I was in the area, and I needed something hot. What better than pho? However the area was lacking options despite close proximity to Chinatown. This seemed a decent choice.
My criteria for Pho:
Broth
A good broth is a balanced one. Often clear in nature, but darkening as it descends the bowl, a good broth is clear of grit and substance, yet yields a hearty flavour. Acceptable colours are always a gradient, from clear broth on the top, to a yellowish brown at the bottom, always with minimal color from grit. In terms of flavor, a good broth will be balanced between its flavours, retaining complexity while never overpowering the other ingredients. Lastly, I am of the opinion that a good broth needs no sauce, but sauce is optional if one prefers.
Meat
The meat must be fresh, with no barnyard flavours present. It should taste clean, with the underlying tones of earthiness and beefiness that one expects from fresh meat. Meat should be thinly sliced where possible, and be fresh. Tendon should be extremely fresh, not soggy to the point of disintegration, yet not cold in the centre. I often get the house special, as this tends to include the most variety of meats, as well as the restaurant's specialties.
Veggie Mix
As with everything, balance is key. The mix of vegetables should provide enough crunch that it is noticeable, and provides a textural contrast to the rest of the meal. Further, no vegetable should overpower the others. If a vegetable were to overpower the others, it would be cilantro, though only by a marginal effect.
Meat-to-Noodle Balance
There should be enough meat to cover the noodles, such that when one finishes the meal, no noodles are devoid of meat. Should there be more meat than noodles, this is no downside however, as meat is generally perceived as more expensive. An excess of meat in the soup is a luxury.
Portion Size to Cost
On average, a bowl of Large Pho and a Soft Drink is around $20 CAD. Anything around $20-25CAD is acceptable.
Now to the review:
Vietnam lovely noodle Review:
Broth
The Pho offers a departure from my usual penchant for heavier broths. It leans towards lighter, more complex notes, and surprisingly, there are no complaints here.
Meat
The meat holds its own, maintaining a fair ratio with the noodles. It doesn't overshadow or get overshadowed—an impressive balance.
Veggie Mix
While not the star, the blend of cilantro, red pepper, and onions contributes a refreshing dimension. It complements the dish without overpowering other elements.
Meat-to-Noodle Ratio
The ratio hits a decent mark—a fair balance that doesn't lean too heavily on either side. It's a welcome departure from the extremes seen elsewhere.
Portion Size and Cost
Here's where things shift—a downside. The serving sizes are on the smaller side compared to competitors. Additionally, the absence of complimentary tea feels like a missed opportunity. Considering these factors, the cost might seem a bit high for what's offered, especially compared to the portion size.
In essence, this Pho offers a lighter, more complex profile, which is a departure from heavier broths. It strikes commendable balances in various aspects but falls slightly short in portion size and complimentary additions. Considering its position in an area with limited Vietnamese options, it stands as a fair choice, albeit with room for improvement in the cost-to-portion-size equation.