While the weather remains honest for February in Brooklyn, you’ve still got time to battle the brutal chill with some nice hot soup. Specifically, pho. Because, if we’re being honest, few things hit like a steaming bowl of rice noodles, tendon, and crystal clear broth on a frigid day.
And, quite fortunately, Brooklyn Magazine is here to guide you to some of the best bowls we’ve come across recently. Whether you’re after a rich stock simmered for hours that could cure heartbreak and a cold with a single sip or a quick, no-frills fix that just gets the job done, the borough has you covered with a grip of Vietnamese spots that take their pho game as seriously as you’d hope.
Scroll on for some very slurpable picks.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Bird Cage Pho at Nha Minh
915 Wyckoff Ave.
Nha Minh is one of the few Vietnamese spots in Bushwick. And if you’re pining for a healthy twist, you’ll love their $18 Bird Cage Pho option, mixing house-made bone broth, rice noodles, and chef’s choice poultry to create a dish that’ll surely fill you up. Add a touch of sriracha for an extra kick.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Phở Dặc Biệt Gia Lam II
5414 8th Ave.
Even without the Thai basil and lemon garnish, for just $9.75 (!), the value and flavor of this mountain of rice noodles and tripe in Sunset Park is basically unbeatable. But be sure to hit an ATM ahead of your visit, as it’s strictly cash-only.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Beef Pho at Pho Hoai
1906 Avenue U
With its mix of large and small tables that can accommodate big parties and solo diners with ease, stepping into Pho Hoai on Avenue U feels like entering one of the borough’s most authentic Vietnamese dining experiences. For less than $15, you get a large bowl of beef pho that strikes the perfect balance between richness and comfort. The tender slices of beef add so much flavor to the rice noodles and bean sprouts. Just don’t forget to squeeze your lime before stirring everything together.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Extra Big Bowl at Pho 86
1944 86th St.
The best part of going deep into Brooklyn for pho is that you won’t be disappointed. The portions are large, cheap, and appetizing, and Pho 86 might be your best bet. The Extra Big Bowl of pho—which costs less than $12—has all the traditional fixings. It comes steaming hot from the kitchen and can definitely clear up any sniffles you might have. The thick rice noodles are properly cooked and absorb the broth for a deeply savory experience.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Pho Bo at Em Vietnamese Bistro
57 Front St.
Em Vietnamese Bistro in Dumbo puts a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes that are full of flavor. Their $13 pho bo consists of the tastiest beef bone broth, filet mignon, rib eye, onions, scallions, cilantro, and thick, gluten-free rice noodles. Out of all the places we tried, this one took us back to the first time we tried pho in the best way possible.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Beef Short Ribs Pho at Banhmigos & Coffee
79 Norman Ave.
Banhmigos & Coffee has stores all around the city and after you try their beef short ribs pho you’ll understand why. The standout dish reimagines what pho can be with fall-off-the-bone short ribs that replace the usual slices of beef. The marrow from the ribs adds extra layers of delicious complexity, creating a taste that separates it from any other pho in the borough.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Pho Bo at Bricolage
162 5th Ave.
Though Bricolage is by far the most expensive options here, you get a meal well worth your $25. It features slow-cooked brisket, grilled pork ribs, Thai basil, and mint, along with traditional ingredients like rice noodles and bean sprouts. The portion is generous, making it easy to share on a date with friends.
(Photo by Kim Pham)
The Beef Pho at Pho Viet Nam
1243 Avenue U
You’ll step into the coziest of vibes at Pho Viet Nam, so ordering the comforting beef pho is practically a must. The generously sized bowl, priced under $15, is large enough to share among four people. While a dash of sriracha can enhance the flavors, the dish is delicious on its own. Pair it with crispy egg rolls—best when dipped into the broth—for a truly satisfying experience.
Photo by Kim Pham
The Phở Dặc Biệt at Ha Noi
448 9th St.
At $17 for a regular bowl, this is on the pricier end of the list. However, there’s a generous portion of tendons (not included in most of the other main bowls of pho) that makes up for it. The broth has a darker consistency with strong notes of cinnamon and star anise. If you prefer your soup to be on the sweeter side, this place is a strong contender.
The Pho Bo at Em
1702 86th St.
While this place has minimal options, you’re guaranteed a good bowl. For $13.50, Em’s offers the most meat variety with tender short ribs, brisket, and meatballs. The Vietnamese iced coffee was also strong and fragrant. Em is one of the few places on this list that serves a side of limes instead of lemons.
The post 10 Unforgettable Bowls of Pho appeared first on BKMAG.
