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| - I've been here a few times for both dine-in and take-out, and the gem of this place is its consistency. The food is stellar, and the service is thorough.
Tucked into a generic strip mall in Chandler lies a fabulous escape into Vietnamese cuisine. Anise has a whole book of traditional Vietnamese flavors.
The first time I went here it was with a Vietnamese friend of mine. He walked me through what to expect and helped me select a few things off the menu. I've seem some reviews on here that seem to suggest the flavors here are far from authentic, but I'd have to disagree. My friend brought me to this restaurant precisely because the flavors and dishes are authentic given his extensive experience with traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Perhaps those reviews that say otherwise are used to Phoenix's usual Asian fare, which is usually far from authentic.
The menu is split into several different sections, including one just for vegetarians. The vegetarian dishes are hearty, many containing tofu or nuts as a significant source of protein. It is clear to me that the vegetables are always VERY fresh.
I usually get the crispy rolls and vermicelli, which is a dish that is both light and filling. I haven't branched out to try anything else off of the extensive vegetarian-friendly menu, but I can say that it all looks delicious.
For meat eaters, Anise has a veritable ton of omnivore-friendly fare, the most popular of which is by far the pho. The meat appears to be well-incorporated into the dishes, and everyone I've ever come here with compliments the medley of flavors.
Anise has a variety of lunch specials, and their service is fast and thorough. Haven't had Vietnamese before? That's okay! Ask either your server or the owner (she's checked in at my table each time I've been there) for suggestions. They're always happy to oblige.
Excellent find! I can't wait to go there again.
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