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| - Pho Hoa was a staple restaurant that I used to go to a million times with my family when they had a location in the metro Atlanta area. I basically grew up eating pho from this franchise. I was hardcore craving some pho tonight, so a few coworkers and I went to go try it out, based on the rave reviews.
Upon pulling up at the rather run down looking shopping center and ugly facade of the restaurant, my coworkers all looked at me like I was nuts for taking them to some run-down building in what seemed like the boonies (but obviously wasn't). The inside was much more promising than the outside and there was a steady dinner crowd on a Wednesday night, which is pretty good considering that place is basically a lone gem on that stretch of road.
I've had one other pho place in Charlotte - Pho Plus in Uptown. My coworker and I agreed Pho Hoa was better. The broth and spice was super flavorful and on point and the meat amount was reasonable. The prices here are slightly higher than I've paid in Atlanta, but it's still 100% worth it. I got the steak (which could have been more rare, in my opinion, if I had anything to complain about), tripe (yum!), tendon, and beef ball soup. You can build your own pho here, which allows you to customize. Their menu is set up in a way that helps pho-beginners choose their dishes and more experienced-pho'kers to more complex dishes.
The appetizers are so-so here - cha gio (fried spring rolls) are filled with juicy and flavorful meat and comes with the standard nuoc mam (fish sauce). The goi cuon (summer rolls with pork and shrimp) are a little lackluster and puny, but that's not to say they weren't still delicious. Comes with a hoisin/peanut sauce.
On a side note, Jeremy Lin eats here!
Staff/owner was really nice. Would definitely come back when I am in town again.
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