Pho Ben Thanh — Restaurant in Longwood

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If you're seeking an out-of-this-world culinary experience, look no further than Pho Ben Thanh. My recent visit to this gastronomic paradise left me utterly enchanted and craving more. Every dish I sampled was a masterpiece, but four items, in particular, stood out as extraordinary: the Fried Rice Claypot, Thai Milk Tea, Bun Bo Hue, and Bun Cha Gio. Each of these dishes took my taste buds on a journey that I can only describe as otherworldly.

Fried Rice Claypot: From the moment the Fried Rice Claypot arrived at our table, I was captivated by its tantalizing aroma. The presentation alone was enough to excite any food lover. As I lifted the lid, a plume of steam escaped, revealing perfectly cooked rice embedded with succulent pieces of chicken, juicy shrimp, and an array of fresh vegetables. The rice had a slightly crispy texture, giving it a delightful crunch with every bite. The flavors were beautifully balanced – savory with a hint of sweetness, complemented by the subtle smokiness imparted by the claypot. Each spoonful was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an unforgettable experience.

Thai Milk Tea: Accompanying this dish was the most refreshing Thai Milk Tea I have ever tasted. Served in a tall, frosty glass, this beverage was the epitome of perfection. The tea had a rich, velvety texture, with the right amount of sweetness that didn't overpower the subtle spiciness of the brewed tea leaves. The creamy consistency was achieved with a perfect blend of milk, making each sip a luxurious treat. It was the perfect companion to the rich flavors of the Fried Rice Claypot, providing a refreshing counterpoint that enhanced the overall dining experience.

Bun Bo Hue: Next on our culinary adventure was the Bun Bo Hue, a Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup that was nothing short of divine. The broth was an aromatic symphony of lemongrass, chili, and other exotic spices, simmered to perfection to extract deep, robust flavors. Tender slices of beef and pork, coupled with round rice noodles, created a satisfying and hearty meal. The addition of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges allowed for customization, adding layers of freshness and complexity to each spoonful. The Bun Bo Hue was a delightful explosion of flavors that transported me straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Bun Cha Gio: Finally, the Bun Cha Gio – a Vietnamese dish consisting of crispy spring rolls served over vermicelli noodles – was a culinary revelation. The spring rolls were exquisitely crispy on the outside, with a savory filling that was both tender and flavorful. Nestled atop a bed of delicate vermicelli noodles and accompanied by fresh lettuce, herbs, and a tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce, the Bun Cha Gio was a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Each bite offered a satisfying crunch, followed by the refreshing coolness of the herbs and the slight tang of the dipping sauce. It was a dish that perfectly encapsulated the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

In conclusion, my dining experience at Pho Ben Thanh was nothing short of spectacular. Each dish was a testament to the chef's artistry and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience. The Fried Rice Claypot, Thai Milk Tea, Bun Bo Hue, and Bun Cha Gio were all standout dishes that left a lasting impression. If any restaurant deserves a Michelin star, it is undoubtedly Pho Ben Thanh. If you're looking for a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to another realm, Pho Ben Thanh is the place to be. Highly...

Ordered takeout for my first visit today, and it will be my last. I sampled a few appetizers, including summer rolls which were a simple combination of noodles, lettuce and friend tofu (where's the fresh basil?). Also, I found a hair in the midst of the lettuce that clearly did not belong to me.

After discarding the hairy summer rolls, I decided to try my luck with the pork spring rolls. They had a strange flavor and did not taste fresh.

I discarded the leftover food and trash in a can outside the grocery store I stopped at and ran inside to do my shopping.

After I returned to my car, I called the restaurant and explained that I had just placed a to-go order, it was my first time trying the restaurant and I wanted to let them know about the hair that I pulled out of my summer roll. The woman who answered the phone said "hold on...." and came back about a minute later. "Bring it back", she said, to which I explained that the discarded food, packaging (and hair!) were now at the bottom of a trash can outside of the grocery store I was at. I asked if they could do anything to remedy the situation, leaving the door open for them to refine their customer service skills. The employee said there was nothing they could do and hung up.

I called back. "I think we were disconnected. Could I please speak to your manager?" I was calm and respectful throughout the call and explained the situation, but I was repeatedly told "That is ridiculous", "That makes no sense" and last but not least "We do not know if you are making this up". I explained that I wanted to make them aware of the situation and that I would not call back twice if I did not believe there was a problem that should be addressed. Again I was met with more of the same - "We do not know if you are telling the truth." What happened to the customer is always right? As a former small business owner, this is unacceptable. I was never given the option of replacing the food or receiving a partial refund. I asked the manager if I should include this information in my Google review and his answer was "Go ahead." Here...

The woman who took my order didn't seem to understand me or speak very much English at all so it was difficult to ask questions. She mostly nodded and confirmed that I was ordering the numbered menu item that I was pointing to. I finally understood why the I overheard the table across from me ordering as if they were playing battleship; "I'd like M4 and a P1..." Nevertheless, she was a diligent and friendly worker and I get the impression that this is a small, personally owned business, which I appreciate because that's what gives hole-in-the-wall restaurants that personal touch that truly makes your food with love. They also seem to develop relationships with their customers, as I saw someone from the both in front of us go to the back to greet the cook, and when it got slow, the cook was cleaning up tables and rushed out the door to call to a customer who left their keys. He left a heartwarming impression on me, as he kept attempting to communicate with my daughter to wish her a happy new year, even though she couldn't understand his accent. I was super impressed by how quickly we got our food. They put fast food drive throughs to shame- and the soups looked as delicious walking in as they were when we got ours. They're not stingy with portions or ingredients, as some of my favorite menu items had four or more of the best items in their category. Despite the fact that I ended up with a strawberry smoothie when I was asking if those were the flavors for boba teas(pictured on the menu but not listed or mentioned anywhere under drinks), I still loved the impression and warm experience I got to have in this restaurant. I would love to come back...