The basil would have come on the side plate with the bean sprouts lime and jalapenos. You’re supposed to put all that stuff in the soup, in case you weren’t aware. The greenery in the soup should be cilantro and green onions…
How to describe star anise…it’s kind of like cinnamon? If you’re familiar with Chinese 5 spice at all it’s like that.
Yes, there was a large spring of basil on top of the sprouts, I did not pour this into my pho I enjoyed the sprouts as a side rather than accompanying the soup. (My pho pas!!) I"m familiar with Chinese 5 spice…hmmmmmm just not sure.
Good write up @NotJrvedivici
I might have to get some Vietnamese tonight. Is it me or is there no website for this place? I wanted to check out the menu but can’t seem to find any site other than a pic or two on Google images.
@joonjoon is there any type of superbowl like dish there? (Or whole snappers?)
Pretty sure the pho-combo bowl I got is “Super Bowl” dish, it had every cut of meat available including the oxtail. (Although served in a separate bowl?)
Jr the superbowl is actually not a soup but I suppose the name could fit the bill for what you got. At pho le it is the “mixed grill” of their menu (no I won’t be asking you for anymore meat challenges lol)
It is my “go to” dish there. Joon turned me onto it years ago. Give it a shot if you’re in town. It’s not a monster like appella but it’s a cool dish that I like. Check Google images and you can see it. If i go tonight I’ll take a pic for you.
Did your pho have tendon and tripe, and/or brisket?
All of the above. (my bad on the super bowl)
@NotJrvedivici So the “Super Bowl” at Pho Le is a dish known as “Bun” - basically a warm/cool noodle salad. the “Super bowl” designation is that way because it has all the available options - shrimp pork and egg roll. To answer @corvette_johnny’s question they don’t have a specific combo that has all of those things but I’m pretty sure you can just ask for it.
I haven’t had the bun there myself but my friend who got the pork version was really unimpressed. Take one for the team and let us know how it is!
Just as long as goddamn Brady and the Patriots aren’t in it…
I was anxious to make this post because I was curious how long it had actually been since my first trip here. Went back after 4 years and genuinely enjoyed it! Great night for a hearty soup!! Also shared a pad Thai with my daughter! I will be back sooner than 4 years!
Do tell me some more local places that compare.
My favorite is Vietnam Bistro in Howell.
I second the recommendation for Vietnam Bistro in Howell.
Well all I can say is this place more or less introduced me to pho and it’s been my only pho experience(s) to date. While pho isn’t really my thing, I can’t fault this place or the food they put out at all. The pho is delicious, fresh broth and vegetables etc. I really can’t find fault in today’s world where you get a hot delicious bowl of goodness for $12-15.
Just bumping this up because I’ve honestly grown to really like / appreciate this place. I’m not going to pretend that “I know Pho”, but I do know anything I get here is “fresh” and delicious. All the ingredients and the pho just taste home-made which I truly appreciate. Even though I don’t want to know half the time what I’m actually eating, I enjoy it nonetheless. My wife who is less pho-friendly often orders off the regular menu and is always happy with the food.
I know many of you have your favorites but where would you say is your best pho in the area? Might want to venture out sometime away from my only pho-experience.
The best I’ve had locally is the Vietnamese place in Howell (?) where we had a HOdown years ago. @MsBean will be able to help here…!
WAAAAAAAAAH. (But TY)
Our favorite is Pho Viet Express, in Toms River, which may be a little out of the way you, @NotJrvedivici I love their Pho, plus they make THE best shrimp toast. It is a very shrimpy mousse on a slice of baguette and then fried.
I think the combination pho here is pretty hard to beat. Two tips that make the experience better IMO - ask for the rare beef on the side so you can have it nice and pink, and ask for “nuoc beo” which is beef fat you can spoon into the broth!
I’ve been hearing about this place here for years!!! I think I’ve been to toms river once in the last 10 years ugh
Let me know if you ever want to go. We’d be MORE than happy to take a ride down.
