Tucked away in the bustling Ban Co Market, Pho Chua Thanh is a humble restaurant with a simple signboard that captivates diners with its renowned Lang Son cuisine. Famous for its unique “spicy sour” pho, Pho Chua Thanh has become a familiar destination for those who love to explore Saigon’s street food. Join us today as we discover this hidden gem!
1 Introduction to Pho Chua Thanh on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street
Introduction to Pho Chua Thanh on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street
Restaurant Quality: 4.1/5 ( Rated by Google)
Address: 242/101 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Usually crowded at 6:00 PM)
Price Range: VND 25,000 – 100,000
Phone Number: 0938624882
Facebook: None
Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)
Menu: Sour pho, steamed rice cakes with pork and mushroom, pork rib porridge, mixed herb salad
Signature Dish: Special Sour Pho (VND 65,000)
Pros: Well-known, long-established restaurant with delicious food and a variety of toppings
Cons: Small space, located deep in an alley, a bit hard to find
Nestled in the lively Ban Co Market, Pho Chua Thanh is like a hidden gem, attracting diners with its unique flavors and unpretentious atmosphere. Located deep in an alley on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, this modest restaurant captivates diners with its attention to detail and the chef’s passion.
The compact kitchen is just enough for Mrs. Uyen’s family to efficiently prepare the ingredients. When it rains, diners walk about 80 meters into a nearby alley to a makeshift roof with simple stainless steel tables and chairs. Any discomfort from the inconvenience or bad weather vanishes as soon as you take your first bite of the special sour pho.
The tangy broth, spicy chilies, crunchy noodles, and savory toppings create an unforgettable flavor symphony. Combined with the rustic and humble ambiance, Pho Chua Thanh offers a warm and inviting dining experience.
Tucked away in the bustling market, Pho Chua Thanh captivates diners with its unique flavors and unpretentious atmosphere.
2 What Makes Pho Chua Thanh on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street Special?
Lang Son’s Sour Pho: A Complex Dish
Lang Son’s sour pho is a specialty dish from the mountainous region of Lang Son, known for its complex and delicate preparation. It impresses with the harmonious blend of ingredients: chicken liver and gizzards, shredded chicken, sweet potato, peanuts, green papaya, char siu, and herbs, all combined with a proprietary sweet and sour sauce.
The presentation is a feast for the eyes, with golden and crispy shrimp crackers, perfectly blanched herbs, and a generous topping of chili-spiced pork cracklings in a thick, brown sauce. The colors and textures create an appealing contrast, making it hard to resist.
Tasting this sour pho, you’ll discover a delicate balance of flavors: tangy, creamy, nutty, spicy, and refreshing. Together, they create an irresistible and memorable culinary experience.
Lang Son’s Sour Pho: A Complex Dish
Experiencing the Unique Flavors of Lang Son’s Sour Pho
Following the staff’s recommendation, diners are encouraged to add some pork cracklings from the table to their sour pho and mix all the ingredients well. This ensures that each component is coated in the signature sauce, creating a unique flavor profile. As you taste it, you’ll discern the perfect harmony of chewy noodles, fresh herbs, savory meat, fragrant fried onions, and the nutty crunch of peanuts, all complemented by the tangy sauce with hints of me and vinegar.
You can also slowly savor each ingredient, appreciating their individual flavors and textures before they come together in the sauce.
Experiencing the Unique Flavors of Lang Son’s Sour Pho
Steamed Rice Cakes with Pork and Mushroom: A Side Dish to Remember
Besides the famous sour pho, the restaurant also captivates diners with its steamed rice cakes with pork and mushroom, a unique dish in itself. The rice cakes stand out with their soft and fluffy texture, filled with fragrant minced pork and a hint of spicy pepper.
The highlight is the combination of carefully cleaned and prepared chicken gizzards, completely free of any unpleasant odor, served with a perfectly balanced dipping sauce of sour, spicy, and salty flavors. However, due to its immense popularity, this dish often sells out early.
Steamed Rice Cakes with Pork and Mushroom: A Side Dish to Remember
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Lang Son’s sour pho, Pho Chua Thanh is the perfect choice. Come and indulge in this unique culinary experience today!
