Well, now that the weather is cooling off I was craving some Bun Bo Hue. So naturally I made plans to head to my usual; Mien Trung. Just then, I saw this on IG. So now Phở Gà Go was making Bun Bo Hue for a limited time? While my last visit to Mien Trung was fine, I think the consistency has dipped over the last few years since “mom” is no longer making the soup….don’t get me wrong; it’s still my “go-to” in San Diego for BBH. But since my experience with the Phở Gà at PGG in Crab Hut Mira Mesa was quite good, I thought why not? As a plus, they open at 10am, making for a nice early lunch.
You order at the front counter, then take your number and have a seat. The BBH here is not cheap at $18; but you’ll soon see why I think it’s worth it.
It started when the accoutremonts arrived…I had to rub my eyes and really take a look! Was it really banana blossom and shredded ong choy????
Like for real….when was the last time I had that included with my BBH? I’m especially fond of the banana blossom which adds a wonderful crunch and mild nuttiness to BBH! I also enjoyed the mam tom and lemongrass paste.
As for the BBH……
The broth was lovely and clear. It was nice and rich, something that’s been missing from Mien Trung and other versions of BBH I’ve had in recent years. Also missing was the usual MSG saltiness. Nice lemongrass tones, decent spice. I quickly noticed that you really need to add the shrimp paste and lemongrass paste to adjust to your taste preference. Good herbaceous tones.
I think I’ll ask for more shrimp paste next time around. Also, did you notice that pork hock…it’s cross cut.
Along with the abundant slices of beef shank and cha lua, this was way more meat than I’m used to. And as you can see there’s still a decent amount of skin on that beastly slice of pork hock.
And yet, my favorite “meat” item was the tendon. It looked chewy; but the texture was perfect for BBH, in which I believe the tendon should have some initial firmness, yet give way to almost a creamy texture. This one fit the bill.
The noodles were firm and bouncy as well.
Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised! It’s more neutral flavored, but you can adjust the spice, funkiness, and citrusy punch. I’m for sure getting more mam tom and that lemongrass sate with this next time. And if you’re a protein lover…well, check out all that meat. In fact, I’ll probably get the pork blood with the BBH next time….something I’m always leery about getting.
While Mien Trung will still be my usual stop for BBH in San Diego since this is just an occasional offering at Phở Gà Go….I’ll for sure be checking to see if they are serving it.
If you do want to try the BBH here, I think they are serving it during lunch until Friday the 30th.
Phở Gà Go at Crab Hut Mira Mesa
8280 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92126
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 10am – 2pm
Closed Weekends