Bear Bites: Pho Saigon

Any pun I can make here isn’t fit for print, so I’ll keep it simple: Pho is delicious.

I’ve had few encounters with the wonderful Vietnamese noodle soup, but I’ve loved every one. The mint and basil flavors poking through the meaty broth with hints of just a little bit of sriracha and hoisin are just the thing to pick me up on a rough day. Usually, I have enough for two meals, and, with the way I eat, that is saying something.

Pho Saigon is a quiet little place in the Northgate shopping center. It’s a few storefronts down from the famed Fresh Air BBQ, but it feels a world away. That change of pace and those delicious noodles make Pho Saigon a must-visit.

The GOOD:

Pho Tai

It was everything I thought it’d be but better. I was a little conservative and went for the Pho Chin Nam, the noodle soup with eye round steak. Justin got Pho Chin Nac, the noodle soup with well-done brisket. I got a small size and still managed to get a meal and a half out of it. I used a little lime, a few basil leaves, and splash of sriracha and hoisin. My allergies had been bothering me, and this cleared me right up. Move over Campbell’s chicken noodle. I was content. Justin, on the other hand, put so much Soy sauce in his dish that it was unedible. He did not share my love of Pho. He said he’d rather eat somewhere else. Justin is entitled to his own — wrong — opinion.

The QUESTIONABLE:

Service

The wait staff wasn’t very attentive, and it took about 20-30 minutes for us to get our meal. Most of the workers don’t speak English, and those who do aren’t very fluent. I don’t care as long as they keep making food.

Egg Rolls

Justin said they were overcooked, but I felt they were supposed to be thin and crispy. I’ve had better.

The BAD:

I felt the meal was fine. Justin didn’t like his Pho at all.

Nick: 4/5

Justin: 1.5/5