/ Reviews / Vietnamese
Pho-tastic
by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, July 24, 2009 12:00 AM
Hong Kong restaurateurs have broken into the Shanghai market with their first Vietnamese restaurant, Phö Sizzling, located in the heart of the city on the re-vamped Wujiang Lu.
The Lychee Soda and Sago Drink (RMB18) starts the meal with a unique sweet and refreshing flavor perfect for these hot summer afternoons. The Pomelo Avocado Shrimp Salad (RMB32) is a great summer dish, served on a bed of ripe tomatoes, topped with fresh avocado pieces and then sprinkled with crunchy peanut crumbs. Topping the salad was a skewered barbequed shrimp. To balance against the healthy salad, the traditional Fried Shrimp Rolls (RMB16) is a good option.
Overall the Vietnamese dishes were flavorful, but not truly authentic. While they claimed to be westernizing the selections, it seemed to be more of a localization of flavors. They have taken Vietnamese flavors and modified them to appeal to the local Shanghai tastes. The menu also shows influences of the French partner. For example the chicken in the Vietnamese Shredded Marinated Chicken and Mango Sandwich (RMB24) was juicy but very sweet.
Where Phö Sizzling excels is with their pho. With three options to choose from based upon the main ingredients they have made it simple to order. The Beginner (RMB22) contains tender, leaner cuts of beef; the Regular (RMB26) has more fatty cuts; and the Adventurous (RMB29) consists of tripe and other specialty meat additions. To create a rich stock, beef bones are simmered for over ten hours. The resulting pho is definitely a stand out, served with a huge portion of juicy tender beef.
Another specialty dish is the sizzling platters. The Sizzling Black Pepper Steak (RMB38) noisily arrived tableside with the steak and fresh vegetables still sizzling. The server helps prepare the meat to your specified temperature. The thick pepper sauce slowly creeps with spicy intensity. Tip: be wary of splattering juices and ask the server to allow you to pour the sauce to control the amount.
The Bottom Line: While all of the flavors are not truly authentic, the pho is one of the best in town and the sizzling plates live up to their name. When in the area, stop by for a great, light meal.
