Pho and the DC Metropolitan Scene

In the years since the Vietnam War, Vietnam's most well-known variant on Asian noodle soup has taken the world by storm.  Anybody can enjoy a good bowl of Asian noodle soup, but if you are Asian and you do not hate food, I am willing to bet a meal of pho that you can appreciate a good bowl when you taste one--anytime, anywhere.  If you are not Asian, I will still grab a bowl with you in exchange for good company.

As with many foods, pho has humble origins.  In this case, on the streets of Vietnam.  Through many years of preparation, consumption, and the influence of French occupation, it has evolved into its currently recognized form.  Today of course, diversity among bowls of pho is extensive.  Most connoisseurs will categorize a bowl as hailing from either Northern or Southern regions of Vietnam.  Even more discerning palates might name the provincial region based on broth, meat content, noodles, and the options for garnish and sauce add-ins.  As a foodie, I wish I had more experience so that I could fully maximize personal enjoyment based on my preferences.

It does seem to me that in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, as I suspect is the case in many regions of the United States, most shops [attempt to] combine the best of every world, so to speak.  Pho 75 has done it particularly well in Metro D.C., and for the best price so far.  In the area, they offer:

• one of the most pleasing broths,
• the most variety of meat (including tripe and tendon),
• the biggest servings of meat,
• the tastiest slices of meat,
• and very crispy, fresh bean sprouts.

This should be no surprise because, as their name suggests, their raison d'être exclusive is pho.  What is surprising is their location: Pho 75 operates outside of Eden Center, Northern Virginia's premier "Vietnam Town" style shopping center.  You will find one branch of Pho 75 on a side street off of Route 50 in Falls Church, and the other on the corner of Wilson and North Quincy in Arlington.  For the exact address of the Falls Church branch, check out my page on Favorite Restaurants.

Some dining tips for the interested:

• Both branches take cash only.  On the plus side, prices are cheaper ($6.75-$7.75) because they do not need to front the additional fees assessed on businesses accepting cards.
• The Falls Church establishment puts a bottle of fish sauce at each table station.  The Arlington establishment does not carry fish sauce at all.  I asked and they said no, to my chagrin.
• The small bowl offers a higher meat and noodle to soup ratio than the large.
• Ask for raw steak, if you trust the establishment (I trust them).  It is sliced ultra thin and cooks well in the hot soup.  The end result is a very tender slice of beef.
• Good pho makes your clothes smell like good pho after the meal.  After your meal, if people are going to be offended by you smelling like beef broth, basil, and lime, consider a change of clothes.

Still having never visited Vietnam, the best pho I have ever eaten was served in a small shop in Toronto.  Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of the establishment, but if I revisit someday, I hope to find it again.