*** Update Thien Thanh has since closed, you can find that post here.
In stark contrast to the hottest July I can remember, we’re having a pretty mild August. So in spite of the bad case of conjunctivitis(since resolved), and a nasty respiratory virus that needs to run its course(I sound like I’m trying out for a Barry White tribute band), soup’s on the menu.
Recently we made another trip to Thien Thanh. While the Missus stuck with Her usual Bun Cha Gio(Cold Noodles w/Egg Rolls), I decided to try out Ed from Yuma’s favorite bowl of Bun Bo Hue.
Though most items on the menu are more expensive than other Vietnamese restaurants in the area, there are several things which set Thien Thanh apart. One of which is how very bright and clean the restaurant is.
Another are the really fresh herbs and garnishes that are provided. So fresh, that they seem to have been picked right before your bowl of soup hits the table.
On this day, it seemed like the garnish plate was a bit on the skimpy side. But I understood why when my bowl of Bun Bo Hue hit the table (Large – $6.50):
A good amount of Rau Ram(Vietnamese Coriander), and Basil had already been torn up and sprinkled on top of the Bun Bo Hue. So with just a touch of Tiet To(Purple Perilla), and some mint, I went at it. The broth was quite interesting, spicy, yet the usual "fishy"(fermented shrimp paste) element was muted. I also noticed that the broth was on the sour side; I had the Missus confirm that there was a very distinct lime-citrus component(think Tom Yum) to the Bun Bo Hue. The noodles were the standard spaghetti-like vermicelli, provided in abundance.
Along with the standard Pig’s Feet and thick cut Beef, were a few slices of Gio Lua(Lean Pork Sausage). The fat on the beef were really tough, and the beef was dry. On the positive side, the pork hock had some flavorful meat on it, and not only the inner-tube like layer of skin.
Overall, I thought this was a very filling, decent bowl of Bun Bo Hue. Not the best I’ve had but pretty good.
Thien Thanh has quite an interesting menu. In the near future I’m hoping to make my way through the Bun Cha Hanoi(can you imagine how good those veggies will be!), Curry Lamb, Bun Mang Vit, and the Bun Mam. I don’t know, anyone interested in seeing posts about those? Or would you like me just to move on????
Thien Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant
4658 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
Sun-Thurs 8am-9pm
Fri-Sat 8am-10pm