I recently stopped by Tenten and ordered the Combination Pho, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, and Fried Dough Sticks.
The pho had a lighter, cleaner broth than what I typically prefer. It was well seasoned and flavorful, but it lacked the deep, rich beefiness that I usually look for in a great bowl of pho. The broth was easy to drink and not overly heavy, but it didn't have the bold flavor profile I enjoy.
The combination pho came with both flank and brisket. Unfortunately, the flank was a bit dry, while the brisket was much fattier than expected. The noodles, however, were the standout part of the dish. They were wider and thicker than average, with a great chewy texture that held up well in the soup.
The toppings were fairly minimal mainly onions and cilantro, with a few scallions added before serving. I was surprised there weren't bean sprouts or additional herbs on the side, as those usually add freshness and texture to the bowl.
I also tried the fried dough sticks. They weren't as fresh or crispy as I hoped and lacked the light, airy crunch that makes them enjoyable. At the price point, I didn't find them particularly memorable and probably wouldn't order them again.
The Vietnamese iced coffee was decent but fairly standard. It wasn't bad by any means, but it didn't stand out compared to other Vietnamese coffee spots in the area.
Overall, my experience was mixed. The food wasn't bad, but it didn't quite match my personal preferences, especially considering the higher price point. If you enjoy a lighter, cleaner style of pho, Tenten may be worth trying. For me, though, the broth, protein quality, and limited toppings left me wanting a bit more. The noodles were excellent, but they weren't enough to make this a destination pho spot for me.
What I liked: The noodle texture and the clean, well seasoned broth.
What could be better: Richer broth, better balanced meat portions, fresher fried dough sticks, and more traditional pho accompaniments. read more