8 -Days
Tastings : by : Robyn Wong

Dec 2 - 9, 2000

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Pho fanatic

Pho Hoa Vietnamese Restaurant

18 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village Singapore 277678, Tel: 466-2737

WHAT  Say 'Fuh Hua', not 'Foe Ho'. For the uninitiated, 'pho' refers to rice noodles in the Vietnamese language. Started in San Jose by Vietnamese-born Bin Nguyen, this pho restaurant chain boasts 75 franchise outlets in the world. The Holland Village outlet is the first one on our shores, and there are plans for another nine across the island within the next five years.

MUST TRY   Naturally its 'pho'. The value-for-money spirit dictates the Steak/Brisket/Meatball Pho ($7.50) - three variations of beef with noodles in palatable herbs-and-spices-based soup - as a must-have. And those who can't get by a meal without grains, the Grilled Pork Chop Rice ($8.75) with its peanut-based sauce is yummy!

CAN TRY If you really dig noodles, you can extend your pho-fervor to desserts with the Jelly Pho ($6). Picture different colored-layers of jelly noodles swimming in a tall glass of homemade syrup. A tad too sweet for us, though.

THE LOOK  White bathroom tiled walls reminiscent of older local coffee shops, albeit air-conditioned and without the huge de rigueur ABC-poster.

TALKING POINT  No iced water served gratis - mineral water costs $2 per bottle.

BEST SEATS At the tables outside where one indulges in relaxed al fresco dining.

SERVICE  Enthusiastic wait staff offer prompt service.

RATING  3.5 out of 5

back to Pho Hoa page

Spice-wise : Fresh herbs and spices go into the making of flavorsome broth that packs a punch in this southern Vietnamese noodle place.

Photos : Jacque Chong