Kotti Dang — Restaurant in Berlin

2021 Update:

Broth is weak :( I gave this place 2nd chances over and over but the broth is weak every time. A shame because the noodles and toppings are superb.

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Old

My review is purely based on the Pho. Since this is what I ate and this is where my passion is. I judge Pho on a scale from 0-100 while the 100 points are split like this: 50 points broth 30 points add-Ons 20 points noodle

I usually don't write reviews about the places I try Pho at but this is a new spot and it was special.

Broth 45/50: Beef flavor intense. I thought it was a bit to much black pepper flavor, but this is really a tiny downside. I probably should give 49, but you gotta leave yourself some headroom. Close to perfect. It can always be a little bit more intense and gelatinous, but I guess at some point it's not economical anymore. The spices where pleasant and except for the pepper not overwhelming.

Add-Ons: 29/30. All the boxes checked: Nice tenderloin, nice braised meat (thinly cut), Meatballs (probably made in house, because I really liked them. Usually I don't like the meatballs because they are too chewy, but these had the perfect amount of chewy-ness without being rubber like. They were flavored with spices and I think cilantro. The broth contains only cilantro, but on the side come all the usual suspects, that I need: Fresh red chili, raw onions, lime, thai basil, mint (I guess some people like that), recao (vietnamese coriander) and sprouts. Also on the table. Hoisin and Sriracha. Only thing I might have enjoyed would be big chunks of braised beef (shank or brisket), but that's such a small thing that I only deducted one point and maybe that's already being a bit to strict..

Noodles: 20/20 In house made fresh noodles. Perfect thickness and width. Perfect.

94/100 - in my humble opinion the best Pho in Berlin especially when you consider, that it is for a fair price of 8,90.

Because this rating comes without context or comparison: Usually places would go around 40-50 points the best places maybe in the 70s or 80s. This is a fantastic restaurant for Pho and I really really hope they can keep this level of quality. I am in love and will leave a lot of money...

So, I moved around the corner from this restaurant and it quickly became one of my favorites. But I won't be going out back there after my recent experience. I ordered for take away and they gave me the wrong order. I walked all the way home only to discover that I had the wrong item. I called them and they told me to come back and they would make the item I actually ordered. When I got there, they told me that they wouldn't do anything unless I walked another 10 minutes back to my house to pick up the original order and bring it back to show them. Even though they said nothing about bringing back the original order on the phone, and since I literally was there 10 minutes before there is no question about what happened! I know Berlin is not known for great service, but this was such an aggravating experience and a complete...

I went with a friend and ordered pho and bò xào dứa. The second dish was good, and there was nothing wrong with it. However, the pho was basically just boiled beef in plain water—no rich broth, no flavor and almost having a stinky taste. I’ve had so many pho’s and this was not one.

The worst part was when I told the waiters about it. They were dismissive and unwilling to listen or show any respect for my feedback. Instead of addressing my concern, one of them simply handed me a rules sheet stating that once you place an order, you are responsible for it, and any associated expenses must be paid.

So, they serve food that doesn’t match the menu description, get upset when customers complain, and make them pay regardless of the quality. Disappointing food and poor...