PHO HOUSTON
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT Story & Photos by Patricia Hudson our simple dishes. We use local ranch beef for our Pho, produce that was grown in our own greenhouse, homemade ingredients for our garlic oily, pate, and five spice sauce,” comments Vu. Getting back to the object of my affection, I asked Vu to explain the fascination of Pho. “Pho is a beef broth soup with rice noodles, served with various cuts of meat, from fresh cuts of filets to tender brisket. Pho is being served at every corner, every city in Vietnam, each region with its own flavor and herbs, mostly freshly prepared. It is a gourmet style meal, prepared fresh and served in the instant, the moment you order, perfect for lunch and this cooler Texas weather.”
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rowing up in a small Kentucky town, I have fond memories of family night dinners of egg rolls, fried rice doused in soy sauce and Chow Mein, all eaten gingerly with chop sticks, and of course, fortune cookies from Ho Kow, the one Chinese restaurant in town. Since then, my appreciation of Asian cuisine has grown to include one special Vietnamese dish: Pho. While many restaurants sell this savory dish, one of my favorites, Pho Houston, is owned and operated by Vu Nguyen. Not only do I enjoy his food, but it is his dedication to family and culture, community and commitment to country that draws me in, again and again. “My mama and I have been serving food in Houston for almost 20 years, and there is nothing that fascinates me more than finding my childhood memories through food. That's why at Pho Houston, we only use the best fresh ingredients for 14 November | December 2020
I truly enjoy the scent of a steaming bowl of pho as it is carried, almost reverently, to my table. There is something delightful at being able to select my cuts of meat, add crisp bean sprouts, my favorite herb, Thai basil, and LOTS of squeezed lime juice. I add hoisin sauce for sweetness, and, depending on my need for adventure, dashes of sriracha and a slice or two of jalapenos. Truth be told, I MIGHT add just one jalapeno. There is something so very comforting about that bowl of pho that I could honestly eat it EVERY DAY! Vu Nguyen Google experts say it might even reduce swelling and improve joint health for this decrepit body. Add a Shrimp Spring Roll, and a Fruity Mango Tea, and I’ve found my bliss! Pho is not the only thing that thrills the palette on the Pho Houston menu. Vietnamese Banh Mi, made with crispy baguettes, mouthwatering meats, homemade mayonnaise, a mix of cucumber and pickles with daikon, are popular diner choices. The Grilled Shrimp Rice Plate is another of my favorites, and if you’ve never had Shaken Beef, Mama Nguyen’s recipe is juicy and tender, with a
