Chamroeun Crimée

On a cold and rainy day, I can imagine few better pleasures than a comforting bowl of pho. When I visited a few weeks ago, it was neither cold nor rainy, but I nonetheless found the spicy and savoury satay pho delicious. My girlfriend was keen to recommend Le Chamroeun Crimée , describing it as the most visited spot of her exchange in Paris thus far.

Unassuming on the outside, upon entering, we were greeted by a full restaurant, a lively atmosphere, and a full view of a large pot simmering with broth. Upon seating, I was instructed to order a satay pho and my girlfriend and I opted to share a plate of deep fried nems. As we watched the pho being ladled into our bowls, my girlfriend explained to me that her loyalty to the restaurant stemmed not only from the pho, but a jar of pickled chillies accompanying every table. Our pho arrived first, and was quickly followed by a loaded plate of nems and an assortment of herbs for wrapping in a lettuce leaf.

We tried the pho first. The broth is delicious and full of satay flavour. An addictive spiciness and savouriness was balanced with a hit of freshness from a generous squeeze of lime and fresh thai basil. I was surprised by the quality of the meat, thinly sliced and tender. The pho was standalone, delicious, but on a subsequent bite with the addition of the pickled chilli, I understood my girlfriend's position. The chillies are sour and spicy, and a delicious addition to elevate the flavours already prevalent in the bowl. The nems were also good, fried and paired with an assortment of fresh herbs and the lettuce.

Overall, I would be quick to revisit. The atmosphere, a hodge-podge of people coming in out and the delicious food are captivating elements that made me a decided fan of Le Chamroeun Crimée.