**** Pho Duyen Mai is under new ownership and no longer serves the rib bones (Xí Quách Suon Bò)
During my recent visits to Golden City; I couldn't help but notice that Pho Duyen Mai was closed. I was somewhat concerned….in my opinion Pho Duyen Mai made one of the better bowls of pho in the Kearny/Clairemont Mesa area…..I know, that's really not saying much as I think the pho in the area ain't that great. But then again; they have "'Dem Bones" (Xí Quách Suon Bò), simmered beef rib bones that does double duty….helps to make the pho broth, then served as a side item. Though other places, like PT Eatery has tried to do this (it wasn't very good), none in San Diego compare. So, while driving past a couple of weeks ago, I saw the "We are now open" sign.
A couple of days later I called before opening (they are currently open at 10) for a takeout order, asking if they had "Dem Bones"……and yes, they did have them. I also ordered a #27……the pho with the well done steak, flank, brisket, etc….. Ready in 15 minutes was what I was told…..and yes, it was ready to go when I arrived. I did notice a couple of curbside pick-up customers as well.
So…….how was it? Well, things were nicely packed, the portion size seemed larger than I recalled, especially the broth.
And holy smokes….how did they know I enjoy bean sprouts….sheeesh…..
And of course "Dem Bones"……..
Holy smokes….this was more food than I could finish.
There was way too much broth so I saved almost half of it. While not as "sweet" as on my previous visit; it was still quite salty….though I could really make out beefiness in the broth.
All the proteins were fine; but of course I mainly focused on all that rib meat; while still not quite as tender as on the first couple of times I had it; it was more tender then the last time I had it. It was nice and beefy as well.
The noodles were terrible; just plain hard and brittle……I think they need to pack that separately.
So, the Missus ended up having a nice little appetizer of sorts when She got home that evening. I scrapped off about half the rib meat, and soaked, then simmered it in the pho broth. Man, She scarfed the whole thing down in a minute….not even once mentioning anything being too salty….. so maybe I'm the one being too picky here?
In fact, She said She might be wanting this sometime during the week….go figure?
I'm glad to see Duyen Mai back in action….I'll probably order some Nem Nuong Cuon and such for the skeleton crew at work one of these days.
Pho Duyen Mai
5375 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Covid-19 Hours:
Daily – 10am – 7pm
Hope everyone had a safe weekend. What places are you happy to see opened again?