Phonomenal

I've been doing a bit of research on expanding my "pho-risens". As I mentioned in my previous "pho-raging" post, it was time to try a couple of new places, "pho-better" or "pho-worse"…..ok, I'll stop with the puns for now!

During my searches, Phonomenal in National City kept coming up. Though it says it's "Khmer" influenced, whatever that means. Was it pho or keay teav? Which I don't consider Khmer, but as more of a Cambodian-Chinese (Chiuchow/Teochow) hybrid. The closest I've had while Visiting Cambodia was Num Banh Chok at a crossroads village outside of Siem Reap. The "pho-tos" sure looked like typical pho, a bit darker perhaps, and with most people raving about 'dem bones (xi quách sưon bò) which Pho Duyen Mai used to make fairly well before the new ownership. 

So, I decided to head on over. The shop is only open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, or until they run out of soup.

I noticed a line when I I drove over just before 10. I found parking and by the time I walked to the door, the crowd was in the shop. This is what it looked like at 5 minutes past 10. All the tables, the two and four-tops are communal. I sat next to a very nice Korean couple.

And the place was soon full!

The menu has basically one type of pho, spring rolls, and a bunch of drinks on the menu.

And so it was the House Special ($18.95) for me. I didn't know what to expect, would it be pho or keay teav, of which I've had the Vietnamese version Hu Tieu Nam Vang many times.

Well, the small portion of sprouts-basil-chili-lime made this really seem Vietnamese.

Soon enough my bowl arrived, with three ribs full of meat in full display. Now I knew why this place was popular.

 I liked the amount of cilantro and scallion in the broth, it added a nice fragrance and flavor. The meat was tender, though it seemed to not be as beefy as I would have desired. Still, if you're a major carnivore, you might enjoy this. Personally, I like a variety of cuts, texture, and flavors.

Sadly, the noodles were overcooked and mushy.

The broth was nice and dark, decently, not overly defatted, there was a nice herbaceous-anise flavor, along with a mild beefiness. It did have that overly "sweet" tone that permeates San Diego pho. My main issue was how salty it was. I was chugging  H2o all afternoon.

The service is nice and efficient. There was a waiting list a page long when I went to the counter and paid. Tons of folks were doing takeout. Like I said, if you're a carnivore, this might be your place. For me, there's more to pho than just the meat. I did notice that there didn't seem to be a Vietnamese customer in sight. The couple next to me were of Korean heritage and the young lady was complaining about how salty things were.

Still, perhaps this is the bowl for you. 

A bit over-hyped, but not bad.

Phonomenal
811 K Ave.
National City, CA 91950
Current Hours
Thurs – Sun 10am – 5pm or until they run out
Closed Mon – Wed