The staff was very friendly and helpful, offering recommendations based on what I was looking for.
Pho Dac Biet
The broth didn't have a particularly strong aroma, and the usual sweetness and umami were quite subtle. But that actually allowed me to appreciate how rich, clean, and well-balanced the broth was.
The rice noodles were surprisingly chewy and springy, with a firm bite that I rarely find in pho. You actually had to bite through them rather than having them break apart easily.
The brisket was absolutely perfect! I expected it to be tough and fibrous, but it was pleasantly chewy without any stringiness. Every bite felt like eating tender, substantial beef rather than chewing through tough fibers. The rich, beefy fat flavor gradually came through with every chew.
The rare beef became a little tough after sitting in the hot broth for too long. The beef balls had a nice bounce. My first small piece of tendon was nothing special, but the larger pieces turned out to be beautifully braised and tender.
Spring Rolls
These were recommended by the staff, but unfortunately, they were pretty ordinary. At $10, I expected something more memorable. It's hard to find spring rolls as impressive as the ones at Tre.
The wrapper was a little too thick and hard, making it unpleasant to bite into. The filling was a fairly standard combination of wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, shredded carrots, and glass noodles. It tasted rather dry and underseasoned. Dipping them in the tangy sauce helped a little, but overall, they were nothing special. read more