Pho Minh — Restaurant in Randolph

visit #1: midday lunch. place was reasonably empty. service was friendly and efficient. decor overload (could just be due to new year celebration), but at least they care enough to do something. TV present but not too loud. and...there is a bar!!

food was good, though not sure why my vermicelli came out warmer than room temperature, as if they just made it. dining companion's duck leg soup noodle had a number of red dates in it; might be a Vietnamese method but it's new to me, very cool. i should start preemptively declining water as I hardly ever drink any, but nice touch with that little lemon in it.

visit #2: weeknight dinner. place was still relatively empty, with a couple tables occupied and a few more in and out (takeout maybe?). tried the special pho - was good and enough to eat, but soon realized they do a slightly different type of soup, not the ones one is accustomed to. it's not bad per se, just felt it was more like your Asian momma's homemade soup than pho broth (ha). pork chop (w/patty and fried eggs on rice) was a bit sweeter than expected, but full of grill flavor, and soft. everything else was on par. service was efficient and friendly; provided kid set (melamine bowl, disposable cutlery, and cutting scissors!) upon request. Iced Vietnamese coffee was strong and exactly how I like it!

parking: there's is lot in front of the establishment shared by the few tenants in same plaza, 15 or 20 spots, entered on Diauto Dr. -- same one-way street seems to offer street parking without time limit. worse to worst, park at the Shaw's plaza lot, all the way on the opposite end of Shaw's, and walk over. but at that point, one might easily just walk into Pho...

First time eating in house (have done take out before) and was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is kept clean and the servers are very friendly and attentive. They were definitely playing an Adele soundtrack cause I heard at least 5 of her songs go by.

So we ordered nem cuon, ga lui, pho tai and a pho dac biet. The appetizers were awesome. The men cuon had, what I think was, freshly dried egg roll skin which added such a great crispy texture contrast to the rolls. The ga lui was freshly grilled, super juicy, marinated well, and a plentiful portion for the price. Hands down best ga lui out of all the viet restaurants I've been too.

The phos, which are pretty much the main reason for coming due to the cold weather, were okay. I've cooked my own pho and have gotten into the habit of not adding any hoison sauce or sriracha into the bowl as a means of appreciating the broth (instead I dip my meats into the sauces in a side dish as I eat). The first few sips had a super sweet, tangy taste to them - this could've been skewed by my sips of Sapporo beer. As I ate though, that weird taste went away. The tendon could also be a little more tender, ie. cooked down to be more gelatinous and soft...

I definitely enjoy the freshness and quality of the food, and will be back. Crossing my fingers that they deliver to as...

"Phở Minh" is a delightful restaurant that stands out for its exceptional Vietnamese cuisine. One of its most popular dishes is the "bánh bèo chén," which has captivated my taste buds and keeps me coming back for more.

Located in a cozy corner of the city, "Phở Minh" offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is always friendly and attentive, making every dining experience pleasant. The menu is diverse, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes, but the "bánh bèo chén" is truly a standout.

"Bánh bèo chén" are small steamed rice cakes served in tiny bowls, topped with a savory mixture of minced shrimp, scallions, crispy shallots, and mung bean paste. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The softness of the rice cakes contrasts perfectly with the crunchiness of the toppings, and the shrimp adds a touch of umami that is simply irresistible.

What makes "Phở Minh" special is not just the food, but the authenticity and care that goes into each dish. Every element of the "bánh bèo chén" is meticulously prepared, ensuring a high-quality dining experience. If you're looking for a taste of Vietnam, "Phở Minh" is the place to be, and their "bánh bèo chén"...