Cô Tư Oriental Cuisine — Restaurant in Bloomington

Two stars might be a bit rough, it could really be a three, but the friend I went with also didn't really care for his dish.

Located in a strip mall and resembles the usual hole in the wall feel. The two servers were nice when we ordered our food. Their Vietnamese coffee is more on the sweeter side with a rich chocolate flavor. I say chocolate when there shouldn't be because the coffee side must be a bit on the weaker end. So when mixed with sweet milk it almost has a mocha rich feel. Though I do prefer the more bitter strong coffee with a well balanced milk, this one hit the spot for me that night.

I ordered the classic combo of fresh spring rolls and bun bo Hue, while my friend got the pho combo 802 (sliced beef, meatballs, tendon, tripe and well done flank).

Pretty sure fresh spring rolls are the biggest staple item at any Vietnamese spot so they pre-batch them, could totally be wrong on that front. When ours arrived and I took a bite, the outside rice paper was definitely dry. Luckily not crunchy, but not fresh and soft.

When I got my bun bo hue it wasn't the color I'm used to at all, but a pho coloring instead of the usual maroon/red. Granted you can change any dish for your style and I won't fault that. It better still taste good though. (Side note: their online picture does not match at all the coloring) Here was the biggest fault for me, the broth was so tasteless and boring. Even adding the side sauces I felt sad. Noodles were excellent and the side vegetables that go in were fresh.

My friend ate about 90% of his even though he didn't like it. He just ate and ate to get the nourishment and that was all. So since my friend didn't like his either, I dropped...

FRESH That is the first and lasting impression I received from Co Tu.

MENU ITEMS: Rating is 0-5(best) Spring Rolls - 5 Fried Egg Rolls (Shrimp & Pork) -5 Sliced Beef Pho - 4 Combination Pho minus Meatballs-4 Sliced Onions w/ vinegar Green Bubble Tea- 4 Vietnamese Coffee Flan - 5

Appetizers: Spring Rolls & Fried Egg Roll (Shrimp & Pork) Fast delivery (3 minutes) they came out "fluffy" and not feeling dried out or aired out. We usually eat Pho for dinner so that may explain it but for a weekend lunch, the spring rolls were fresh and didn't give the impression they were premade, laying out on a tray under layers of saran wrap. They do use mint so beware if you can't stand mint.

Main: Pho -They offer one standard size. Broth looks and is thick but clean taste. No lingering aftertaste. Meat didn't look frozen & sliced. You can see the tenderized marks and the meat's texture was the best I've had. Presentation was appealing to the eyes They use flat rice noodles. I didn't ask if they have regular thin rice noodle options.

Dessert: Green Bubble Tea & Vietnamese Coffee Flan I rarely order Bubble Tea b/c restaurants use powder. Server said they brew their own tea (sold) Bubble Tea had a strong green tea flavor and was sweet enough. Boba/Pearls look like Taiwanese Jade Green Boba. First time having it. Texture feels like jelly than the chewy Tapioca. Flan is served with ice and has a darker "coffee" layer on the top. Not overly sweet like other Flan I've had. Texture is not as silky but has a more rich "hardened" texture. Portion is an...

Restaurant: Co Tu Oriental Cuisine Restaurant (Bloomington, MN) It’s my first time here for Pho and to get it off my checklist. I was amazed by the presentation, how delicious the broth tasted, and that fresh noodles are served here. It's not Cali fresh noodle greatness but it's the only place in MN where I've had it. Pho is beefy, rich, slight hint of sweetness, hint of spice aromas and very well balanced. Broth was so good I almost finished it. I liked the bite size cuts of tripe and tendons. The selection for meats was the only thing lacking. Highly recommend this spot to those who appreciate a great quality bowl of Pho.

Would I eat here again? Absolutely. The Pho is the best if not one of the best in the southern metro. Left a great first impression for me and I’ll need to go back to see if it’s consistent. As of now, this Pho is on my top 5 spots for MN.

Fried Wontons: 6/10. Too small but the fillings was good.

Fresh Sugarcane Juice: 7/10. It was okay. It not as good as a real a real Viet Juicer store.

Pho Score (max 100 points)

Price (5): 3.5

Bowl size (5): 4

Presentation (5): 4.5

Herbs (5): 3.5

Noodles (5): 4

Meat

·     Quality (5): 3.5

·     Portion (5): 3.5

·     Bonus meats (5): 3

Broth quality

·     Clearness (5): 4.5

·     Spices (5): 4

·     Depth (5): 4.5

·     Balance (20): 18

·     Richness (20): 18

·     MSG aftertaste (-3): -1

·     Secret special factor (5):...