First Time Pho

Welcome to Pho V Noodle House & Sushi! If this is your first visit to a Vietnamese restaurant, you’ve made an excellent choice. Know that many of us have been where you are right now - staring at the menu - confused! Here’s a little tip, it isn’t called Pho V by chance. Pho is what you’re here for. And you’ve picked the best Pho in HEB!

It’s helpful to know just a few things up front. Let’s begin by looking around at the other diners at Pho V. Come back next week, and you’re likely to see many of the same faces.

Notice what I said there? Come back next week, and…And you’ve become a regular too! This Pho is that good.

The Very Basic Basics of Pho’s Allure

1.      You break the rules of American English pronunciation. It’s not Pho as in bow. It’s fa, as in do-re-mi-FA-so-la-ti-do. Named for its noodles by the way

2.      You’ll be adding a new alluring, exceptionally satisfying aroma to your memory banks, and you’ll crave more.

3.      Pho is time consuming to make, exceptionally nutritious, and very satisfying beyond the taste. Yet not overly filling.

4.      It is likely to be gluten free though please confirm with the restaurant.

5.      Last but not least, Pho V Noodle House & Sushi, the best Pho in HEB is easy to find!

THE EATING EXPERIENCE - PLEASENTLY FRAGRANT

Some think the fragrant nature of the broth makes the meal. Once your bowl is set in front of you don’t be shy about making the most of this first experience. Lean over the bowl and take in the beautifully fragrant hot broth. Allow yourself to savor the complex essence unfolding. Delicious!

While each chef has his or her own recipe, it wouldn’t be unusual for Pho to contain some or all of the following.

Some general information. The spices are used whole, they are heated before being combined with the broth and they don’t get added until very near the end of the cooking time.

Star anise is licorice-like and bittersweet, a pretty flower-shaped spice.

Whole cinnamon adds an earthy essence to the broth. It is warm, spicy, and comforting.

Coriander seeds add hints of citrus to the overall aroma.

Fennel seeds, similar to but a little sweeter than star anise, also add licorice notes.

Whole cloves are unique, spicy, and pungent adding a layer of musky aroma to the broth.

Whole black cardamom is another earthy spice that adds a smokey flavor and minty aroma.

It’s no wonder Pho has become so well-liked!

TASTE

The broth starts with good-quality bones, lightly roasted onions, garlic, and ginger. Add water to cover and simmer for many hours. Warm whole spices and add for the last 40 minutes or so. Strain broth through a fine sieve. You are left with a luxurious clear broth. Add the rice noodles, ready to serve!

TEXTURE

One last dimension served separately includes crispy bean sprouts, shallots, peppers, a wedge of lime, lime leaves, and torn Thai basil. You may also be offered sauces for additional flavor.

The obsession – Is it the rich clear broth? The quality of the noodles? The combination of herbs and spices? See you next week for a second round of Pho at Pho V Noodle House & Sushi, the best Pho in HEB!