Pho Haven

This post is long overdue as I have been wanting to try out this hidden treasure ever since I noticed it!

As I've mentioned before, my boyfriend is Vietnamese, so when it comes to reviewing cuisine of the culture I'm a pretty tough critic. Nothing compares to homemade Vietnamese food.

Well the time finally came! Me and my girls were going to venture out and get some pho (pronounced f-uh) and vermicelli noodles before going out for a concert later that night.

One of the things that first caught my attention about the restaurant was the absolutely beautiful house that it was inside.


The Meal 

Once we were seated 2/3 of the table already knew what they wanted. My friend Gabby was sick, so she of course went for a big bowl of pho, beef noodle soup, and Kylle had never tried it before so today was her day to try something new.

As for me it was a little more of a challenge to decide what I wanted because it was kind of a warm day outside and pho can really heat a person up. On the contrary, vermicelli noodles were nice and light and still filling.

After asking what the waitress reccomened I should do, considering I've had a lot of pho in recent years, I ended up ordering the pork vermicelli noodles (pictured left).

We all ordered some vietnamese coffees with sweetened condensed milk and they were pretty good. Somewhat watered down and sweeter than usual, but still good.

Once the food came out I couldn't wait to dive in. The dishes were colorful and fresh looking, and they smelt even better.

Before Kylle could mix any sauces or spices into her pho broth (across the table in photo) I took a little taste and it was wonderful. When it comes to pho, the broth is the most difficult and time consuming part of the process, and it's crucial that it tastes good. Pho Haven definitely had authentic chefs in the kitchen to get such a nice flavored broth.

My vermicelli noodles looked the part, however the overall dish was somewhat subpar to what I was expecting. The noodles were nice and the carrots/cucumber that come soaked in a fish sauce were cut in cute shapes, but weren't really enough to pull the weight of the dish.

The pork and fish sauce are two key components to successful vermicelli noodles, and unfortunately both ingredients were somewhat dull.

 My best friend's parents work at a Vietnamese restaurant and the pork is so great I will order extra with my noodles. And as for the fish sauce, the most fragrant flavor that ties everything together, was a little light compared to usual.

The Feel

While the pho seemed impressive and the vermicelli could use some work, the layout and overall feel of the restaurant was totally unique, and unlike anything I had ever seen before.

The owners took what was once a two story house, with a wrap around front porch, a lower level yard and an upstairs, and made it into a story book restaurant. With wooden floors and architecture, the house was clearly aged but renovated perfectly. It gave the restaurant a certain charming character.

My friends and I sat outside and enjoyed the view of Main Street and the sunshine, but did venture inside the house to look around. The restaurant had dozens of tables, and more than enough room to accompany large parties.

While there was lots of table space and empty rooms awaiting a busy day, my absolute favorite spot of the entire restaurant was hidden upstairs, and I found it on my way to the ladies room.

A little nook in the wall with a small window, a hanging light, a "table" where you would sit cross legged with some pillows looked like the perfect place to cozy up to a big bowl of pho on a rainy Washington day.

Walking down stairs to the main level of the restaurant, I felt like a small child on thanksgiving morning walking down the steps to the smell of food being cooked throughout the house. For a moment you forget you're actually at a restaurant.


The Deal

My only complaint in this department was the $4.00 Vietnamese coffee seemed a little overpriced, but who am I to complain when Starbucks does just the same thing.

Other than that the food was reasonably priced when compared to other restaurants of a similar cuisine and the atmosphere was unreal.