A Taste of Vietnam – In San Gabriel – LOCAL

After living in Asia, and being exposed to a variety of a different cuisines, from Hunan to Thai, we are always looking for restaurants that recreate the incredible flavors we associate with our travels. One of our favorite destinations for many reasons, especially for the food, is Vietnam. So where can one find some great Vietnamese Pho? Why, in San Gabriel, of course!

Vietnamese coffee, Pho, and spring rolls… Yum!

Out of the many great Vietnamese restaurants we have found near Pasadena, there are two that we love and visit frequently. Pho Ngoon and the Golden Deli can both be found in San Gabriel, California and are both amazing and definitely worth a try!

Starting with Pho Ngoon, order the egg rolls and take a crunchy bite out of one. You will enjoy a wonderful combination of pork flavor and vegetable textures that will mix perfectly in your mouth.

Quench your thirst with a refreshing lemonade soda or an iced Vietnamese coffee and you are off to an amazing meal. For our main course, we always order the Pho Tai Lan or the Pho Bac. Both are a variation of Vietnamese noodle soups with Filet Steak. The rice noodles they use are flat and a bit larger than many other restaurants in the area. Mix in some fresh basil, bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime, with a heaping of home-made hot sauce to taste, and your tastebuds will not be disappointed. This place is always filled with other Vietnamese families and locals from the area, so you know this stuff is good.

The Golden Deli has been around for over 30 years so they definitely have their clients hooked!

The Pho at the Golden Deli is a bit darker and I think a little more flavorful without adding the traditional side toppings. They also provide cilantro to their side plate of soup toppings, adding an extra ingredient to the flavor of their broth. This place is a definite local favorite in the area and is always filled with people. They also offer a larger menu than some of the other restaurants with other Vietnamese food options for those who would prefer something other than a wonderful bowl of Pho.

So, if you’re craving a quick bowl of authentic Pho, both of these restaurants are great! You don’t have to go to Vietnam to eat Vietnamese, just take trip over to the San Gabriel Valley and find your little slice of Pho Heaven…