Vietnamese Restaurants – Page 10

These Days We Call it “Bun Rieu” Weather – Phuong Nga

March 4, 2022 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants, yoso-silly

Man, did you see the lightning and then hear the roaring thunder last night? And then it came down in buckets…at least where we live. And I don't know if I'm getting soft in my old age, but it felt mighty chilly today…..

In days past, I would have called it Bun Bo Hue weather, and would probably still do so….except that the Missus now prefers the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga, so I'm over ruled. Oh well…..I do enjoy the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga so…..

One quick note, this is no longer Phuong Nga 2…..the location on University has closed and, if I recall has become a birria shop.

Anyway, I got the drill down…..I can't really call in my order as the owner and his wife really doesn't understand what I'm saying on the phone….though if the young lady or the young man is working I'd be in luck. So, I have to head on over to 54th and University and place my order….and recently, I think the popularity of the Bun Rieu has increased since on three occasions they've been out of Bun Rieu….once at 1030 in the morning!

On this day however, I was in luck.

PN is still only doing takeout which is perfectly fine for me. There's a short wait and then I'm handed two rather hefty take out packages to take home.

I've detailed my preparation steps in an earlier post and it works well for us. We can never finish all the noodles, so I save those for another use.

The Missus loves the savory broth, mild acidity, I like to add some mam tom for a savory kick. A squirt of lime, teat up those perilla leaves for some nice anise touches and we're ready to go.

The Missus especially loves that PN still provides shredded banana blossom and shredded morning glory as most places don't even provide that anymore.

This suited us perfectly….and I have a feeling; if it's still this chilly during the weekend, I'll be headed on over to Phuong Nga again. If I do, I hope they aren't out of Bun Rieu.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105

So tell me….what have you been eating to keep warm these past cold days?

Takeout Revisits – Sizzling Pot King and Mien Trung

February 21, 2022 mmm-yoso Bun Bo Hue, Chinese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

Man, this weather merry-go-round has been crazy. Last weekend, we had the hottest February day ever recorded in San Diego….and the Santa Ana's really messed up my sinuses. Even after temps came down and we had some rain (!?!), I was still feeling congested. So, we figured the best way to clear things up would be…..well, some fairly spicy food.

Starting with our old standby, the Dry Pot to go from Sizzling Pot King…..instead of the medium spicy, we went with spicy.

**** Sizzling Pot King is now Zhang Liang Malatang

Well, like almost every place else prices at SPK have gone up. The Dry Pot Combo is now $38.99! Back in December of 2020 it was $32.99. Frozen Tofu is now $3.99, add to that one order of rice and we're getting close to fifty dollar country here…whoa.

Well, on the good side, the ma-la and spice helped clear me out…it doesn't look particularly spicy above….but I dug through and found 14 dried chilies.

It's getting kinda expensive and they've cut out using Chinese Cauliflower a while back….but this is basically two meals for us.

Sizzling Pot King
8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111

Still, this didn't quite do it for me…..and with the rather wet and cooler weather, I decided to do some takeout from Mien Trung. With the Missus now preferring the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga, I really don't get over to MT quite as often as I used to. The really nice gentleman was working and man, he was just so happy to see me. We had a nice chat while I waited for my takeout order. He asked me how long I'd been coming to MT….he laughed when I told him over 15 years now!

Places like Mien Trung and Phuong Nga do so much takeout…..I remember how I used to see those pots of Bun Bo Hue waiting for pick-up….that they really know how to pack things.

And both places slightly undercook their noodles for takeout; so that pouring hot water over them during the prep separates and heats up the noodles perfectly.

As for how this was…..well, it as just what the doctor ordered. Good spice, wonderful herbaceous – sour tones from lemongrass…nice pungency…..this cleared me up!

I'm not sure if it was a case of not having had Bun Bo Hue from Mien Trung in a while; but I thought today's bowl was very good….the thick cuts of beef weren't overly chewy and the pork hock was quite tender.

I gotta get back more often.

Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr
San Diego, CA 92111

Thanks for dropping by. I know this seems like one of those C(learing) O(ut the) M(emory) C(ard) posts….but in this case I guess it's more of a C(learing) O(ut) T(he) S(inuses) kind of posts.

Pho Time PB

December 7, 2021 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually writes here, but today, it's Cathy's turn.

I have written a bit about why The Mister and I venture into Pacific Beach on a fairly regular basis (we pick up par-baked rolls at Charlie's Best Breads) and usually grab a quick meal while in the area. In the corner a few doors down from our destination, since 2009, the family owned and run Pho Time has been able to thrive, even during Covid.
Some tables have been moved for distancing.
There are menus on an outside window as well as at the front door. The menu is 'Americanized' in descriptions. There were many people picking up 'To Go' orders while we were eating. A very tasty hot tea is served here.
I ordered the "crispy crepe" (Banh Xeo) ($11.25) as soon as we sat down, because I know it takes time to prepare. The version here is great! Crisp pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung beans; flavor and freshness and when eaten with the accompanying lettuce, mint and pickled vegetables dipped in fish sauce, quite a perfect bite.
From the Appetizer part of the menu, the "Vietnamese Chicken Salad" (Goi Ga)($10.95) is a great choice. Poached white meat chicken, on top of a bed of cabbage mixed with pickled carrots and topped with mint, basil and peanuts in a vinegar/fish sauce dressing is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors. This is particularly refreshing on a hot day.
The Pho here is remarkable. A wonderful beefy broth, great (non-clumped) noodles and bright flavors overall makes this "eye round steak" (Tai) ($10.25) bowl a satisfying meal with bright flavor in each slurp.

Another family owned restaurant that has continued quality.

Pho Time PB 1820 Garnet Ave San Diego 92109 (858) 203-2109 Website Open daily 11-9

Revisits – Saigon Sandwiches & Deli and Cafe Dore

November 28, 2021 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

My last visits to A Chau and Cali Baguette left me wondering how some of the other "old school" banh mi shops were doing, And another Phuong Nga errand had me in City Heights once again. I was craving a Banh Mi Ba Chi from Cafe Dore, so I headed west on University. I was in luck and found some parking in the lot on Marlborough and walked over to Cafe Dore….and sheesh; the place was packed to rafters with groups "old timers" and oh my, the cigarette smoke. There was no way I wanted to walk in….so, I walked on over next door to…..

Saigon Sandwiches & Deli:

Man, I didn't realize it at the time; but it's been nearly fourteen years since I last visited!

And of course things (not including prices) have changed…..whereas I used to joke that Saigon Sandwiches had a huge secondary market in phone cards and cigarettes; well you know what they have now?

Masks in every shape and size it seems!

The Banh Mi Ba Chi ($5.39) looked quite good.

Though when I opened up the banh mi…well, it was either mocking me, or perhaps a fan of the Rolling Stones?

All kidding aside, I really enjoyed this sandwich……the bread was crusty, it also seemed to have been lightly buttered. The pork belly was sliced on he thin side; but I enjoyed the cilantro, which was mostly leaves and full of stems. I liked the ay the jalapenos were thinly sliced instead of one giant piece. It was perhaps a bit on the light side in regards to pickled radish and carrots; but that worked well in proportion to everything else in the banh mi. Which, at least for me is what a good banh mi is all about.

I'll make sure not to wait fourteen years before returning!

Saigon Sandwiches & Deli
4133 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Open Daily 7am – 7pm

Still, I was wondering how Cafe Dore was doing….

Cafe Dore:

**** Cafe Dore has closed

So, I returned to the same strip mall at just after 7am the next morning.

The place was already two-thirds full of older gents….more then a few of them puffing away. Though these days, as I noted in my last post three years ago, all those "video machines" are gone.

I walked on up to the counter and the older gentleman and woman working behind the counter actually smiled and greeted me form behind the plexiglass! I went ahead and placed my order for the Banh Mi Ba Chi ($5), my favorite banh mi here at Cafe Dore.

Then something interesting happened…the woman asked me to take a seat and brought me a cup of iced tea; "for you while you wait"! Whoa, was this really Cafe Dore? I did feel a bit like the guys were staring at me in the place….but looking up; I noticed I was right under the television with the lottery results! Well, at least some things haven't changed.

The older gentleman brought me my sandwich and thanked me……

I really enjoyed this sandwich. While perhaps the bread was prepped a bit better at Saigon; here it was also nice and crusty. The slices of pork are a bit thicker and also seems to be sweeter. The jalapenos were also thinly sliced and had a nice kick. Good amount of cilantro and pickled veggies.

It seems, that even though, some things haven't changed, the customers are almost all male….old timers experiencing what I call the "Coffee Culture of Vietnam" which can be a bit intimidating….the service here just seemed to be a softer, kinder, more welcoming Cafe Dore.

Cafe Dore
4135 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm
Sundays 7am – 4pm

Revisits – Cali Baguette and A Chau

November 22, 2021 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

Man, talk about see-sawing weather….one week it seems like it's finally fall; the next week we got days in the 80's…… During one of my trip to get the the Missus's current favorite bun rieu I was, well, a bit hungry. Just for something to keep me until a late lunch or early dinner. For some reason I just wanted a Banh Mi Pate Cha….and good lord, it had been a while since I'd had a "real" banh mi; not one of those fusiony versions, that always seem to miss the mark for me. And since I was there on 54th and University, I thought I'd check out…..

Cali Baguette Express:

Man, it has been years since I'd been here. Once upon a time Cali Baguette had quite an empire with locations on Convoy; which is now Cali Banh Mi. Not quite sure what the story is; but it's definitely not the same; especially the bread. In fact, my last trip to Cali Baguette Express in Mira Mesa was not quite up to par either.

But here I was, craving a banh mi pate cha….so…..

Good thing I wasn't craving some noodle soup here; since they were out of a lot of stuff. Supply chain issues and all that I guess.

And as a sign of the times; what was once a $3 sandwich is now $5….which is still not a bad price considering.

Arriving home, I went ahead and unwrapped the banh mi….

A couple of things struck me right away; first the cutting was kinda off center….good thing I wasn't sharing this as a snack with anyone. Second, the bread was soft and doughy; lacking in crusty-flakiness, a hallmark of good banh mi in my opinion. Decent amount of cha lua, though hardly any musty-offaly pate……too many cilantro stems, not enough leaves. Still, that huge slice of jalapeno did get me pretty good.

I just wish the bread was better…….

Quite sad, because I remember this place being much better.

Cali Baguette Express
5125 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
Hours:
Mon – Sat 6am – 8pm
Sunday 6am – 7pm

This banh mi had me wondering how some of the "old school banh mi shops were doing in San Diego. And so, the following weekend day, I headed off to….

A-Chau:

Which was the first Banh Mi shop I posted on back in 2005. Over the years, I think A Chau has slipped a bit. The service has always been perfunctory; but on recent visits; the bread has been stale…..though I gotta say at a bit past 7am….I had the entire horrific parking lot to myself.

The place is looking a bit worse for wear; but not much else has changed….except the price; the Banh Mi Pate Cha is now $5.50…..it was $3.95 on my last visit; but that was three years ago.

A lot of businesses in this strip mall has closed as well.

This was a bit better than what I'd had on my last visit. The bread wasn't stale; though it could have been toasted a bit more. There was quite a bit of cha lua and perhaps too much mayo in this, which just nullified the scant amount of pate. Again; when it comes to banh mi, it's all about proportion to me. Also, not enough cilantro and jalapenos were MIA. Not quite sure if it's because of supply issues….but I did miss that.

Not bad and definitely better than what I'd had previously…..and, I decided to try the cha gio….which, perhaps because it was early in the day was still hot.

These are now $1 a piece! The rice paper wrapper is still a bit more chewy then I recall; but it's still much better than many other places. And it's pretty much stuffed to the gills with pork.

A Chau Restaurant
4644 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
Hours:
Daily 7am – 530pm

These two visits has got me wondering how the other places I frequent in City Heights is doing. I guess it's time to start making the rounds!

It’s (kinda) Soup Weather – Takeout from Phuong Nga 2 and Mien Trung

September 26, 2021 mmm-yoso Bun Bo Hue, Vietnamese Restaurants

Man, it's been a hot couple of months! We're somewhat happy with the cooler weather the last couple of days and took advantage of it by getting Bun Rieu, then Bun Bo Hue from our favorite places.

Phuong Nga 2:

After working on the Missus to try the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga 2 for over two years, She finally gave in and we had it for three weekends in a row back in March – April of this year.

I dropped by Phuong Nga 2 and I was surprised to see no one lese waiting for anything. It looks like they are still doing takeout only.

Looking at the notice on the plexiglass partition, I noticed that the prices on most items have gone up by about a dollar. It as a short wait for our bun rieu, but soon enough I was back home, and heating up the broth. Of course I poured hot water over the noodles to warm up a separate.

Much like Bun Bo hue; because of the herbs and veggies, the broth needs to be super hot and you'll get a different texture in every bit as the steaming broth reacts with the crisp shredded banana blossom and morning glory. The bean sprouts adds a whole different texture as it cooks thru along with that mild grassy-almost pea like-nuttiness. The strong anise-citrus tones of the perilla leaves and a squeeze of lime adds a nice acidity, which helps cut through the savory broth which has been elevated with a dab of mam tom. I like the fact that the generous portion of noodles provided is a tad undercook as once it's heated with a pour of hot water, drained, then placed in the bowl it reaches prime texture.

The Missus really enjoys the fried tofu and tomato; I like the cha lua….we both enjoy the pork-seafood "cakes"; though it seemed to be a bit tougher than what we previously experienced. The Missus always eats both red chilies provided.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105
Current Hours:
Tues – Sunday 9am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays

Mien Trung:

The first thing I actually wanted when the weather started cooling off was Mien Trung. Man, had it been almost a year-and-a-half since we last did takeout at the beginning of the pandemic?

And the gentleman who was at the counter seemed so happy to see me; he wasn't working during my last takeout visit…….it was great talking to him, he still remembers me from when I first started visiting back in 2006! Man, almost fifteen years now! MT is doing both dine in and takeout; but since it was rather early in the day, there was only one customer eating in the corner while I waited for my Bun Bo Hue.

And since MT specializes in catering and takeout (in the beginning, they only made their BBH for catering), everything was packed perfectly.

After going thru my typical reheating drill (related above), everything was ready.

Loved the slippery noodles; though the herbs and veggies didn't seem as fresh as usual. Nice savory-lemongrass tones from the broth; though it wasn't quite as spicy as I recall. The chili oil fixed that up nicely. The mam tom added deep savory tones and a couple of squeezes of lime balanced things out.

For some reason, I really enjoyed the thick cuts of beef as the flavor was so very deep and intense; the tendon softer than I recalled. Has time made my heart grow fonder?

I realize that I've done over 20 posts on Mien Trung over the last 15 years, but it's been one of those places that I never tire of. Once the weather starts getting a bit cooler or when we've returned from a long trip, MT often comes to mind when I get back home. Of course there have been ups and downs over the years; I think I've documented those. But, there have definitely been more ups than downs.

And of course while eating my bowl of BBH, I couldn't help but think of my good friend; the late "Ed from Yuma". We shared a few meals at Mien Trung and without fail he'd wear a lightly colored shirt which would end up dotted with specks of red from the annatto tinged broth! I couldn't help but wonder what Ed would think about the the state of the the US and the world during the pandemic. We miss you Ed!

Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr
San Diego, CA 92111
Hours:
Tues – Sat 9am – 8pm
Sunday 830am – 4pm
Closed on Mondays

Pho Mai Cali (Santee)

July 25, 2021 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!. This food blog is usually written by Kirk, but He is still on vacation with His Missus and Cathy is, once again, writing a post.

One of the first restaurants where The Mister and I enjoyed "Eating In" since restrictions were lifted, Pho Mai Cali is on the 'other end' of the parking lot where the new location of Island Style Cafe opened earlier this year.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this second location of Pho Mai Cali opened in the space formerly occupied by Flaming Wok, a 30 year Santee standby. (To the end, the Szechuan-Mandarin restaurant handed out forks, not chopsticks and our eat in order was always the same: the large bowl of soup, and the Pu-Pu Platter). The owners retired in April of 2020; it was the right time.
The interior was re-done, making space for a few more tables..   A nice touch is the chilled water bottle and glasses of ice brought to the table while you peruse the menu. Condiments are brought out after you order.
Spring rolls ($4.99)- rice paper wrapped lettuce, vermicelli, mint leaves, shrimp (and pork on the other side). These seem to be made to order, as the shrimp have arrived warm. There is a good amount of filling making this a light lunch.
Cha Ca Thang Long ($10.99)- Grilled fish with dill and onion…except they didn't have dill, so I received extra onion. Served sizzling on a cast iron pan with lettuce and various sides and dipping sauce, this was very good.
Grilled chicken and Cha Gio (egg rolls) ($9.99). Under all of those toppings are lettuce and chilled rice noodles and when combined, each bite is a refreshing flavor of summer.
This is a mango salad with beef ($10.99) and my latest obsession. Shredded green mango and green apples, carrots, basil and perfectly cooked tender beef (you can opt for chicken or shrimp). Not like a papaya salad and they shouldn't be interchangeable.
The Banh Xeo is better to eat in than 'to go'. Trust me. The crepe needs to be tasted while crispy, even if broken. The pork and shrimp filling (with sprouts and mung beans) with bits of broken turmeric flavored crepe, wrapped in lettuce with some mint and pickled carrot and radish, dipped in fish sauce is refreshing and has distinct flavors and textures.
  The papaya salad ($9.35) is made with shredded green papaya, shrimp and pork as well as sprouts and carrots, topped with peanuts and fried onion and is quite good.

This is the Pho Mai Cali ($11.99). You receive the large bowl of beef broth with meatball and oxtail in it, then the sides (brisket and other cuts of beef) to add in as you wish. Herbs, onion, noodles always have been fresh here.
  The Steamed Fish ($10.99) is always a good choice.
This is the above mentioned Mango Salad with beef ($10.99) in its 'to go' packaging. Still great flavors, just not as dramatic of a presentation.
This is the "Special Appetizer" ($8) in its 'to go' presentation- two Spring rolls, two crispy egg rolls. Lettuce, mint and fish sauce and peanut sauce. Fresh made and well filled rolls. Definitely a meal.

We are fortunate to have this gem close to home.

Pho Mai Cali 9888 Magnolia Avenue (at Mast) Santee 92071 (619) 328-2700 Open Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday Stuffs – Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles Closes, Pho Lucky Still Closed, and Harmony Cuisine 2B1 Coming to Convoy

May 22, 2021 mmm-yoso Filipino Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

I recently decided to pick up some Filipino Food, it had been a while since I last visited Mama Cinia's and as a matter of fact; it had been a while since I'd been to this part of Mira Mesa. So I drove on over to Mama Cinia's……..to find the place closed.

Wow, I was kind of surprised, I hadn't heard that they had closed. In fact, other than the "Closed" sign there was no evidence that the place was permanently closed. So, I returned over the weekend and the place was still closed. So, I can only assume…..unless one of you has any other info, that Mma Cinia is another casualty of Covid-19.

Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles
9178 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

On the weekend visit, I decided to see if Pho Lucky has reopened, at least for take-out. But no, the place is still closed.

I'm hoping they reopen…maybe on June 15th, when California is supposed to allow businesses to open to full capacity.

Pho Lucky
9326 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92126

Harmony Cuisine 2B1 Coming to Convoy:

I was making my usual stop at Nijiya when I noticed new signage at 3904 Convoy…….so, I drove in.

I had noticed back in March that Sushi Hachi by Kimura was not opening in unit #117. So, looks like something called Harmony Cuisine 2b1 is opening in it's place. The onyl thing I could really find was this in SanDiegoTown.

So, it looks like another Sushi Place….interesting name……

3904 Convoy St #117
San Diego, CA 92111

The Missus’s Favorite Bun Rieu From Phuong Nga 2

April 20, 2021 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

Do you have a hard time convincing your significant other? I mean, the Missus and I have been married for over 20 years; but at times there are still those moments. The Missus and I joke about it all the time; if I say "white" She'll say "black", I will go "low" and She'll go "high"….my "yes", is a definite "no" from Her. I often explain it in terms of the Zodiac; I'm born under a water sign, and She, believe it or not, is born under an "earth" sign…..and what do you get when you mix the two? Well…..water + earth = mud, right?

Anyway, ever since "FOY" Elle recommended the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga 2, I've been trying to get the Missus, who enjoys Bun Rieu to check out Phuong Nga 2 with me. The Missus however, just doesn't believe me. Even though She has stopped getting the Bun Rieu from Mien Trung. A few weeks back, I did see an opening though. The weather was fairly chilly and the Missus wanted some "soup" when She got home from work. I said "I'll figure something out" and went to Phuong Nga right when they opened.

Phuong Nga 2 is currently (as of this past weekend) still only doing take out. There's a steady flow of customers and the phone is constantly ringing. I actually need to go in person to order, since they really don't understand what I'm saying….I need to actually open the menu and point to the Bun Rieu. After that; it's usually a wait of about 15-20 minutes.

On that first visit; I was quite surprised at how heavy my two orders of Bun Rieu were. Imagine seeing this (one order) when I opened things up.

The big mistake on this first visit was to make both orders……the Missus and I can only finish about two-thirds of an order of noodles and about 1 1/3 container of broth. We'll save the rest for a second meal. I put the noodles in a colander and pour some hot water over it to heat and separate. The second container of herbs and veggies is also for that next meal.

This is one entire order of broth; in the largest bowl I have.

For the Missus; it was love at first sip. The broth is on the lighter side, but has decent acidity, a hint of sweetness and savory tones, and is quite good with a touch of the mam tom which comes with each bowl. The noodles are the correct thin bun; which the Missus appreciates….it has also always been perfectly prepared, firm and al dente. We usually split things up these days; the Missus loves the tofu and tomato; I enjoy the cha lua….we both enjoy the light, tender, pork-seafood "cakes", and the dried shrimp. The Missus usually leaves the pork ribs for me.

And look at those sparkling veggies/herbs; the Missus loves the banana blossom and shredded morning glory, which is usually MIA from other versions these days. A few torn leaves of perilla to add a touch do anise flavor and we're ready to go.

This is easily worth the nine bucks it costs these days. After all; it's almost two meals for us, with bun to spare that I use for other dishes.

So far, it's been Bun Rieu every weekend for the last three weeks…..I have a feeling the Missus will insist on having it again this weekend. Perhaps She'll "trust" my recommendations in the future? I'm not going to count on it though.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105
Current Hours:
Tues – Sunday 9am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays

And as I always do with posts on Phuong Nga 2; I need to thank "FOY" Elle!

Bun Mang Vit to go From Tu Thanh

March 21, 2021 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

I mentioned my failed visit to Tu Thanh in my last post on 777 Noodle House. Well, two weeks later, after dropping off coffee for the Missus at Her work, I decided to give it another try. I arrived at around 920am, found some parking on 48th Street and walked on over. The last visit, finding them closed at 915 on a Saturday must have been a fluke; because they were open and business was in full swing with 2 customers in front of me.

I took a look around at the empty tables and felt quite sad for this small mom and pop business…..though since my visit we're now in the "red tier" and I'm sure folks are eating in here.

Once it was my turn; I ordered my usual, the Bun Mang Vit and asked how long it would take. I was told 5 minutes. Five minute! So I waited and it indeed took only five minutes. Who needs to call in orders here…..

Deciding to just have my noodle soup when I got home; I immediately unbundled things.

And saw that all was in order. I then proceeded to put together my meal.

The noodles were in perfect shape and didn't need to be separated. I did heat up the broth; I thought the dried bamboo could use a bit more time in the soup. I then plated the veggies and herbs, the duck, and put the Nuoc Mam Gung in a bowl.

One thing I quickly noticed about the Nuoc Mam Gung, was that it was lacking in ginger and garlic…..and it was much too sweet, a rather large change from what I'm used to having here.

The duck was perfectly prepped, a bit toothsome and full of gamey "duckiness"…….

I've mentioned in previous posts about the lack of banana blossom in the mix these days and it seems that is the new norm. It's almost all cabbage mix these days….sigh…..

Like I mentioned earlier, the noodles ere perfect….slippery while still maintaining a decent al dent "pull" to them.

The broth was a bit milder than before; with definitely a lot less MSG, letting the flavor of the rehydrated bamboo shoots come through. Though it seems, that like the veggies/herbs, there's a lot less of that these days as well.

Like I mentioned in my last post on Tu Thanh, things aren't quite as good as it was when they first opened nor even close to when Chi Tu Thanh was at the late Chinese Kitchen (Chi Tu Thanh Nha Hang). But it's still the best Bun Mang Vit I've had in San Diego by far…….so, by all means, let me know if you've found a version of Bun Mang Vit that eclipses this one. Otherwise; Tu Thanh will see me again soon when that Bun Mang Vit itch kicks in.

Tu Thanh
4804 University Ave. #A
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 282-8778
Current Hours:
Thurs – Tues 9am – 7pm
Closed on Wednesday