Eating Pho in Elmhurst -- Pho Bang

Yes, it’s getting warmer. Yes, a bowl of hot Vietnamese soup is still nice.

We paid a visit to Pho Bang at 8290 Broadway in Elmhurst. We got the number 22, which is sliced rare beef round in a broth with rice noodles, bean sprouts, basil and lemon on the side. Of course, what makes this recipe sing is the scallions, onions and cilantro. The combination of hot soup and fresh vegetables is a uniquely Vietnamese magic. $5.75 gets you an enormous bowl.

The beef comes out raw. You sink it into the hot broth and it cooks right in the bowl. Since broth is always boiling at Pho Bang, table service is pretty fast, especially if you gain status as a regular. Adding Sriracha  gives it that extra special spicy kick, but if you aren’t one for nose blowing at the table, you might want to just leave it out. If you go alone, no worries, you will be dining next to others (who will be generally blowing their noses too) — a very intimate experience.

If you go with friends, try adding a small order of cha gio to the mix. The $4.50 fried spring rolls come with a dipping sauce and lettuce to wrap them in. The beef salad is worth a go, as is the lemongrass chicken and the summer rolls. Still, this place is called Pho Bang for a reason — hint, it’s the pho.

As if there needed to be another reason to try this place, it has a parking lot.

If you want something sweet after, head over to Quickly at 8306 Broadway and get an iced taro or milk tea with black tapioca pearls.

Pho-to Source: Wikipedia