Viet Noodles Xpress — Restaurant in Modesto

After having a business meeting, wifey decided we should stop by this place for a try. I trusted her on this decision. When we drove into the parking area on a Sunday afternoon, area seemed focused on the anchor stores such as the grocery store. But, when we walked in you can tell it was lightly touched with Viet Art, and a numerous amount of tvs focused on The NCAA march madness, with a laid back atmosphere, as you would see from the staff's attire. The decor is outdated, although you really dont come to a pho place for the decor anyways. We sat at a booth where the seats looked a bit worn out and torn, and the tables either just wiped down or still wet. The glass behind the seating was greasy dirty with kids hands placed everywhere. We ordered 3 sprites just to be safe and a coconut smoothie. We ordered the usual type of pho bowl and having eating Pho all my life thus far, the pho wasn't bad, but wasn't great. It was ok, which relates to the star given. Although wifey ordered a small bowl and stated they provided more meat for her bowl, as my large bowl seemed to have more noodles than meat. Now, Im a particular person when it comes to Pho, and it has to have the right balance according to the bowl size, along with having the right type of bold flavor that makes you thirst for more. especially when you walk away from the cafe. I didn't feel it here. The price was exceptional for the size of the bowls. But given that we came and not starving, the pho again was ok. Would I eat here again, I couldn't say, I'd have to check other locations and their taste so as to compare. Is it worth going to try, ummm yes. But reading from other people reviews, I wouldn't trust a few of the people's review. 🤭 1 person said peanut sauce needs to be a bit spicier, lol dude its called peanut sauce for a reason, doughnut 🍩 🤣. And another reviewer, I dont even wanna comment, this person simply goes around giving everyone a 2 star, except the vape or dispensary stores, lol. But, be the explorer and give it a go, you may think the world of it, and may decide to come back. I added some pics so you can see by the size of a large (not large, just wide, not deep) & they seem to be rated a 5 star. So it goes to tell you not everyone has...

So my review will be based on my items I ordered. I regret not taking pictures for this review but my family was hungry. So I ordered 3 Large combo Pho, a half duck plate, fried calamari, 2 banh mi's and a Thai iced tea and coconut shake. So to begin with the good. The banh mi is decent, not a lot of meat but decent from my previous experiences. Good flavor and the veggies were fresh. The pho had good flavor. But that's about it. The basil was old and had brown spots that came with the pho but the bean sprouts were solid. Now to my biggest irks about this place. I ordered a half duck that was 16 dollars, it was cold. I did get the food for takeout but I live on coffee and brigsmore. Literally a 4-5 minute drive. There is no way it should have been that cold. Literally had to pop it in the air fryer. The flavor was very off like if it was older cheaper quality duck and the portion was not a half duck. It was very skimpy. The fried calamari was another huge irk. It was all dough and no calamari. I was very disappointed since vietnamese fried calamari is usually my favorite. No flavor for the dough and some pieces were literally all dough. The drinks were very artificial and not worth the money at all. I was expecting more from a 4.5 Google rated restaurant but this was sad. The service was sub par. I went in shorts a black shirt and crocs and got treated like it was my honor for them to serve me and host me in their establishment. The young lady then told me that I would have to pay for chili sauce that is free on the tables when dining in. So I payed her for the sauce. I'm not a professional food critic but me and my family do own restaurants in Benecia and Napa. So I kind of know my flavors, this place is not a come back restaurant. If you don't know a thing about vietnamese food. This will be a decent introduction. But there is was better out here in modesto. I'm giving 2 stars for the pho...

Great small family run Vietnamese joint. Amazing atmosphere, wonderfully pleasant staff & great tasting fresh food! I came here for the Bahn Mi & Spring Rolls. I was craving these soo bad & found this spot on google & let me tell you - I’m so glad I came.

They were both absolutely amazing & very fairly priced! Plus they are literally HUGE! Bigger than I’ve had at other places.

Personally, I do like them just a bit crispy.. so I popped our sandwiches in the bottom oven rack on low heat when I got home and took some fat bong rips before my bf and I devoured our sandwiches.

We got the BBQ Pork, Grilled Pork & Roasted Pork. Every ingredient was perfectly proportioned. I will probably ask for extra cilantro when I go back because I am a cilantro LOVER!

I will totally return to try the other yummy dishes like roast duck and chicken feet in black bean sauce !!!! Thanks for having...