Discovering authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Oakland is a culinary adventure that delights both locals and visitors alike. Among the many gems scattered throughout the city, Pho 84 Oakland stands out as a beloved destination for those craving rich, flavorful soups and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
The restaurant’s menu reflects a deep respect for classic recipes while offering a variety of options to satisfy diverse palates. Whether you’re a longtime fan of pho or exploring Vietnamese food for the first time, Pho 84 provides an inviting atmosphere and a menu that promises both comfort and excitement.
The balance of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and expertly crafted broths make dining here a memorable experience. Embracing simplicity and authenticity, Pho 84’s menu is a testament to Vietnamese culinary heritage presented with care and passion.
At the heart of Pho 84 Oakland’s menu is its signature pho, a dish that has been perfected over generations. The menu also features a range of appetizers, rice and noodle dishes, and refreshing beverages, ensuring there’s something for every craving.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality shines through in every bite, from the perfectly simmered broth to the fresh, vibrant herbs served alongside each bowl. Understanding the menu’s structure and highlights can enhance your dining experience, making each visit more enjoyable and satisfying.
Signature Pho Dishes
The cornerstone of Pho 84 Oakland’s menu is undoubtedly its signature pho offerings. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is crafted with a deeply flavorful broth, tender meats, and fresh herbs.
The menu showcases a variety of pho options, each with unique ingredients and preparation styles to cater to different preferences.
The broth is simmered for hours, extracting rich flavors from beef bones, spices, and aromatics, resulting in a clear yet intensely savory base. Customers can choose from different protein options including rare beef, brisket, meatballs, and tendon.
This variety allows diners to customize their pho experience according to taste and texture preferences.
- Pho Tai: Thinly sliced rare beef cooked gently in the hot broth
- Pho Chin: Tender brisket with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Pho Bo Vien: Flavorful beef meatballs that add a satisfying bite
- Pho Dac Biet: A combination of all the best cuts for a hearty meal
Broth Preparation and Quality
The broth at Pho 84 is a carefully guarded secret, simmered for up to 12 hours with a combination of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and charred onions. This slow cooking process ensures a rich, balanced flavor without the heaviness found in some commercial pho broths.
The subtle sweetness and aromatic spices are what set the broth apart and keep customers coming back.
“The broth is the soul of pho, and at Pho 84, it’s a soul that speaks volumes about tradition and care.”
Each bowl is served with a side plate of fresh herbs such as Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños, allowing diners to tailor their soup to their liking. The harmony of flavors and textures in every bowl exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and quality.
Appetizers and Small Plates
Before diving into a steaming bowl of pho, many guests enjoy sampling Pho 84’s range of appetizers. These small plates provide a variety of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing or as a prelude to the main course.
The appetizers reflect traditional Vietnamese street food favorites, prepared with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.
Among the popular starters are the crispy spring rolls and fresh summer rolls, both embodying the balance of crunchy and tender textures with vibrant herbs. The menu also features savory dishes like grilled pork skewers and shrimp cakes, which offer smoky, charred flavors that complement the lighter, herbaceous rolls.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: Deep-fried to a golden crisp, served with a tangy dipping sauce
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Rice paper wraps filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fresh herbs
- Grilled Pork Skewers: Marinated and char-grilled for a smoky flavor
- Shrimp Cakes: Lightly fried patties with a perfect blend of shrimp and seasoning
Perfect Pairings
Pairing appetizers with pho or other main dishes enhances the meal experience. The fresh spring rolls offer a cooling contrast to the warmth of pho, while the grilled pork skewers bring a savory smoky element to the table.
Many diners enjoy combining these appetizers with a glass of iced jasmine tea or traditional Vietnamese coffee for a complete sensory experience.
“The appetizers at Pho 84 aren’t just starters—they’re an invitation to savor the depth of Vietnamese culinary artistry.”
Rice and Noodle Entrées
Beyond pho, Pho 84’s menu includes a selection of rice and noodle dishes that showcase the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine. These entrées offer heartier options for those looking for variety or a different kind of comfort food.
Each dish is carefully prepared with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.
Rice dishes such as broken rice with grilled meats provide a satisfying and filling meal. The rice is steamed to fluffy perfection and served alongside marinated and char-grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, and pickled accompaniments.
Noodle dishes encompass both stir-fried and soup-based varieties, featuring a mix of vegetables and proteins that highlight the balance and harmony typical of Vietnamese cooking.
- Com Suon Nuong: Broken rice with grilled pork chops, scallions, and pickled vegetables
- Hu Tieu: Clear noodle soup with a lighter broth and assorted toppings
- Mi Xao Don: Crispy egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and choice of meat
- Bun Thit Nuong: Vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, peanuts, and fresh herbs
Healthful and Flavorful Choices
Many of the rice and noodle dishes are crafted to balance nutrition with taste. Fresh herbs and vegetables play a key role, adding brightness and crunch.
The use of grilled rather than fried proteins provides a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. These dishes appeal to diners seeking both tradition and lighter fare.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Com Suon Nuong | Grilled pork, broken rice, scallions, pickled carrots | Savory, smoky, tangy |
| Hu Tieu | Clear broth, rice noodles, shrimp, pork, herbs | Light, aromatic, slightly sweet |
| Mi Xao Don | Crispy egg noodles, stir-fried vegetables, chicken or beef | Crunchy, savory, umami-rich |
| Bun Thit Nuong | Vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, peanuts, fresh herbs | Fresh, nutty, herbaceous |
Beverages and Refreshments
Completing the dining experience at Pho 84 Oakland is a thoughtfully curated beverage menu. Vietnamese drinks are known for their unique flavors and refreshing qualities, and Pho 84 offers a variety of options that pair beautifully with the food.
From traditional teas to iced coffees, these beverages enhance the overall meal.
One of the standout drinks is the iconic Vietnamese iced coffee, made strong and sweet with condensed milk and served over ice. For those seeking lighter options, jasmine tea and lotus tea provide fragrant and soothing complements to the savory dishes.
Additionally, fresh fruit juices and soda options add a modern twist to the beverage lineup.
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Bold coffee brewed drip-style, mixed with sweetened condensed milk
- Jasmine Tea: Light, floral tea served hot or iced
- Lotus Tea: Fragrant tea with subtle floral notes
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Seasonal options such as sugarcane, passion fruit, or lychee
Enhancing Your Meal with Drinks
The rich and flavorful dishes at Pho 84 often benefit from the contrast or complement offered by these beverages. The sweetness of iced coffee balances the savory notes of pho, while the aromatic teas cleanse the palate between bites.
Fresh juices bring a burst of natural sweetness and refreshment, ideal for warmer days or spicier meals.
“A great Vietnamese meal isn’t complete without sipping on a perfectly brewed iced coffee or a fragrant cup of tea.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Pho 84 Oakland understands the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs, offering a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These options are thoughtfully crafted to highlight the fresh, vibrant ingredients central to Vietnamese cuisine.
The vegetarian pho features a savory vegetable broth infused with traditional spices and herbs, accompanied by tofu, mushrooms, and fresh vegetables. Other dishes include stir-fried vegetarian noodles and rice plates loaded with a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins.
These options ensure that plant-based diners can enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam without sacrifice.
- Vegetarian Pho: Clear vegetable broth with tofu, mushrooms, and herbs
- Stir-Fried Tofu Noodles: Egg or rice noodles with tofu and mixed vegetables
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Fragrant rice stir-fried with seasonal vegetables and soy sauce
- Fresh Spring Rolls (Vegetarian): Rice paper rolls filled with tofu, herbs, and vermicelli
Commitment to Quality and Flavor
While vegetarian dishes often risk being bland, Pho 84 excels by using bold seasonings, fresh herbs, and carefully prepared broths. The kitchen ensures that each vegetarian plate is as satisfying and flavorful as its meat-based counterparts.
This approach reflects the restaurant’s dedication to inclusivity and excellence.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Highlights |
| Vegetarian Pho | Vegetable broth, tofu, mushrooms, rice noodles | Umami-rich, aromatic, light |
| Stir-Fried Tofu Noodles | Tofu, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, soy sauce | Savory, slightly sweet, hearty |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Rice, carrots, peas, onions, soy sauce | Fragrant, satisfying, well-seasoned |
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To round out the meal, Pho 84 Oakland offers a selection of traditional Vietnamese desserts that provide a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. These desserts often feature ingredients like coconut milk, mung beans, and tropical fruits, delivering a refreshing and satisfying conclusion.
Popular choices include che, a sweet Vietnamese pudding made with a mixture of beans, jellies, and coconut milk, and black sesame soup, known for its warm, nutty flavor and smooth texture. Seasonal fruit plates also offer a light, natural way to finish the meal.
- Che Ba Mau: Three-color dessert with beans, jelly, and coconut milk
- Black Sesame Soup: Warm, sweet, and nutty with a creamy texture
- Mango with Sticky Rice: Sweet ripe mango paired with coconut-infused sticky rice
- Fresh Fruit Plate: Seasonal selection of tropical fruits
Sweet Endings with Cultural Roots
Vietnamese desserts at Pho 84 balance sweetness with natural ingredients, avoiding overly sugary flavors. These treats offer a perfect counterpoint to the savory dishes and leave diners with a lasting impression of the meal’s depth and authenticity.
They embody the cultural heritage and culinary artistry that Pho 84 celebrates.
“Dessert at Pho 84 is a gentle reminder that Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of balance — flavors, textures, and traditions.”
Customizable Options and Dietary Accommodations
Pho 84 Oakland prides itself on being accommodating and flexible, recognizing the varied needs of its clientele. The menu offers multiple options for customization, allowing guests to tailor their meals according to taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or allergies.
Whether requesting a bowl of pho with extra herbs, substituting protein types, or opting for gluten-free noodle alternatives, the kitchen staff is attentive and knowledgeable. This approach ensures a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for everyone, from traditionalists to those with specific dietary needs.
- Protein Substitutions: Options to swap beef for chicken, tofu, or other proteins
- Broth Choices: Clear beef broth, vegetarian broth, or lighter options available
- Allergen Awareness: Staff trained to handle common allergens like shellfish and gluten
- Spice Level Control: Guests can request mild, medium, or spicy versions of dishes
Ensuring Satisfaction for All Guests
Open communication with staff is encouraged to ensure dietary needs are met without compromising flavor or quality. This dedication to customization reflects Pho 84’s commitment to hospitality and respect for its diverse clientele.
Every guest is invited to enjoy the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine in a way that suits their individual preferences.
| Customization | Details |
| Protein Choices | Beef, chicken, tofu, meatballs, tendon |
| Broth Options | Beef broth, vegetarian broth |
| Spice Levels | Mild, medium, spicy |
| Allergy Accommodations | Gluten-free noodles, shellfish-free preparations on request |
Conclusion
Exploring the Pho 84 Oakland menu reveals a rich tapestry of traditional Vietnamese flavors, carefully crafted and presented with authenticity and care. Each section of the menu—from the signature pho bowls to the vibrant appetizers, hearty rice and noodle dishes, refreshing beverages, and thoughtfully prepared vegetarian options—reflects a deep respect for culinary heritage.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients, precise preparation, and accommodating service ensures that every guest leaves satisfied and eager to return.
The balance of bold spices, fresh herbs, and expertly simmered broths creates a memorable dining experience that honors the simplicity and sophistication of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of pho or an adventurous taste of lesser-known dishes, Pho 84 offers something for every palate.
Its vibrant menu, combined with attentive customization options and traditional desserts, makes it a standout destination in Oakland’s diverse food scene.
Dining at Pho 84 is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to engage with a culture through its food, savoring every bite as a celebration of tradition and flavor. For those who appreciate culinary craftsmanship and authentic experiences, Pho 84 Oakland is an essential stop that promises warmth, satisfaction, and a true taste of Vietnam.
