Philadelphia, PA - Philly is home to the largest East Coast population of Vietnam immigrants, making Philly one of the best Vietnamese food areas in the country. featured are five essential stops along South Philly's 'Pho Row.'
Where to Eat Pho in Philly on Pho Row
Although you can find Vietnamese restaurants throughout the Philadelphia region, they mainly concentrate on South Philly Washington Avenue. In this busy two-way artery, the city's Italian, Mexican, and Southeast Asian traditions intermingle. From the 16-block stretch of Point Breeze to Pennsport, and you'll find an abundance of pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup known for its fragrant broth, of aromatics like cinnamon, clove, and star anise.
Viet Huong Restaurant
Located on "Pho Row" is slipped into one side of the nondescript storefront. Traditional Vietnamese fare such as noodles & sandwiches served in a spacious dining room. Located at1110 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Pho 75
Quick, simple stop for Vietnamese pho soups in many varieties from vegetable-based to cuts of beef. If a genuine experience you are searching for, head over to Pho 75, located in the Vietnamese shopping center Wing Phat Plaza. The frill-free shop for newcomers to pho, as there aren't many other menu options. There's soup and only soup. Be warned if you select a size—"Regular" is enormous, "Large" can be shared—and toppings for beginners include meatballs and well-done flank steak. Located at 1122 Washington Avenue, 215-271-5866
Nam Phuong
Across the parking lot from Pho 75 is Nam Phuong, the best destination Pho Row on Pho Row in terms of its menu and sheer physical size. You can find the beef-based styles here and more nuanced bowls like the Pho Ga, with hunks of bone-in, dark-meat chicken in an aromatic chicken broth. They are also one of the few South Philly Viet restaurants with a liquor license. 1100-1120 Washington Avenue, 215-468-0410, namphuongphilly.com
Cafe Diem
A true local gem, the tiny family-owned Diem is known for its excellent interpretation of one soup in particular: Bun Bo Hue, the signature dish of the central Vietnamese city of Hue. You can distinguish it from classic pho in several ways. Its broth is more meaty and fiery, as opposed to subtly scented. It consists of meat, including pork hocks, ham and beef, and even thick noodles, with textures between Chinese lamina and spaghetti. 1031 South Eighth Street, 215-923-8347
Pho Saigon
Located in a shopping center near the banks of the Delaware River, Pho Saigon sits about as far east as Pho Row—and the city—as possible. All your fragrant and highly customizable pho choices are here, including upgrades like a version topped with thin-sliced rare ribeye. However, Saigon serves specific soup styles, including Pho Bap Bo, built around slow-simmered beef shanks, and Mien Ga made with shredded chicken and glass noodles. It's also a well known BYOB and next door to Beer Heaven, a well-stocked craft beer bottle shop.. 1100 South Columbus Boulevard, 267-773-7305
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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff
Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places to find great food, entertainment, and more in Philly.
