If you spent a day freezing your brioche buns off at the Christmas Markets, pop in here for a big…read morebowl of core-warming comfort. This is a small unassuming place that exudes "mom and pop", so much so, I had a great chat with the owner in Vietnamese. He looks gruff and stoic, but really opened up in a caring way during our short convo about our families, how long he's been in France, when he left Vietnam, and more. This place is pretty authentic folks, take it from a guy who has been making his own pho at home for decades.
The broth is meaty but clean, coats the lips the way it should, and makes the taste buds dance with anise, cinnamon, fennel... The Dac Biet is more spartan than other places in the world, but the rare beef, well done brisket, and beef balls were just perfect. I was happy and surprised to see sawtooth coriander in Strasbourg along the fresh veggies (save for one slightly sad looking basil leaf).
It's delicious. It warms you up from the inside out. And it's a welcoming flavor departure from all the charcroute, Munster cheese, and tarte flambee you've been gorging on.