(Continue) Pho Minh

We all ordered their standard Pho Dac Biet (Special Combo with Rare Slices of Steak, Well-Done Brisket, Flank Steak, Tendon and Tripe, in Rice Noodles and Soup). When it arrived, it already looked like the real deal: Clear, light-colored Broth, with only a little bit of fat "bubbles" on the surface. The cut of Steak looked wonderfully fresh and not fatty at all (BTW, you can have the Steak added in the Soup already to start cooking, or have it outside and add it yourself).





We quickly added some of the fresh herbs that come complementary with these Beef Noodles - Rau Que (Thai Basil), Rau Thom (Mint), Ngo Gai, Bean Sprouts, and a little fresh Pepper slices, squeezing some of the fresh Lime as well - and dug in!

In a word: Wonderful. This was amazingly light, authentic Pho, with a beautiful Beef Broth could only be achieved by slow-cooking for hours and hours. The manager confirmed to us later that they cook their Beef Soup overnight, every night: "It's the only way to make Pho," as he stated. "We make it authentic, no MSG," he further added.





The actual cuts of Beef were good, but I preferred Pho Hien's Beef Brisket a little bit more. On another visit, I ordered their Dac Biet Pho Bac (Beef Filet (Tenderloin) Slices with Noodles and Soup, item "1." on their menu), which turned out to be my favorite. Their slices of the Filet were extremely tender and added the right amount of beefy goodness to their amazing Beef Broth.

It should be noted that if you're used to Pho from places like Pho 79, Golden Deli, etc., eating the simpler, "long-cooked / homemade" style of Pho may not be for you: I've had people tell me that it tastes "bland" or "not salty / rich enough." I liken it to Chicken Soup: A good, homemade, long-cooked Chicken Soup versus a bowl of a fast-preparation / rushed Chicken Soup at a standard American restaurant; there is a difference. It may take a few visits, but once you switch over, there's no going back. (^_~)

We also ordered their Cha Gio (Vietnamese Egg Rolls), that you wrap with Lettuce Leaves and add various herbs to suit your taste. The Egg Rolls were nice and crispy, but were only decent compared to the amazing Egg Rolls at Vien Dong (Garden Grove), for example.





On another visit, I tried their Com Tam (Broken Rice with Pork Chop, Pork Skin and Egg) plate and as Erik M said, it was wonderful! This was probably the best Pork Chop, Vietnamese-style, that I've had so far. Very flavorful, moist, and not overcooked at all.







Pho Minh is a very simple, mom-and-pop-type eatery, with no ambiance or decor (but at least it's brand-new, clean, and they run a flat-screen LCD TV with Soccer Matches :), and simple service. Our total came out to be ~$8.00 per person (that includes tax and tip already :), and if you don't order their Egg Rolls, it'd be only ~$7.00 per person total.

As it currently stands, Pho Minh is one of the best Pho restaurants in L.A. for authentic, slow-cooked style, Beef Noodle Soup, Vietnamese style. It's wonderful, homemade, Pure Beef Noodle Soup, comforting and heart-warming. -Exile Kiss -

Pho Minh
9646 E. Garvey Ave., #108
South El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 448-8807
Hours: Open Daily, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
* Cash Only *