When it comes to foodie staples in the UK, Pho is a name that will always come up.
Offering Vietnamese dishes with fresh ingredients and an emphasis on lighter, healthier options, it’s unsurprising that at 5pm on the dot on a Wednesday evening, the Bristol city centre restaurant was jam-packed.
We were lucky enough to be invited down to try out some of the new menu items – soaking up the last of the sunshine and chowing down on the summer specials.
Named after their titular dish – a noodle soup with rice noodles, bone broth, and an array of meats, fish and veggies – we knew we had to sample a couple of classic options at Pho too.
Starting strong, we snacked on prawn crackers dipped in sweet chilli sauce while we perused the menu offerings, old and new.
No trip to Pho would be complete without indulging in the spring and summer rolls, and the starters didn’t disappoint.
The summer rolls were light and fresh, stuffed with vegetables and juicy prawns.
The spring rolls were even better, crispy and filled with pork cooked to perfection.
We sampled a Bánh Xèo – a crispy Vietnamese pancake – opting for the chicken and prawn option.
It was the first time trying this dish for both of us, and it was an easy 10/10.
Our waiter demonstrated how best to eat it, cutting piece off and wrapping them in rice paper – perfection.
Finally, we tried out a new summer special – the prawn and pomelo salad.
While it came highly recommended, this was (spoiler!) our only disappointment of the evening.
The portion size was far from stingy, with several large prawns, chunky segments of pomelo, and plenty of greenery.
While it was refreshing and tasty, the herbs were slightly overpowering, and the salad couldn’t stack up to the other starters.
Heading onto mains – and already feeling quite full! – it was time to taste-test two of the famous phos.
We opted for the classic chicken breast pho, and the Pho house special.
The first was delicious, well-cooked and with a generous serving of chicken.
A splash of chilli and soy really brought this one to life.
The house special was in a league of its own, with king prawns, chicken and steak – a truly indulgent bowl.
We also ordered a main from the summer specials menu – a fish curry with white rice.
The flavour was rich and creamy, and the fish melted in the mouth – no complaints whatsoever.
Again, the portion size was hefty, and two certified foodies struggled to finish every bite.
While the curry didn’t quite compare to the traditional pho for me, for any noodle haters, it’s a great option.
Stuffed from the savoury dishes, dessert wasn’t on the cards this time, so stay tuned for our thoughts on the sweet treats (we’re eyeing up the Vietnamese affogato to see how it stacks up to a traditional Italian!).
Overall, the summer specials menu offered some great new picks which truly felt like stand-out choices compared to the traditional menu, but the classic dishes are so well done that there’s no real need to veer off from the usuals.
Splitting several dishes between two of us, we both agreed that an ideal Pho experience would consist of a tapas-like experience – sharing a handful of starters, and splitting a second main if you’re feeling indulgent.
The variety was exceptional, particular for a restaurant that pays homage to one specific dish.
The winter specials menu is a mystery for now, but we’re hoping for the same level of diversity in the offerings.
Undoubtedly, we’ll be back.
