"Wrapping up" more obsessions - Convoy Noodle House and Pho King

Banh Hoi Anyone?

I've kinda grown attached to Banh Hoi....thin rice vermicelli noodles that are served in little "cakes". The version that we enjoy the most at Convoy Noodle House comes topped with Char-broiled Pork($7.95):

The pork is nicely marinated, and caramelized, if a bit on the tough side. These are served with sheets of rice paper(Banh Trang) and vegetables. This is basically a "make your own" spring roll dish. And even though we usually make a mess, the combination of the salty-sweet pork, the slightly elastic noodles, and fresh herbs, dipped into some Nuoc Mam Cham, makes for a nice refreshing dish.

Convoy Noodle House
4647 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Wrapping up the Missus's (other) latest obsession.....

Over the last 2 weeks, the Missus has broken away from what She usually orders at the unfortunately named Pho King, and has been obsessed with the Banh Trang dishes there, sometimes getting 2 orders at a time!

The Thit Nuong Banh Trang(grilled pork with rice paper - $7.95):

This is the same char grilled pork that comes with the rice dish the Missus enjoys. Served on a bed of Bun(rice vermicelli) this wonderfully flavored pork is a bit too tough for the Banh Trang.

The Chao Tom Banh Trang(sugar cane shrimp with rice paper - $8.95):

Much too bland for Banh Trang....

Even though no one would ever mistake the Missus for Goldilocks(and I wouldn't even want to try!) to quote Her; "this pork is too tough, this sugar shrimp is too bland...but this grilled beef was just right!" The tone of that statement sounds vaguely familiar doesn't it? The Bo Nuong Banh Trang(grilled beef with rice paper - $7.95):

Nice and tender thin slices of grilled beef, flavored with soy and fish sauce, with just the right amount of sweetness. The beef was placed on a bed of Bun, which soaked up the marinade. The savory, slightly sweet fried shallots added a nice crunch and flavor. Of course all of these dishes came with rice paper, and a plate of vegetables, herbs, pickles(love the pickled onions), and the requisite Nuoc Mam Cham dipping sauce.

A quick dip in the bowl of warm water, a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.....and a quick roll, and you've got a symphony of flavors and textures. No photos of any that I made. I still make the ugliest spring rolls in SoCal. The Missus, after several visits where she created "rice paper burritos" that would put La Posta to shame, has finally got the knack.......

Just in time for Her next Obsession!!!

Pho King Restaurant
4658 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Comments

[Jessica]

I really enjoy the non-pho dishes at Convoy Noodle House, especially the broken rice ones since you can add on almost anything to them.

[Carol]

Those look so good! I'll have to try Banh Trang instead of my usualy Bun or pho dishes next time. Thanks, Kirk!

[howie]

I haven't seen Banh Trang on a lot of menus in SD (or maybe I just never got past the Bun Bo Hue). I'll definitely have to try soon.

[geekyfoodie]

Banh hoi! I haven't been here in a while, but I love banh hoi and can't wait to have some. It's been a while.

[kat]

mmm everything looks really nice!

[foodhoe]

I make the ugliest rolls in Northern California, but that's cuz I try to put too much stuff in but they taste good, eh? I haven't been to a roll your own place in a long time, thanks for the reminder!

[Kirk]

Hi Jessica - Convoy Noodle House does a pretty good job with most everything.

Hi Carol - Stay away from the Pho at Pho King, and you'll find some pretty good dishes.

Hi Howie - I think almost all the "big" Vietnamese Restaurants have them.....but we like the char grilled beef at Pho King.

Hi GF - You know, I don't see Banh Hoi on many menus....someone once told me that most restaurants carry it, but you have to ask.

Hi Kat - Looks great doesn't it? Until I get my mitts and try rolling some of those spring rolls.

Hi FH - LOL! We tend to go for the burrito sized stuff too...must be second nature...