Pho Tay Do- a year later

Hi.  You are reading mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog.  Cathy has a post today.  Kirk and ed(from Yuma) are post-less at the moment. 

Kirk wrote about Pho Tay Do last July and The Mister and I stopped in that following weekend.  It is in the same 'parking lot area' as Vien Dong III  (if you drive West within it and then head South to University). We really liked what we had ordered in the heat of the summer then, as well as in the cold wetness of 'winter' and this year have returned for our 'not wanting to cook at home' meals.

 

As you can see, there are pho "Happy Hours" here now. (It looks like you get a large bowl of certain flavors for $4.95 between 5-9 p.m., daily, but I am not certain of all the details)

The bamboo decorated interior is bright and clean...

Table condiments are pretty standard.

I feel I must comment on the sugar.  Every time we have been here, I notice at least one person pouring sugar into his/her bowl of pho.  I've never seen this anywhere else and don't quite understand it...

On this day, The Mister ordered the grilled pork chop, tan hu ky and shrimp broken rice plate ($7.50). (Tan hu ky is fried bean curd -stuffed with chopped shrimp; always a favorite).  This plate is a filling meal and always done just right- the shrimp and pork chop are moist and grilled just right. 

This warm day, I did want to order bun (pronounced 'boon') (cold noodles on top of salad), which comes with a variety of choices of toppings.  I was going to order bun with cha gio, but not for the pork flavor as much as for the crunch.  When I saw the many vegetarian options on the newer menu, I chose the tofu filled cha gio as my bun topping...($5.50)

You can see the finely minced tofu pieces inside the roll.  It was very good.  All the flavors in the bun were complimentary.  The base of the bun here is more cucumbers and bean sprouts than lettuce, and I find that very refreshing.  Mint, scallions and peanuts do round out the flavors. If you notice the sauce bowls in the photos, that darker colored one came with mine, the 'vegetarian sauce'.  It has a wonderful deeper flavor.   Another good choice in this part of town.

Pho Tay Do 5296 University Avenue San Diego 92105 (619)582-0603

 

Comments

[caninecologne]

hi cathy - i like making and eating bun on hot days - refreshing. i've always wondered about this place too, so it's on my list now.

[nhbilly]

LOL, sugar in pho?
People must be diabetic.

[Alyssa]

Based on your post yesterday and today, are you thinking about going vegetarian? We always welcome more to our camp! The bun looks very refreshing, especially as the heat turns up. Great vegetarian options!

[Cathy]

Years ago, I inadvertently ordered bun at a Vietnamese plate, by pointing at the menu to order and was so delighted with the flavors, cc.
I know, bill...it's crazy, and I've only seen it here. Regularly.
Last three posts, actually, Alyssa. But I've not gone full vegetarian. I don't eat meat on Fridays, just in case (a reference to my Catholic roots). I am enjoying vegetarian options a bit more than usual when we go out...

[Carol]

Sugar in pho??? Think I'll pass.

I love bun on warm days but I still get food coma afterwards. The Mister's dish looks delicious too.

[Cathy]

I don't understand it either, Carol. Both of the dishes were great, but neither of us finish the main carbs (rice, noodles) served to us any more...new habits.

[Catty Critic]

I adore bun; in fact, I tend to always just order that with bbq pork and egg rolls. I suppose I should branch out but...soooo good. This makes me crave it.

Sugar in pho sounds...wrong. But maybe there's something to it? =/

[Oliver (San Diego)]

Thuan Phat Market, and Yum Cha Cafe in San Diego! Sounds like some good eats. I'm going to try to whip up the Beggar's Chicken too!

[Cathy]

Hi Catty! I usually order bun with grilled meat and cha gio also (so I don't have to order an appetizer), but have been all 'wild and crazy' this summer and have been delightfully surprised.
Welcome to our blog, Oliver. It looks like you've read a lot of our posts. Now you can have your own adventures here too!