Pho!

This is for all you soup lovers out there and for those of you who want to try something new, authentic, unique and inexpensive? It’s called “Pho”, a traditional street beef noodle soup from Vietnam.  Pho, like any other soup consists of broth, but it is the flavor of the broth which makes Pho stand out from traditional beef or chicken noodle soup. The flavor is like no other, the broth contains several herbs such as clove, star anise, cilantro coriander seed, fennel, cinnamon, black cardamom, and ginger that makes Pho unique and delicious. It also contains rice noodles and beef or chicken. It then comes with a plate of bean sprouts, lime, jalapeno peppers and Thai basil leaves, which you break into pieces with your fingers and add to the Pho.

 In the past Pho was not as well-known as it is today.  After the Vietnam War, refugees brought Pho to several countries, such as Paris, Canada and Australia. Pho became very popular in the United States in the 1990’s, beginning on the west coast, such as California. Eventually the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam improved and Pho restaurants opened up across the U.S. Today Pho is listed at number 28 on "World's 50 most delicious foods" compiled by CNN Go in 2011.

One of my favorite Pho restaurants to eat at locally is called Anh Hong Pho and Café. Conveniently located at 7036 Terminal Square, in Upper Darby, minutes from the 69^th Street Terminal.  I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone, Anh Hong Pho and Café has been opened for 5 years now and the Pho is amazing. Their Pho is always fresh and I have never had a bad meal. The staff is friendly and attentive, I always receive my Pho within 10 minutes and sometimes less. The prices are extremely fair for the amount of food you receive. The Pho is less than ten dollars and you will not leave hungry.  The restaurant has grown very popular in the Upper Darby neighborhood. Every time I eat here I see a new face, on my previous visit I saw an old high school friend. She was sitting at a table next to me, devouring a bowl of Pho, which I though was pretty cool. This is a great restaurant to meet new friends, catch up with old ones and great for families, even if you have little ones.

When you first walk in to Anh Hong Pho and Café, you will notice it to be a casual atmosphere with beautiful Vietnamese music playing in the background. The pleasant smell of fresh herbs will be present throughout the restaurant. Then you will be  greeted by a woman behind a counter, you will say how many people and she will signal the waiter, the waiter will greet you and seat you and however many people. If they are not too busy you can sit at any table you like. Once you are seated you are welcomed with menus, hot tea and water. The most basic Pho you can order and that I recommend for first timers is the Steak Pho, but if you want to be adventurous you may add other meats like Meatballs. The waiter will enter your food order into the computer, while you are waiting he will drop off a small plate of bean sprouts, jalapeño peppers, lime and Thai basil leaves. When he brings your Pho to the table, you add your side plate ingredients, to increase the flavor.  

                                                             

Don’t be alarmed if your steak looks a little on the rare side, because the broth will be steaming hot and it will cook the meat thoroughly on its own, again to add more flavor. Then once the Pho has cooled down a little you reach for your chop sticks (or fork) and Vietnamese soup Spoon. Holding the chop sticks in one hand, you wrap the rice noodles and meat around the chop sticks, then using your other hand you dip the spoon in your broth, you then bring them together in your mouth for an unforgettable and delicious taste. Then after you have finished cleaning out your bowl (which is likely to happen), the waiter will clear your table and leave you with your bill, or if you want you can go right up to the register to pay.  I am certain you will find this Pho to be very satisfying and as you leave you will have huge smile on your face. And possibly add this restaurant to your list of great places to eat.