Pho isn't a food love - it is an addiction. Once you've had it you will crave it like a pregnant lady craves pickles and ice cream (ok I'm guessing here - have no kids myself).

So where does one go to get that satisfying bowl of perfection in the city? I have no idea - yet!

No one could tell me of a great Pho place. They could say "oh yeah I had Vietnamese food at X once. It wasn't that great." Not the glowing review I was looking for.

So I started my own search and this blog post (to be updated on a semi-regular basis) which will document my take on the best and worst Pho in NYC.

And when I find the perfect bowl of Pho - you'll be the first ones to know.

L'Annam Vietnamese Restaurant
121 University Pl, New York NY10003
(At 13th St)

While there were a lot of people speaking Asian languages of one sort or another (I would say that there were lots of Vietnamese people in the restaurant, but I'm really not that savvy, they could have been from Korea or China or the LES for all I know) - which I would usually say is a good sign. However the Pho at this place was subpar in my book.

The price was good at $4.75 for a small bowl and $7.75 for a large bowl but what you get is basic at best.

The broth was not clear and not that flavorful. They gave me a small plate of side greens with only one variety of Thai Basil and lemon instead of lime.

The sriracha on the table was not that hot and they brought out a sort of soy/duck sauce for the soup that I thought didn't enhance the flavor at all.

I will say that the other dishes that I saw come out of the kitchen looked and smelled great and the atmosphere at this little spot is lovely, lively and cozy. The prices are pretty good too - especially for the city. I'd go back to try other things on the menu.

Pho Pasteaur
85 Baxter, NYC

In my search for the perfect bowl of Pho I'm sticking to mainly the classic bowl with beef brisket and not much else. While the bowl I had last night was basically in keeping with my search guidelines, I did have to indulge a little - adding tripe, tendon and beef round into the mix (it was cold and I needed something a bit more hearty).
I had the #2 pho tai nam gan sach to be exact:
Beef round with tripe tendon and beef brisket

Unlike union sq $5.50 will get you a huge bowl of pho here.
The broth was more subtly flavored than that found at L'Annam but it was still lacking the proper amount of fish sauce and anise for my taste.
The beef and noodles were a bit tough, though the tendon and tripe were both tender and properly cleaned.
One thing I really love about this place - when I ordered something with tripe and tendon I didn't get the usual "but you're a white girl' stare.
Also I wasn't rushed like I was at L'Annam. The ambiance is very simple and the place is super clean. It seems to be run by a husband and wife team both of whom were very nice to me.
I will definitely go back, but next time I want to try Ech um cari - frogs legs stewed with curry sauce!

Thai Son

89 Baxter

I set out this evening to try Nha Trang at 87 Baxter - they were closed tonight. I'm not sure if this is a permanent thing or if for some reason they decided to take the night off - but I wasn't the only one who showed up and had to change plans on the spot (sadly the other lady came all the way from Jersey to try their Pho and had to go next door as well...ouch). But it seems that fate lead me to the right place in the end - Thai Son.

I ordered the #4 - Tai nam gau gan sach which is your basic bowl of Pho with beef round and tripe and tendon. The broth was flavorful and nicely clear - not too much fat. The noodles were wonderful - better than any place in the city so far and the beef was nice and rare, not overcooked in the least.

In my book though, still not the perfect bowl of noodles. The side plate of add in veggies was a bit sparce with only a little Thai basil and a petite pile of bean sprouts, and again with the lemon. I must admit that I rebelled and didn't even try the lemon at L'Annam...tonight I thought - ok a few places have given me this, I'll give it a whirl. It wasn't bad - though I still prefer lime and green hot chillies (of which there were none - believe me I asked).

If I had to give it a ranking out of ten I would say that this place is a 7.5 (I need a half point scale, can't just do whole numbers when flavors are involved). I'm still in search of the perfect bowl of Pho - I'll keep you updated on the next place I try :)

Cong Lu

124 hester st 212 343 1111

The warm welcome at this restaurant makes one feel that you have left NYC and stepped into another country all together. The old man who seated my friend and I was more than happy to bring us extra dishes so that we could split the small sampling we ordered from the menu. He was also more than happy to help me figure out how to consume the beverage I ordered (stir in ice on top then eat with spoon).
We ordered the usual bowl of Pho - Tai sach #6 ($5.00 for regular size)- which ended up having tripe as well as beef brisket and the usual rice noodles (the tripe was not listed on the menu). Accompanied by summer rolls and for a bit of adventure an iced drink called Che Thung (mung bean, sea weed, durian, lotus seed & pearl in cocnut milk).
The Pho was ok - not great but good. The summer rolls were good but the wrap was a bit rubbery - it seemed to be a bit old perhaps. The drink was an exprience that should be had - perhaps not enjoyed by everyone, but a great mix of flavors and textures. Overall loved the drink - liked the Pho - loved the service and hospitality. This is a true family restaurant with all the cozy feel of your grandfather's kitchen.
Oh and I would recommend going to this place on the way home so that you can stop and do your next days shopping at all of the amazing markets just around the corner.
Here are some pics of the restaurant and the food (before and after shots of the drink included - don't forget to mix it up :)

Fish sauce, duck sauce and the usual hot sauces available.

This is how it comes when you order it...

Crush all the ice down in it and presto you have this lovely icey drink :)