Second stop on my pho quest, upon recommendation from my sister (who also happened to join me) This place is brought about by the same folks from Pho Dau Bo, so I was looking to see if they would measure up.
Arriving a little earlier than the usual dinner rush, the place was understandably empty and we were greeted and seated right away. I let my sister take the reins - she ordered us spring rolls to share and a bowl of pho sate each (beef for me and seafood for her). Waiting for our piping hot spring rolls to cool, our soups were out no more than 10 mins after we ordered. I prepped my pho with the bean sprouts, fresh herbs and lime and wished I had mentally prepared myself for what I was about to embark. The broth was so AH-MAZING, the added coconut milk brought the flavors to another level! Although the sate was a bit spicier than I'm comfortable with, I powered thru the runny nose and slightly numb lips because it was THAT good.
I'm rarely in the NE, so I haven't had a chance to go back to Basil. But when I do, I'll make sure to get my sate 1/2 spicy to I can enjoy my pho that much more.