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Phở Cây Quéo | Experience Authentic Northern Pho in the Heart of Bình Thạnh
Initial Impressions
A few days ago, while wandering through the Bình Thạnh area, I suddenly craved a steaming bowl of pho, fragrant and inviting. I remembered the name Phở Cây Quéo - a pho restaurant that many people praised for its rich broth and authentic Northern flavors without having to travel all the way to Hanoi. I quickly decided to stop by and see for myself.
General Introduction to the Restaurant
Phở Cây Quéo is located at 148 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ward 7, Bình Thạnh. The restaurant is right on the main road, easy to find with a simple yet striking sign in a gentle green and white tone that is easy on the eyes. The opening hours are quite flexible, from early morning to late at night, making it suitable for those looking to have breakfast or dinner.
The restaurant’s space is relatively small but well-kept, with a design style that combines traditional and modern elements, creating a cozy atmosphere. The simple, tidy wooden tables and chairs cater to a diverse clientele, from office workers and students to families. I felt that the restaurant was not noisy, very friendly, and comfortable for enjoying a meal.
Detailed Experience While Enjoying Pho
The first impression upon entering was the airy space despite the restaurant’s modest size. I chose to sit in a corner near the window, where natural light streamed in, allowing me to enjoy my meal while observing the street outside.
The distinctive aroma of the pho broth blended with the scents of cinnamon, star anise, and ginger heightened my anticipation. I quickly ordered a bowl of rare beef pho with brisket and a glass of iced tea to quench my thirst. The dish arrived quite quickly, in about 7 minutes.
The broth here truly impressed me, with a gentle sweetness, rich flavor, yet not greasy or overwhelming. The beef was sliced just right, tender and cooked to a perfect medium, maintaining its natural chewiness, while the brisket was delightfully crunchy. The pho noodles were soft and chewy, just right, not mushy or falling apart like in some other places. The fresh herbs and bean sprouts were clean and safe to eat.
Another plus was the restaurant’s special dipping sauce, harmoniously blended with sweet and sour flavors, which complemented the pho very well. The staff also introduced a homemade garlic chili fish sauce to enjoy with the meal, which was both unique and delicious.
Regarding service, the staff here were very friendly and attentive. When I inquired about the dishes, they provided detailed recommendations without making me feel rushed. Upon payment, I was even given a mint candy, which felt very thoughtful and charming.
There was a small moment that I will always remember, when a child about 4-5 years old came to the restaurant with their parents. The child looked at my bowl of pho and whispered to their mother, “Mom, I want to eat like that brother.” I smiled and nodded, and the child beamed back. It felt like the restaurant was not just a place to eat but also a warm, welcoming space for everyone.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Restaurant
- **Advantages:**
- The pho broth is rich, authentic Northern flavor, well-balanced and easy to enjoy.
- Fresh beef with a variety of cuts like rare, brisket, and tendon to suit different preferences.
- The restaurant is clean, airy, with simple yet cozy decor.
- Friendly staff, quick service.
- Reasonable prices compared to the quality of the dishes.
- **Disadvantages:**
- The restaurant is a bit small, and it can get quite crowded and noisy during peak hours.
- The parking space is not very large, and sometimes you may have to park a bit further away.
- The menu mainly focuses on beef pho; if you prefer a variety of other dishes, it may not be suitable.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of traditional pho and want to find a delicious Northern-style pho restaurant without traveling far, Phở Cây Quéo in Bình Thạnh is definitely worth a try. The restaurant is suitable for everyone, especially those who want to enjoy authentic pho flavors in the heart of Saigon. Don’t forget to order a bowl of rare beef pho with brisket to savor the gentle sweetness and aromatic broth along with the tender, fresh beef. Personally, I will definitely return here many more times!
Question 1: Does Phở Cây Quéo serve chicken pho?
Currently, the restaurant mainly serves beef pho dishes like rare, brisket, and tendon. If you want to eat chicken pho, it’s best to call ahead to check if they have it available.
Question 2: Is there parking for cars and motorbikes at the restaurant?
The restaurant has convenient parking for motorbikes. However, car parking is limited, so it’s advisable to come by motorbike or park nearby for convenience.
Question 3: Should I make a reservation during peak hours?
Since the restaurant is small and gets busy during breakfast and dinner hours, if you are going with a large group or during peak times, it’s best to call ahead to reserve a spot at +84 785 576 557 to avoid long waits.