasted really, really good Pho and I'm having a hard time thinking of anything else.
I had mentioned before that Chinatown is sort of a new experience for me. For years I hadn't really taken the time to explore it, honestly out of intimidation and unfamiliarity but as I feel myself growing as a culinary professional I find that I'm eager to be even more adventurous and I crave that thrill of trying something new. Since Chinatown is relatively new territory for me, I had asked my readers to give me some advice on where to go and was thrilled at the response I got. Lots of suggestions (thanks!) and I've added numerous new places on my "have to go to list".
My Chinatown destination and food selection was rather pedestrian and not something I'd classify as exotic by today's standards but that didn't stop it from being good. Oh my was it good. Sitting at Pho Pasteur, a frosty cold Vietnamese beer at my side and a bowl full of screaming hot Pho, packed with shreds of roasted chicken, delicately thin noodles and dotted with bright, fresh cilantro and scallions, I couldn't help but feel giddy. So this is what great Pho is all about? All of the flavors that were floating around in that bowl were so crisp, clean and incredibly fresh. Served up alongside the usual accompaniments of fresh lime wedges, Thai basil and an assortment of sauces (my favorite part) I found myself in total Pho heaven.
This is worth the trip to Chinatown and one place I plan to return to again and again. I loved the bright atmosphere and the simple pleasure of some seriously good Pho. That being said, I'm going to pose another question: Have you ever been to Pho Pasteur and if yes, is there another spot that you think stacks up even higher? Let's get the discussion going. I'm obsessed.
17 comments:
Xinh Xinh is my favorite Vietnamese in Chinatown. It's smaller and more "home kitchen-y" looking than Pho Pasteur, but the chicken hot and sour soup is amazing and the pho is great. Other places I like: Taiwan Cafe, Gourmet Dumpling House, Mei Sum, New King Fung (Peking duck three ways - amazing), the Best Little Restaurant (for the minced meat and string bean lettuce wraps, mainly, but they have goo crispy squab and great half-chicken).
I too am guilty of not really checking out Chinatown. I must get on that.
I've yet to have pho but I love Gourmet Dumpling House!
I rarely go to Chinatown as well and would love to join you on your next adventure!
I'm with Shannon - I love the Gourmet Dumpling House. Not only are the soup dumplings amazing, but they have the best salt & pepper chicken wings I've ever had.
I love Pho! The noodles, the broth, the cilantro... the soup splattered all over my shirt. All of it's great!
Always love a Chinatown recommendation - I end up feeling lost down there with no idea where is good. I will definitely have to check this out!
I do like Pho, but I usually go to the one in Harvard Square (Le's - same owners as Pho Pasteur). In Chinatown, I like Taiwan Cafe for really authentic Taiwanese food, and Chau Chow or China Pearl for dimsum :)
I haven't been to Chinatown in YEARS. Your post has inspired me to get my butt over there for some dim sum stat.
I haven't spent much time in Chinatown but I have been wanting to try soup dumplings for years now. I need to get on that.
This soup likes great and reminds me of saimin, a soup I had in Hawaii.
phoooooooooooo. Thats all I have to say about that...
Love Pho! Simple, fresh flavors, efficient service and great prices!It's the perfect place to warm up after an afternoon of ice skating on the Frog Pond or before a movie at the Commons.
i was just saying to my manfriend the other day that we needed another pho trip. we love le's in allston!
Xinh Xinh x1000000 is the best!!! and Pho Viet's which is located in Super 88 is better as well! They both have better broths and Xinh Xinh does an AMAZING veggie Pho!
I haven't been there, but it does look tasty. I have some friends who love that place.
I love Pho - There is a place in Hartford I'd like to try!
Looks delicious.
I like the Chinese food items. It is a nice recipe of the Chinatown's Pho Pasteur. Its looks tasty and like to eat it.
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