Pho

I have been craving Pho, a Vietnamese soup, ever since I moved to Pittsburgh. Pho is readily available in the DC area, and lucky for me, there are several restaurants that serve the dish in Pittsburgh too.

Pho is one of my favorite foods. A steaming bowl of pho is comforting and medicinal, especially on a cold day. Pho Van, a Vietnamese restaurant in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, produces exemplary bowls of the hot stuff. Their Vietnamese coffee is not up to par with the likes of Vietnam's Pho, which is remarkably strong and tasty, but Pho Van's broth has been consistent over recent visits. The complexity of the broth, with strong flavors of star anise and cinnamon, produce a cravable bowl, complete with ample helpings of noodles and beef.

Both Pho parlors provide the requisite plate of fresh mung bean sprouts, lime wedge, jalapeno, and basil. However, you must specifically request small plates for your Sriracha and Hoisin sauces. Another highlight of these restaurants are the quality of the meat; although the price of a bowl of pho in Pittsburgh seems to exceed that of places in the DC area and Philadelphia, the ample amounts of beef and flavor of the brisket and flank steak allow me to overlook the cost. Also, both pho joints accept credit cards!

Pho restaurant information:
Pho Van
2120 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-7999

Vietnam's Pho
1627 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-8881