**** Royal Garden has closed
I found myself back in City Heights this past weekend and decided to drop by Royal Garden to see what was going on.
I believe there was some kind of event going on later in the day as chairs were arranged, though all the tables near the window were occupied. Seems like they are doing some decent business these days.
I hadn't had a bowl of pho in a while and I recall thinking it was pretty good on one of my previous visits. So I ordered the Pho Duoi Bo - oxtail pho.
The sprouts were really fresh; though the basil was just starting to turn color. No ngo gai (cilantro) on this visit.
The bowl that arrived was quite huge.
There was one very large piece of oxtail and three smaller pieces. The texture of the meat was perfect; tender enough to be able to remove from the bone with chopsticks, but not falling to pieces. It was obviously cooked in some other liquid since it had a nice slightly sweet, winey-soy flavor, with a hint of ginger, edging almost toward a pork braise. There was also some decent slices of flank and brisket in the bowl; but it really was all about the oxtail.
The broth was darker this time around and more beefy with hints of anise.....it was also a bit on the sweeter side, but not overly salty. It wasn't quite as clear as on my previous visits either. Still; at least there was some beef flavor.
The noodles were cooked perfectly, but for some reason, there was a bunch of smaller pieces of noodles.....I'm thinking I got the "bottom of the package".
Regardless, this was a decent bowl. Looks like I found another place to get my "pho fix". And of course, like I mentioned in my previous post; there's much more to explore on the two different menus.
Royal Garden
4201 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Wed - Mon 9am - 9pm
Closed Tuesdays
:)
Posted by: kat | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 04:32 AM
Yea! Think I made some oxtails from one of your recipes once, very good!
Posted by: RedDevil | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 08:35 AM
Oxtail looks delicious!
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 11:21 AM
Oxtail Pho? That's a new one for me and sounds like it is in dire need of thorough investigation. ;)
Posted by: janfrederick | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 12:26 PM
It was pretty good Kat!
I do enjoy oxtails RD....that's why I had to try this.
It was pretty good Junichi!
Lol Jan. Back in the day Pho Ca Dao had Pho Duoi Bo....not sure about now. It's usually the kind of thing you have at "Mom's house".
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 12:45 PM
I always pass by this place, but my family just goes to the usual spots in City Heights. Your posts makes me want to check it out now. I also didn't know you had recipes on here (just found the tag). Any plans for future recipes?
Posted by: Elle | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 01:08 PM
Pho Ca Dao (at least the one in RB) still has oxtail pho on the menu. Have not had it thought so can't comment on it.
Posted by: RedDevil | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 02:12 PM
You should check it out Elle. And one of these days; i'll get back to posting my recipes and such....too busy and frankly lazy these days.
So, I'm not senile RD? ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 10 September 2018 at 07:35 PM