Pho Viet Huong is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in NYC’s Chinatown, located on Mulberry Street, south of Canal Street. I’ve been dining here for probably over 20 years – going way back when it was a 2-floor restaurant. Since then, the food is still excellent, prices are great (inexpensive), ambiance decent, and service so-so. Interesting combination, but the food makes up for everything.
Cha Gio, Vietnamese Spring Rolls |
For starters I recommend getting the Cha Gio, or Vietnamese Spring Rolls. An order costs $4.50 and comes with 4 spring rolls served with lettuce and cilantro, and sometimes basil. These rolls are now made with chicken, so if you’re not a pork lover, eat up. Here’s the proper way to eat these spring rolls:
- Wait for them to cool down – they normally serve it right out of the fryer. Yes, you’ll see some oil drippings on your plate (shown, right).
- Take a spring roll and wrap it with a piece of lettuce. You can also add the cilantro if you want.
- Dip the roll in the fish sauce, and eat.
- Repeat.
Other items off the appetizer menu that are worthwhile are the Fresh Summer Rolls (shrimp, vermicelli, mint leaves, Thai basil, wrapped with a rice wrapper) or the Shrimp & Pork Vietnamese Crepe.
- Phở (pronounced “fuh”) is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is usually served with chicken or beef. The soup includes rice noodles and is served with meat on the side along with Thai basil, lime, bean sprouts that are added to the soup by you. Of all the choices, I recommend the Rare Beef Noodle Soup, Grilled Pork Chop, or the Shredded Chicken soup.
- Bun, or Rice Vermicelli, dishes are also great here. My favorites are BBQ Beef & Spring Rolls on Vermicelli, BBQ Chicken in Vermicelli, or Chicken w/ Lemongrass on Vermicelli. Each of these cost $6.
- Just want rice? In the Com Dia (Rice Dishes) section of the menu – I recommend the BBQ Beef Over Rice, Chicken w/ Lemongrass, or Pork Chop, Shredded Pork, & Crab Meat Patty w/ Rice
Grilled Pork Chop with Phở |
Still got room in your belly? Get the Red & Green Bean Paste w/ Asian Jello, $3 or a Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
Wow, my stomach is growling just typing this up. But overall, I highly recommend this. Most dishes are under $10. The service is quick – but don’t be surprised if you get your entrée before your appetizer, or if your friends are served first while you sit and stare at them eat for several minutes.
Phở Viet Huong
73 Mulberry St
New York, NY 10013
PhoVietHuongNYC.com
Update: this location is closed