I had pho here tonight and I felt like someone beat me up--I mean this in a good way. I could barely move from all the broth sloshing around in my belly, I had a mad case of soup sweats, and I just wanted to curl up and go to sleep.
This is my usual spot for pho in Chinatown. I took a break from it for a while because the broth was unusually weak on my last visit but I decided to give it another chance for Pho-bruary and it seems to be back on track.
The Pho-ndamentals
Pho Tai Gan (rare beef and beef tendon); medium = $7.75
Broth: invigorating and refreshing, if a bit on the light side; could be richer but the combination of aromatic spices imparts a lovely flavor
Beef: thin, lean slices of beef
Tendon: I like their thick, smooth slices instead of chunky globs
Noodles: dried, i.e., not fresh noodles but steeped just right in the broth
Garnishes: the mung bean sprouts and basil are always super fresh and they include saw leaf (shout out to Deanna W!)
Service: I always see the same reticent waitress who doesn't talk much but gets the job done and she flashes a sweet, genuine smile each time I say good-bye to her.
Other: I really enjoy the summer rolls here; they make them fresh to order and do not skimp on the shrimp. The place is always sparkling because the waitress is constantly wiping down surfaces and mopping.
3 and 3/4 stars which I will round up to 4 because of my favorite waitress