The sign says “Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine” and the food lives up to the claim.
Here’s something to know about Pho (pronounced “fa”) – it is what you make of it. Pho is a beef and rice noodle soup in a clear broth and is often referred to as the national dish of Vietnam. Going to a Vietnamese restaurant and not ordering Pho is like going to Pat’s and Geno’s and skipping the cheesesteak.
The chefs over at Pho & Beyond take time crafting their Pho.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
It starts by simmering a combination of chicken and beef broth for over 12 hours with ginger, cloves, star anise and cinnamon. Just before delivering it to your table they add your choice of beef, a generous supply of soft noodles and thinly sliced scallions.
When the giant soup bowl is set before you, it’s time to make it yours.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
Pho is served with a variety of additions and a couple sauces. Start by adding a handful of fresh, crisp bean sprouts. Next, tear off some of the fresh Thai basil leaves and toss them in. Rip the long, slender Culantro leaves (a fresh herb that tastes like a combination of cilantro and basil) into half inch pieces and add them to the mixture. Squeeze some lime, add jalepenos (if some kick is desired) and reach for your sauces. Add a spoonful of the sweet, dark brown sauce Hoisin and a few dashes of the spicy, bright red Sriracha. Stir it all together and with the grace of a ninja warrior grab your spoon and your chopsticks and dig in.
You might be tempted to go with the Pho Deluxe ($9.50) to sample the eye round, brisket, tendon and meatball, but instead save the $2.00 and order the Pho with just the thin and delicate eye round steak ($7.50). The other meats lack the depth of flavor, have more fat and less-appealing textures.
The Caramelized Clay Pot ($11.95) is hands-down culinary perfection. It arrives at your table still boiling in a hot clay pot. The catfish is flaky and moist and the sauce is a flavorful combination of black pepper, fresh garlic, Thai chilies and dissolved sugar. Use the side of white rice and steamed broccoli to soak up as much of the deep red sauce as possible.
For a safe, but traditional appetizer choose the Fresh Garden Spring Rolls ($4.50), but if you’re up for a culinary adventure, follow our server’s appetizer favorites. His first choice is the Grilled Ground Shrimp ($5.95), next the Grilled Pork Patty Rolls ($4.75) and followed closely by the Char-grilled Pork Rolls ($4.75).
The Grilled Pork Patty Rolls had a fresh minty bite. Seasoned pork, shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, mint and cilantro are surrounded by tightly wrapped rice paper and served with a spicy chilli dipping sauce. Don’t be fooled by the description in the menu – although the sauce is a tasty addition to the roll, there is little that is sweet about it. Follow our smiling server’s directions when reaching for a roll, “It’s finger food so it’s okay to use your hands.”
An inviting dining room, warm lighting and friendly service topped off with a bill of under $30 and enough food to fill three bellies makes Pho and Beyond a welcome addition to the culinary landscape of Willow Grove.
---
Second helping of info: Pho & Beyond
Address: 47 Easton Road, Willow Grove
Phone: 215-659-3464