Missing The Garnishes...


On a recent trip to the Bay Area, my friend Curtis suggested that I try this pho place. Pho is a Vietnamese rice noodle soup, with either beef or chicken, and served with garnishes and a variety of sauces.




Curtis mentioned that the place he wanted me to try is a Northern Vietnamese style pho place in San Francisco called Turtle Tower, which really intrigued me. I was wondering what the difference was between this Northern style and the style that I was familiar with? I asked around and not many knew the difference, hence this blog entry.


Southern Vietnamese Style with Garnishes


The style of pho that I'm most familiar with is the Saigon style (Southern Vietnam). This style uses a noodle similar to the size of linguine and served with a variety of garnishes: bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, sliced jalapenos, limes, chili sauce, hoisin sauce, etc.


Northern Vietnamese Style with Garnishes


The style that I tried at Turtle Tower is Hanoi style (Northern Vietnam) which uses a lighter soup base with a wider noodle and topped with just green onions. The garnishes include limes and slice jalapenos. These jalapenos are seeded and the ribs removed, used more for texture than as a spicy flavor enhancer.

I did notice that the Hanoi style broth has more of a citrus flavor to it, maybe its because I love citrus and that's why I enjoyed it so much. But, I have to admit that I missed the garnishes.

I hope you learned something from my pho experience, please share your experience with us.

I'm not the pho expert, but I know someone who is... Checkout http://www.lovingpho.com/

Thank you for stopping by...


Pass the Siracha!



Photos by Jay Terauchi
(c) Kahuna of the Kitchen




Comments

Unknown said…
looks so good! i think i'll have to go to Lahaina Cafe to get their midnight Ox Tail Pho!
October 12, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Unknown said…
Love pho and now I want to try the Northern style. Thank you for another great topic.
October 13, 2010 at 7:36 AM
chuynh said…
Nice post on pho Chef Jay! You got it right. I can see many people missing the culantro, Thai basil and sprouts. My personal opinion is if the restaurant makes a sincere effort on the broth then I can eat Pho Bac (northern style) any day!
October 13, 2010 at 6:05 PM
xtina said…
Great Post! I love pho but never know there was a different style (Northern. I can't wait to try it...looks delicious!
October 19, 2010 at 8:45 AM
abby said…
hi chef jay -- i've heard northerners complain that southerners sweeten dishes too much, including pho. did u notice if the northern-style broth was less sweet?
March 3, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sticking to What You Do Best...

Last week, I was invited to celebrate National Hamburger Day at The Counter in Studio City. I had been to The Counter before, but today was special and met a fellow tweeter who was a first timer. The menu is easy to follow and you actually build your own burger, well at least on paper. First you select the protein, then the cheese, other various toppings, a side sauce, and last is the type of bun you want. If you’re having a hard time deciding, don’t worry, they have signature burgers and sandwiches to choose from. Too many choices make me crazy sometimes. I get so confused when I see other restaurants trying to be everything to everyone. The food at these restaurants are usually horrible and thus end up closing. Would you be surprised if the pizza at a seafood restaurant wasn’t good? Doesn’t make sense to me. Attention Restaurant Owners: Pick something and do it really really well. In-n-Out hasn’t added anything to their menu in years and they’re still in business and GROWING! Being i...
Read more

Coco Bread Sandwich with Jerk Chicken

Image
Who Doesn't Like Jerk Chicken??? OK, I'm Sure There Are Some, A Few, One, Maybe Two... This is Maybe My  Favorite  Sandwich! At least the one I think about when wanting  a great 'Sandwich'  comes to mind. Chef Yonette serves this sandwich as an every so often special at her restaurant, Caribbean Gourmet in San Gabriel, CA. The sandwich consists of Jerk Chicken and a Slaw for texture and balance on a house-made Coco Bread, a buttery soft circular flat bread (aka "Butter Flap" in Guyana) Like most awesome sandwiches, it's the bread that makes it great. As I pick-up my sandwich on Sandwich Saturday. Whenever I pick up pastries or patties from Caribbean Gourmet, it's very hard to make it home. Smelling the Jerk Chicken... See What Jay Eats... Yup, I caved and it didn't make it home... Follow Caribbean Gourmet's IG account and Stories for the next Jerk Chicken Sandwich Special Saturday. @caribbeangourmet On sandwich day, be sure to be there at Noon,...
Read more

Hidden Little Tokyo: Cheap Eats

Image
I usually take the Metro Gold Line to Downtown Los Angeles.  Traffic is usually bad and then I have no idea where to park.  Although some of my friends who know I'm downtown a lot, think I know where all the places to park, this is why I take the Metro.  As I was heading into town on this trip, overheard 2 guys talking about only having $5 and wanting to get something to eat. I know there are places in Little Tokyo where you can get something to eat in the $5 range, here's what I've found: See What Jay Eats... Half California Roll and Half Spicy Tuna Roll (includes miso soup) $3.95 Little Tokyo Sushi This is a grab and go kiosk inside the Little Tokyo Market Place.  They have a variety of sushi combinations ranging in price from a $2.50 hand roll to $12+. Little Tokyo Sushi at the Little Tokyo Market Place (former Mitsuwa Marketplace) 333 S. Alameda St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-0343 Niku (Beef) Udon...
Read more