I'd been passing Hoai Hue on most of my drives up to City Heights. This past weekend; a bit jet lagged, I decided to check them out again, since it had nearly three years since I last visited.
I ordered the usual; the "house special" version of Bun Bo Hue (they already have a Bun Bo Hue Dac Biet on the menu), the Bun Tam Hoai Hue.
I noticed that they now have different protein combinations for the BBH….even a "beginners" version. Heck, in the past the broth here had been quite mild, which I figured would have made a decent "beginners BBH".
As the bowl arrived I was somewhat surprised at the fragrance……the broth had a fairly good amount of fermented shrimp paste in it! A good change for a place that I considered to make a pretty weak BBH.
The broth still lacked a noticeable lemongrass flavor, but was decently spicy, and decently hot. It was also not as "sweet" as what I'd had on previous visits.
Another interesting change; the pork hock meat had been taken off the bone….it was very tough though. The meatballs were weirdly muddy tasting; though the thick slices of cha lua and shrimp balls were quite good. The tendon was too hard to enjoy.
The noodles were nicely prepped; firm and slippery.
And, in case you're concerned about me not eating enough vegetables.
Though the Bun Bo Hue is still not in the same league as Mien Trung, I was pleasantly surprised. The BBH here is now closer to my taste preference and definitely better than "Pho shop Bun Bo Hue". Service was efficient and the guy actuallu came by to see how I enjoyed my noodle soup. I'll try to drop by again soon.
Remember when this place was a couple of blocks down the street next to AA and a Tattoo Parlor? Man, time sure does fly, huh?
Hoai Hue Vietnamese Restaurant
4660 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115