This is a hidden pho gem in Cleveland. Ha Nam replaced a prior pho restaurant in the same location. The interior is the same but the menu is revamped. I've tried pho from the Vietnamese food Mecca of Houston, Texas and I give Ha Nam pho bo (beef pho) two thumbs up for flavor.
They're closed at 8 pm on Friday so if you're looking to come for dinner make sure you give yourself plenty of time. My only gripe is the cost. 5 dollars for banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and 8-9 dollars noodle soup is quite steep compared to Vietnamese restaurants in other Vietnamese-centric cities.
Here's our menu line-up:
1. Banh Mi Thit Nuong (Vietnamese BBQ Pork) 5 dollars - The BBQ pork is the bomb! The lemongrass seasoning was flavorful. The french bread was warm and soft. The chef accidentally over toasted our french bread so it's charred black. The french bread is what makes a Vietnamese sandwich so good. Instead of making us another one, the server gave us burnt bread and asked if it's alright. We were the only customer in the store at the time. If you want guests to come back, don't be stingy on the quality of your food.
2. Bun Thit Nuong (BBQ pork vermicilli) - 8.50 excellent dish. The star of the show again is their BBQ pork. definitely a must try. You won't be disappointed.
3. Beef pho with brisket and meatballs - 9.00 the broth is on point! It's flavorful and the star anise season really comes out in the broth. For pho experts, star anise is definitely a must in the foundation of pho broth base. The noodles was good as well. The excellent flavor is dampened a bit by the overly oily broth. The fatty oily just coats your palate.
Here's the synopsis: definitely a must try pho location in Cleveland. The food tastes authentic with some hiccups here and there, but I will return