A Step Up from the Past - Pho That Hits the Spot in Buford
Having had a less than stellar experience a few years ago, with memories of unseasoned dishes lingering like a bland aftertaste, I approached my recent visit to this local pho spot with a healthy dose of skepticism. To my pleasant surprise, the establishment has taken strides in the right direction - particularly when it comes to their pho.
The broth, previously criticized for its lackluster flavor, now sings with a melody of spices and depth that I found genuinely satisfying. Each spoonful was a testament to the improvement in their recipe, making the pho not just edible but enjoyable. The vegetables scattered within the bowl were a vibrant medley of freshness, and the meat provided a tender counterpoint to the crisp textures of the greens - a harmonious blend for the palate.
However, the dining experience is more than just about the food, and it's here where the pho spot shows room for growth. The sticky floors were a noticeable distraction, suggesting that while the kitchen's standards have risen, the same attention to the dining area is due. The ambiance, while improved by the presence of other diners, was dim and quiet to the point of being overly subdued. The sounds of slurping became an unintended soundtrack to the meal, a reminder that a little background music or a livelier atmosphere could go a long way in elevating the overall experience.
Service, though not lacking in politeness, was sparse. Our server fulfilled the basic duties of order-taking and bill presentation but was absent in between. A more attentive approach would not only make diners feel more cared for but also contribute to a more dynamic and engaging environment.
In conclusion, while there is certainly room for improvement in terms of ambiance and service, the strides made in the culinary department are commendable. For those in the Buford area with a hankering for a flavorful bowl of pho, this place now stands as a decent option worth giving a try. It's not without its flaws, but the food alone suggests a trajectory towards something better, and I am curious to see how this spot will...
Read morePretty good! Bahn mi is a little pricey, but their rent probably is also. Pho is always good. I ate at another place that I had some herbs that were wilting badly, sent home with me( I had take out), and that trying a good meal, but this place is always right point switch everything. A real treat. I just wish that they had some of those sweet juice with tapioca square "noodles, red beans, and various other goodies, desserts. I have yet to find somewhere that has those Vietnamese treats. IMO, Vietnamese food, and partly because of it's French influence through colonization, but more so because of it fearless use of fish sauce and how it mixes flavors so well, is one of the true gems of underrated good in this country. If we could just have more Vietnamese food, and true Chinese food, we would be better off for it. There is a lot of food in east Asia that is missed completely, or misrepresented, but formally Vietnamese food stays fairly true to form, although severely toned down at times for the American palate. Take a try of this place, instead of those places that mix a lot of this and Chinese-esque food. Stick to one thing and it will always be better! This...
Read moreWas craving pho and wanted to try out the new place that settled in the area. As the pho places around this area are "so so" at best, they lacked consistency in their food and this place after my dinner seems to be the same as everyone else. Tasteless, bland broth. I ordered the Lemongrass Beef Vermicelli plate and it came with all the oil that was in the pan that they fried it in souping at the bottom of my bowl. Their vermicelli noodles are thicker than most places, more spaghetti like if you're into that. I prefer mine to be thinner (personal preferences). My son ordered Chicken Fried rice and while they had plenty of chicken in it, it was super oily. The rice absorbed all the oil and looked a pale yellow. Taste-wise, it was "so-so" as well. So in all of that, this review should've been 3 stars however, we ordered some banh mi to-go and thats what knocked it down to 2. The banh mi has a sliver of pork meat and minimal veg. If you want to pay $4 for a loaf of bread, then this is the place to go but I'd like some meat and veggies in my banh mi and it was far from disappointing, its an embarrassment to the culture and people.
edit: added photo...
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