Pho America: Though the Name Suggests Treason, the Food Fulfills the American Pursuit of Happiness

My roommate and I frequent a little Vietnamese restaurant on the corner of PCH and Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, CA that has the best, most reasonably priced pho around, among a nice selection of other dishes. They offer such delectable appetizers as spring rolls, egg rolls, fried tofu, sugar cane shrimp, and wontons. Main dish categories include rice dishes, vermicelli dishes, pho, and vegetarian options.

I almost always go with the beef pho (Pho Chin Nam, or pho with well-done steak and flank), while my roommate selects the chicken pho or the veggie tofu pho. Whichever protein you choose to grace your rice noodle soup with, the broth is always savory and delicious. The pho comes in two sizes; the regular size is plenty of food, but there is also a large option. Oyster sauce, "rooster sauce" (also known as Sriracha, or chili garlic sauce), sambal oelek (chili sauce), chopsticks, soup spoons, utensil roll-ups, and napkins are pre-set on the table. Before the pho comes out (always in an extremely timely manner, usually no more than five minutes), the waiter or waitress places a plate of garnish on the table. This plate contains the basics: a generous bunch of Thai basil, a pile of bean sprouts, a whole, fresh, sliced jalapeno, and at least two large lime wedges.

As an appetizer, we got the shrimp spring rolls, which come with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce and a bonus dish of fish sauce. A bright mix of vegetables, fresh shrimp, and rice noodles wrapped in rice paper, one is large enough for two people to share. Their Thai iced tea is incredible, and the chrysanthemum tea is refreshing and light. Sometimes I get a large cup of hot green tea, which is complementary. When the bill came, we were each out $12, including tip (that's with a shared appetizer, two bowls of pho, and three drinks). At these prices, we considered dessert, but were fully sated already. Though we didn't have room for dessert this time, the Thai Tropical Fruit Dessert, Mango Madness, and Tri-Colors Dessert caught my eye. Next time, lovelies... next time.

Go and see for yourself!