Since it's soup weather again here in San Diego; I decided to circle back and revisit all those places East of the 805 and West of 54th Street. I decided to start the corner of 54th and University, to a place that "FOY Elle" recommended to me back in early 2018. Phuong Nga 2. As of my last visit at the end of last year; I thought it was by far, the best Bun Rieu in San Diego…… So, now, I was interested to see how things were going at PN2….
I arrived shortly after opening, though the older woman here was running around like crazy since there was a huge line of take-out and catering orders on the front tables. Still, I got me Bun Rieu ($8.45) order in and it arrived fairly quickly.
First off, the herbs and veggies were sparkling fresh…..this is one of the few places that still serve shredded banana bossom…..red perilla and of course the ever handy little container of fermented shrimp paste.
Like previous visits; the right type…thinner, bun was used. It was perfectly prepared, firm and stretchy.
The broth was not as sweet or tangy as before and perhaps a bit "lighter". It was by no means bad…..but that container of shrimp paste came in mighty handy.
The "meat and crab cakes" were light and fluffy, though mostly pork. The fried tofu cubes did well dipped in the mam tom. The tomato was better than on previous visits….perhaps more "in season"; and were nice and tangy. The piece of pork rib was a bit too tough and chewy this time around. I still really enjoy the small dried shrimp scattered in the broth which adds a nice savory, "umami bomb" to things.
It' still my favorite Bun Rieu in San Diego…..if anyone has some "contenders" let me know. And Elle; I'll always be grateful for your recommendation.
Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105
So, I'm thinking of heading down West on University, then turning back East and revisiting all those places I've posted on before. I haven't seen any new places pop up recently…have you?