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| - The "new" Pho Bang opened today.I was on my way to Da Vang for my weekly pho fix and I thought I'd see what was going on over there.I had a love/hate relationship with the old Pho Bang;the pho was no good,but the
canh chua tom and tom bo nuong vi (grill -your-own shrimp and beef) were the best in town.The shabby decor and slow service didn't put me off,and the ladies there knew me because I was a semi-regular for many
years.
The new Pho Bang is totally re-done,floor to ceiling, and now is a very modern and pleasant dining environment.I ordered my usual pho tai bo
vien with the raw beef on the side,and an order of goi cuon (spring rolls).
The pho exceeded my expectation and ranks with my favorites in Metro
Phoenix(Khai Hoan,Da Vang,Dragonfly).The broth was oily and beefy like
Da Vang,and a bit "oniony" like Maxim.Very flavorful and well balanced.
The tai was above-average in both quality and quantity.Leaner and more
thinly sliced than Da Vang,it remimded me of Khai Hoan,sliced a bit thicker.Good meatballs too,like Little Saigon.The goi cuon was solid.
Good size, no skimping on the shrimp and great peanut sauce.They
do use the poached pork,which isn't as tasty as the bbq'd pork in my
favorite spring rolls(Little Saigon,Khai Hoan,Dragonfly).They still hit the spot,though.
I'm only giving 4 stars because the jury is still out on the rest of my menu favorites,yet to be tried.Oh,one more thing...this place is Da Vang cheap!I And they open at 8:30am (hello,breakfast pho!).I was very impressed with the new Pho Bang and can't wait to go back.I hope my fellow Phoenix pho addicts will check it out!
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