Pho Society Brings Delectable Vietnamese to the CBD
From the crispy fried spring rolls, to the hunger thwarting banh mi, to the warming Vietnamese beef noodles of its namesake, there’s plenty to like at Jintaixizhao-adjacent newbie Pho Society.
the atmosphere is as good as the food, and includes dim lighting, vibrant paintings, an upbeat hip-hop soundtrack, and a dozen seats along the bar, all of which encourages boozing and nibbling.
Our visit began with an order of crispy fried spring rolls. Co-owner Mr. Lee (who hails from Hong Kong but has always loved Vietnamese fare and dreamed of opening a pho place of his own) describes how the spring rolls aren't made with flour, which is more common in China, but instead rice, making them less brittle and giving them a firm texture. Their salty and fried quality make them an indulgent diversion from any New Year’s resolutions that you may be clasping onto, not to mention that their size makes them perfect for sharing.
Their hulking banh mi beef sandwich (pictured at top), meanwhile, was one of the best we’ve tried. An assuredly firm baguette came wedged with long slices of grilled beef, cheese, and a hint of fiery green chili sauce, which will make you quickly reach for a beer to cool off (there’s more on the side for braver patrons).
Unfortunately, on that front, Pho Society drops the ball. Nary a bottle of Saigon imported beer was in sight, leaving us crestfallen, though they at least have Vietnamese drip coffee (the dark, bitter bean variety that is among our favorite coffee varieties) available for a reasonable RMB 28 per glass.
The menu is rounded out by an RMB 58 special beef pho, filled with soft slices of beef and piping hot broth (RMB 58); raw beef noodle pho (RMB 55); spicier tom yum gong seafood noodle (RMB 58); tom yum gong seafood soup (RMB 55) and shrimp and meatball noodles (RMB 58). That variety of meaty Vietnamese soup, along with the hugely filling banh mi, not only make Pho Society a standout in the CBD, but one of the best Vietnamese joints in town.
Pho Society
Daily, 10am-midnight. 1/F, East Middle Third Ring Road, North Gate, Fortune Mall (170 2015 1701)
东三环中路7号财富购物中心北门1层
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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
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Photos: Kyle Mullin, courtesy of Pho Society
