My Hong Kong Mission "Pho" Continues!!
This time we ventured into the Central District of Wellington Street, with many tiny shops selling things from everyday items to shops that only specialized in Chinese Condiments & Sauces, this area is a Tourist Paradise to experience the eclectic culture of Hong Kong.
Food wise, it is as eclectic as you can get, with Chiu Chow Style Fish Ball noodles next to Japanese Ramen, Steak House next to Szechuan Joints, Wonton Noodles next to Vietnamese Pho!!
This is the Pho amongst all the international food that can stand on its own, the interior is clean and hip with light wood tones with a touch of industrial look.
My Pho: Beef Brisket Pho, the soup has the depth of a rich beef broth, you can tell it was made from beef bone and all the Vietnamese aromatics, clear and not greasy ( as one may find in some so-called Vietnamese places in Hong Kong ). The brisket is tender, but there was a few pieces that were a bit tough, may be they were added later in the cooking process. The Pho noodles, were the fresh kind, that is smooth and silky. I am beginning to appreciate this type of Pho noodles, but I still do prefer the ones we have in N. America that has more body and chew!
Chicken Salad: Very Healthy!! The dressing is not salty at all, in fact I added a bit of lime juice to kick it up a notch and it was perfect, I asked the server for some fresh Chilli and was given some on a small plate.
I added some in my Pho and also my Salad!
After a few bit, my tongue begins to burn!! I have to say the chilli was fragrant with its natural flavours, I do like the taste of it, but the spiciness, I am sure cannot be handled by most people, in fact the table next to us, ( two gentlemen from Israel also had a bit of that and also cannot handle the chilli after one small bit! ).
Back to the salad, the chicken was hand shredded it has a touch of sesame oil tossed into it and made it extra tasty, the cabbage and other herbs were all extra fresh and gives the salad the crunch that you expect. Great choice as an accompaniment with your meal.
Banh Mi: Here they used French Baguette instead of the Vietnamese variant, with more bite and chewiness, the Banh Mi became more substance and was able to carry all the ingredients better, smaller in size, it is still a good meal choice if you pair it with the salad I just mentioned.
Recommendation: Fresh Calamansi Soda!!
Staffs are friendly and courteous, after chatting with one of the staff, found out that they are part of a well established chain of Vietnamese Restaurant in Hong Kong, and about the Chilli, I asked about the variety and she told me they actually imported it themselves from Vietnam.
Overall, this is a great Vietnamese Restaurant that offers a hip surrounding and atmosphere in an area that is both historic and trendy!!
Come and enjoy the energy and people watching! read more