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| - I was sad to learn that Ninh Kieu was changing ownership, as I found their bun bo hue to be the best in the city. My sadness quickly disappeared when I tried Pho Ha Nam for the first time, shortly after the ownership change. The same friendly lady was at the counter, the atmosphere was the same, but the menu had changed. No matter, I came for the bun bo hue, and that is exactly what I ordered. Now, for the best part: as soon as I ordered, I was asked if I wanted pork leg in my soup. What!? Yes!!! Of course I do! My bowl came out shortly thereafter, with the plate of garnishes. The plate consisted of limes, chopped lettuce, banana blossoms (yes!) and chopped mint. But wait, what was that weird leaf mixed in? Fish mint? Why yes, it was. Bun bo hue, with pork hock and more herbs than just mint and basil? Is this Vietnam, or Cleveland? As I dug into my bowl and savored the depth of flavor, spicy, earthy, citrusy; the waitress came around with small plates of sate sauce, asking the diners if they would like to have some to spice up their dishes. I love sate, chilies, lemongrass, garlic, and I think I detected shrimp paste too, or at least fish sauce. The complexity of the soup reached yet another level, as did the spice (whoever says Vietnamese isn't spicy just doesn't know what proper bun bo hue is).
What a way to make an impression! Best bun bo hue I've had. Great service too, as not only did the waitress periodically check on me (she remembered me from the Ninh Kieu days), but a lady from the kitchen also came out to talk to guests.
I have since gone back to order bun bo hue again. This time I was with my family, who are not nearly as in love with Vietnamese food as I am. They both loved it, especially my mom. She ordered the bun nem nuong, and the waiter and my family all shared a laugh when mom couldn't quite figure out the correct pronunciation. This time I was not asked for the pork hock, and did not have the fish mint with my garnishes, but no matter, it was delicious. I'm sure if I asked I could have had both. The third time I went I ordered pho tai nam (eye round and flank). The broth was very flavorful, it wasn't light and mild like some broths. They also give you the standard pho garnish plate, but instead of cilantro you get culantro, even better! It may be worth noting that the flank steak is fatty, slightly chewy, and definitely not what some casual diners may be expecting. That just makes it even better I think!
I love Pho Ha Nam, and I can't wait to come back again!
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