**** Pho Royal has closed
I tried to hit as many Pho places as I could during the recent cooler weather. I happened to be down in Chula Vista and drove past this place. I last visited when it was Pho 888. Now it's Pho Royal….so that makes it; what, 3 different Pho joints in the last 6 years? Pho-real?
The exterior looks much better now that it's no longer giardia-green. The interior look basically the same, except for the wall of water and the elephant planters…which made it seem more like a Thai Restaurant. There were two young girls working….I assume they're the owner''s daughters….very nice kids.
The menu is interesting; regular or large bowl, then you can choose up to 7 different proteins for your bowl. I went with a small bowl – $5.95 and went with "C,D,E, & F"….that would be brisket, flank, tendon, and tripe.
As is the standard nowadays; the plate of garnishes is kinda sparse, mostly bean sprouts, a sprig of basil, a couple of slices of jalapeno…..
The broth was too light in flavor, slight anise, almost no beef flavor, a bit of sweetness, but not too salty. The noodles perfect, which was nice since most bowls I've had recently included over-cooked and mushy pho banh.
The tendon was MIA, there were but a few strips of tripe which tasted fine. The brisket and flank were cooked to death, just falling to shreds and the brisket tasted a bit "off"….a residual "ice-box" flavor permeated the meat.
The prices here seem in line, the bowl is "pho-not-to-offend" much too light in flavor, but at least it isn't a MSG bomb. I still think Pho Hiep makes the best bowl in the area….let me know if you think there's something better!
I recently received an email that made me crack up……I won't reveal the persons name because they didn't want me to. But the gist of the email was along the lines of "you're the only person I know who can write 300+ words about a bowl of frgiin' soup". Yes, it's true….I can and have done so again!
Pho Royal
635 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours:
Mon – Sat 10am – 9pm
Sunday 12pm – 9pm
i remember driving by there in 2012 and the sign actually said, “Coming soon, What the Pho”. Seriously.
I missed it when it was Pho 888 – the guy working there was super nice.
I think that is quite the compliment! Being able to write 300+ words about a bowl of soup is a talent =) There is nothing wrong with a bit of enthusiasm about discussing food. My customers think i’m a little kooky when i start waxing poetic about tea, but hey, it is something I really, really love.
๐
I like pho and I like to have a damn good Pho-ing bowl. Write on, just don’t forget to add pictures in between the 300+ words.
๐
LOL CC!
I think so too Lynnea…..it was funny, in a sort of back-handed way!
Yeah Kat!
I won’t Billy!
As folks have mentioned… you have an audience that enjoys reading 300+ words on a bowl of soup!
Hi Jason – I don’t intend on stopping that anytime soon……I just thought it was really funny….he did have a point!