For most Americans, the idea of going out in summer for a steaming bowl of broth and noodles in August (unless you have a cold) would verge on crazy. But in many parts of the world, cooling off in the heat means sweating it out over a bowl of soup. Seems counter intuitive to most Westerners, but makes sense, right?!?
Pho is the perfect Northwest food. I never saw it growing up in upstate New York, but have come to cherish this simple yet heart-warming dish in all its many variations. Hot Pho serves 19 versions, which include Pho Ga Luoc (broiled chicken) as well as Pho Rau Cai and Dau Hu (vegetable and tofu).
One of the specials of the day was Pho Duoi Bo (Ox Tail Beef Noodle Soup, Large $6.99), and that was a must. An interesting pho fact: the Cantonese introduced rice vermicelli to Vietnam, and the French changed the role of cattle from mainly farming implements to an important part of cuisine.
Whereas northern-style pho tastes heavily of meat and bones, southern-style pho has more spice influence, such as star anise, clove and cinnamon. Hot Pho's broth was light and redolent with spice. There were three large chunks of oxtail in the bowl, not falling-off-the-bone tender, but infused with anise.
My other co-taster ordered her first Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe $6.99) which is typically a cold-weather dish because of its greasy nature, which was her main complaint. So I fault our July sunny day, not the kitchen. Hot Pho’s Bahn Xeo are savory fried pancakes made with rice flour, water turmeric powder (which gives the crepe a golden hue), and coconut milk, which is tucked with slices of shrimp, beef, bean sprouts, then served with a garden of fresh herbs and greens. The name of the dish comes from xeo xeo, the sizzling sound made when the batter hits the hot oil in the pan.
And what is better in hot weather than a platter filled with lettuce, fresh herbs, and skewers of grilled meat and seafood? I chose #65 Bun hoac Banh Hoi Dac Biet ($8.99) the Special Vermicelli or Vermicelli Tray. I chose to go for the tray option, which is definitely the more labor-intensive way to go. I think I was served a mixture of #65 & #66, as I received shrimp on sugar cane, rather than deep fried prawn wrapped in bean curd skin, and I also got a bonus prawn skewer along with my pork skewer, egg roll, and pork sausage.
All these tasty grilled skewers are served on top of little vermicelli bundles sprinkled with chopped peanuts. The tray comes with lettuce leaves, cilantro stems and Thai basil, which are used to transform the hot items into tasty bundles, which you then splash with a sweet and salty dipping sauce.
This is a family restaurant, and you can even order a Kid’s Meal for $4, with Well-Done & Meat Ball Noodle Soup and a soft drink. So much healthier than a Happy Meal!
Hot Pho is quick, clean, tasty, and really inexpensive for the fresh quality of the food. Had we not ordered their excellent Vietnamese coffee ($2.79) and a young coconut juice ($2.50), our meal would have come to $23. With beverages, tax, and tip, we got out the door with leftovers, even, for only $38. For those unfamiliar with Vietnamese food, there are numbered pictures on the table tops to help you make your ordering easier, and bridge the language gap.
Hot Pho Vietnamese Cuisine
1190 Sunset Blvd. NE #D
Renton, WA 98056
Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
Monday through Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm
425-228-5001
