Winter Survival Guide for International Students

Chicago’s winter this year is bone-chillingly cold 🥶 On windy, snowy days, only a steaming hot bowl of Pho can bring you back to life. You know that feeling — walking into a restaurant from the freezing cold and taking that first sip of hot broth… pure salvation 🥹 Here are a few Vietnamese spots I tried in Chicago this year 👇 ｜ Nhà Hàng Vietnam Restaurant 📍 1032 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640 An old-school spot in Uptown’s Vietnamese neighborhood. The pho broth is savory and sweet — warms you up with the very first sip. But because it’s always busy, service can be a bit rushed. What we ordered: 3 Vietnamese Spring Rolls 36 Pho Vietnam 84 Bun Bo Hue ｜ Miss Saigon Restaurant 📍 1129 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640 Also in Uptown’s Vietnamese district. Tried the Grilled Shrimp Noodle Salad and Saigon Pho. Compared to classic broth-based pho, their dry-style pho is lighter and well-balanced — not heavy at all. ｜ Le Colonial Chicago 📍 57 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611 A fancier Vietnamese spot in Downtown — great for dates or group dinners. We ordered: Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls) Pho Bo 🍜 Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef — my personal favorite!) Cari Tom 🍤 (Green Curry Shrimp) On the pricier side, but the atmosphere and experience are worth it. ｜ Ocean Grill & Bar 📍 1826 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616 Ordered the Phở Đặc Biệt (Combo Pho) — the bowl is HUGE, seriously generous portions! Grilled Pork Skewers and seafood were also delicious — reminded me of Chinese-style barbecue. ｜ HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen 📍 1800 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608 Tried Bún Chả Hanoi (pork with noodles — so good!) and Emperor’s Rice Noodles (spicy!). The starters were great too: Octopus Salad, Chicken Wings, and Grilled Eggplant. #Chicago #ChicagoEats #VietnameseFood #PhoLover #WinterComfort #InternationalStudentLife