While Pho Cafe can be a bit hard to find (look for the address as the cafe lacks a formal sign), it's a testament to their popularity that on a day with 90+ degree weather, the place was jam packed with Sunset Junction hipster types eager to take in super hot pho.
Hot weather or not, the pho was that perfect mixture of sweet gingery saltiness with high quality noodles and a generous helping of fix ins'. What truly makes the place shine, though, is the mixture of taste, novelty, and menu staples like free range chicken.
The highlight of the meal was the Vietnamese crepe (Banh Xeo). It is easily the most memorable, tasty appetizer I have eaten anywhere in several years. Tender, charbroiled lemongrass steak, mushrooms, bean sprouts inside of a perfectly crispy crepe and served with fresh herbs and rice paper wrap.
You make your own spring roll 'crepe' by combining this unlikely duo into a perfectly balanced crispy-savory treat. After dissolving the rice paper in the piping hot water, you can combine all of the above into your own magnificent Vietnamese creation and finish it off with a savory dipping sauce that brings out the most amazing flavors in each component. Truly a party in your mouth! And for only $6.25, it's an amazing deal too! One order could easily be a meal for one moderately hungry person.
If you've ever been to Lou in West Hollywood, you know how fabulous gourmet strip mall fare can be. This place amuses the taste buds with an exterior that under promises, but with a kitchen team that over delivers.
Pho Cafe
2841 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213.413.0888
*Cash only*
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