pho king
By Hien Huynh, Mar 4th, 2009 | In Dining
It seems my prayers to have more Pho places open in Shanghai have been answered. New Pho restaurants are popping up all over town and no one is more pleased that I for such a thing to happen, as it means my epic "Pho Quest" will continue -- indefinitely it would appear. Having already read some decent reviews of pho king, I was eagerly anticipating sampling their rendition of the Vietnamese classic. With a clean and stylish logo and restaurant interiors, expectations were sky high. pho king is how I imagine a good restaurant should be: simple and to the point.
The menu itself gave me further cause to nod my head in approval, offering as it did nothing but the basic Pho with some simple rice dishes. It's all very fair and affordable, and is in the 18-25rmb range. More nodding of the head as I await my order: the standard beef Pho and a Vietnamese coffee.
Disappointment set in right when the Vietnamese coffee came out, which in my estimation, was too thin and weak. If it's going to be priced at the same level as an actual bowl of Pho, the coffee had better be done right. Ah damn, I ruminated to myself, more coffee at home. Disappointment increased with the presentation of the condiments to the main event, which were comprised of a few measly pieces of lettuce and some bean sprouts. Where was the basil and cilantro? And if you will permit me to bitch even further, I found the chilies to be really weak...
The all-important Pho soup I found to be flavorless. Or rather, perhaps the flavor was hidden somewhere in the thick layer of fat that accompanied the dish. I know some people actually ask for more fat, but that should only be given if asked for...
My final verdict is thumb's down. Go only if you've got a gun pointed to your head. Well, maybe that's a little harsh; if you're not really picky about authentic Pho and are looking for an easy lunch, you could do worse. If you are a pedantic Pho lover like myself, however, truly give it a miss.
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crindy, Mar 5th, 2009
I wouldn't go again. Unless someone esle were paying. Not that it's even that expensive but...Atmosphere - High-end food court in mall w/beyonce blasting
Prices - Reasonable
Menu - Not extensive but has the classics
Appetizers - Decent, nothing to shout about
Mains - DISAPPOINTING. Pho broth was fine but noodles were wide (???), condiments were skimpy as hell and also seriously lacking in the aromatics department (lettuce in place of basil does not work for me - also, chilies?). I ordered vermicelli, which was mostly, again, lettuce. wtf.
Overall, don't bother. Try the Vietnamese place hidden in the back lanes of Taikang Lu.
joemomma, Mar 5th, 2009
wow, that was quick - i left a comment (on your best pho in shanghai article) a few days ago and you guys quickly reviewed it. i personally like the pho at pho king (btw we had basil with our pho as it is available on request - its stated on the menu so maybe it was missed) and thought the broth was pretty good compared to the other shops in town - including 1975, pho no.1, aniseed, fcc, golden bull, pho yummy, mekong, and pho fans. i wouldnt call it the best but value wise, i would say so. but you obviously don't like pho king, but to each his/her own.
WingGirl, Mar 17th, 2009
I was also very disappoint in this place. THe condiments looked so shabby, I mean does a good portion of bean sprouts cost that much? On top of this i was very disappointed when i asked for some fish sauce, as the soup was weak tasting, the waitress yelled at me in a very rude tone " why do you want to eat with this, it doesnt come with this dish it comes with other dishes" The chillie was more like a plastic toy. HIGHLY disappointing, as well as the fact that a visit to the bathroom meant walking all the way to the other side of the mall goin gup and down stairs and escalators. Not a good location and not good food.jaxx, Nov 15th, 2009
worst pho EVER.and...ahaha, ready for this? worst pho-king service.
rude. nasty. one waitresses held my bowl in such a way that her thumb was in my bloody broth.
really bad food, really bad service, best to be burnt down.
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