Pho East stands as a beloved Vietnamese eatery renowned for its authentic flavors and diverse menu offerings. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan of Vietnamese cuisine, exploring the Pho East menu reveals a rich variety of dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
This comprehensive guide dives deeply into the different categories of the Pho East menu, highlighting popular items, their ingredients, and why they have become favorites among patrons.
Introduction to Pho East
Located in the heart of the city, Pho East prides itself on its warm ambiance and commitment to quality. The restaurant specializes in Vietnamese street food staples, focusing on pho – the iconic beef noodle soup – alongside other classic dishes such as spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, and rice plates.
The menu reflects a balance between traditional recipes and contemporary twists, catering to diverse palates including vegetarians, meat lovers, and those seeking gluten-free options.
“Pho East is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam through every bite.” – A loyal customer
Menu Overview
The Pho East menu is thoughtfully categorized to make it easy for diners to navigate. Main sections include:
- Pho Soups
- Appetizers & Sides
- Rice & Noodle Dishes
- Banh Mi Sandwiches
- Vegetarian Options
- Beverages & Desserts
Each category offers a range of dishes that embody authentic Vietnamese flavors, with detailed descriptions and optional add-ons to customize your meal.
Pho Soups
The centerpiece of Pho East’s menu is undoubtedly its pho soups. These are traditional Vietnamese noodle soups featuring aromatic broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of proteins.
The broth is simmered for hours using beef bones, spices such as star anise and cinnamon, and fresh aromatics to create a rich and fragrant base.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pho Tai (Rare Beef) | Thinly sliced rare beef served in clear beef broth with rice noodles, garnished with basil, bean sprouts, lime, and jalapeños. | $12.99 |
| Pho Bo Vien (Beef Meatballs) | Classic pho topped with flavorful homemade beef meatballs and fresh herbs. | $13.50 |
| Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) | Clear chicken broth with shredded chicken breast, rice noodles, and traditional garnishes. | $11.99 |
| Pho Dac Biet (Special Combination) | Combination of rare beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, and beef meatballs in a rich broth. | $14.99 |
| Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho) | Vegetable broth with tofu, mushrooms, and rice noodles, garnished with fresh herbs. | $11.50 |
Pro tip: Customize your pho with extra chili, hoisin sauce, or sriracha to tailor the heat and flavor to your liking.
Appetizers & Sides
Start your meal with a selection of Vietnamese appetizers and sides that offer a variety of textures and flavors. From crispy spring rolls to savory steamed buns, these dishes complement the main courses perfectly.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) | Rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs, served with peanut dipping sauce. | $7.99 (2 rolls) |
| Cha Gio (Fried Egg Rolls) | Crispy fried rolls stuffed with ground pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles, served with fish sauce dip. | $8.50 (3 rolls) |
| Banh Bao (Steamed Pork Buns) | Fluffy steamed buns with savory pork filling, lightly sweet and aromatic. | $6.99 (2 buns) |
| Com Tam (Broken Rice Side) | Traditional broken rice served with pickled vegetables and scallions. | $4.50 |
| Edamame | Lightly salted steamed soybeans, a healthy and refreshing snack. | $5.00 |
Rice & Noodle Dishes
Beyond pho, Pho East features an array of hearty rice and noodle dishes that showcase Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. These meals are perfect for those who want a filling, flavorful alternative to soup.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Com Ga (Chicken Rice) | Fragrant jasmine rice served with shredded poached chicken, cucumber slices, and scallion oil. | $13.00 |
| Hu Tieu (Pork & Seafood Noodle Soup) | Clear broth with rice noodles, pork, shrimp, and squid, garnished with herbs and lime. | $14.50 |
| Mi Xao Don (Crispy Egg Noodles) | Stir-fried crispy egg noodles topped with mixed vegetables and your choice of beef or chicken. | $14.00 |
| Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Vermicelli) | Cold vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, peanuts, fresh herbs, and nuoc cham sauce. | $13.99 |
| Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef) | Wok-seared cubed beef served with rice, lettuce, and tomato. | $16.00 |
Banh Mi Sandwiches
The Banh Mi sandwiches at Pho East are crafted on freshly baked baguettes, combining crispy textures with savory fillings and pickled vegetables. These sandwiches blend French and Vietnamese culinary influences into a perfect handheld meal.
| Sandwich | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Banh Mi Thit Nguoi (Cold Cut) | Classic cold cut sandwich with Vietnamese ham, pâté, pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, and jalapeños. | $8.99 |
| Banh Mi Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken) | Marinated grilled chicken breast with fresh cucumber, cilantro, and spicy mayo. | $9.50 |
| Banh Mi Cha Ca (Fish Cake) | Fish cake, lettuce, pickled vegetables, and special house sauce. | $9.75 |
| Banh Mi Chay (Vegetarian) | Grilled tofu, mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and vegan mayo. | $8.50 |
Vegetarian Options
Recognizing the importance of accommodating different dietary preferences, Pho East offers a variety of vegetarian dishes that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. Many dishes can be requested without meat or fish sauce to ensure they meet vegetarian standards.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho) | Rich vegetable broth with tofu, mushrooms, and rice noodles, garnished with fresh herbs. | $11.50 |
| Bun Chay (Vegetarian Vermicelli) | Cold rice vermicelli with tofu, lettuce, fresh herbs, and vegetarian nuoc cham sauce. | $12.00 |
| Vegetarian Goi Cuon | Fresh spring rolls with tofu, lettuce, vermicelli, and herbs served with peanut sauce. | $7.99 (2 rolls) |
| Vegetarian Banh Mi | Grilled tofu, pickled vegetables, cucumber, and vegan mayo on a toasted baguette. | $8.50 |
Beverages & Desserts
Complement your meal with Pho East’s selection of beverages and desserts. From traditional Vietnamese iced coffee to refreshing jasmine tea, the drink options enhance the dining experience.
For dessert, the restaurant offers sweet treats inspired by classic Vietnamese flavors, perfect for a light and satisfying finish.
| Beverage / Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) | Strong coffee brewed drip-style, mixed with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. | $4.50 |
| Jasmine Iced Tea | Lightly sweetened jasmine tea served chilled. | $3.00 |
| Che Ba Mau (Three Color Dessert) | A refreshing sweet treat with layers of beans, jelly, and coconut milk. | $5.50 |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and coconut cream. | $6.00 |
Customization and Dietary Notes
Important: Pho East is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request. Many dishes can be made gluten-free or vegan by substituting ingredients or omitting sauces containing fish or shellfish.
Feel free to ask the staff about customization options for spice levels, protein choices, or allergen concerns.
Popular Dishes & Customer Favorites
While every dish on the Pho East menu has its admirers, certain items frequently top customer recommendations:
- Pho Dac Biet: The special combination pho offers a hearty taste of multiple beef cuts and textures.
- Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls): Loved for their freshness and balanced flavors.
- Banh Mi Ga Nuong: The grilled chicken sandwich is praised for its tender meat and vibrant pickled vegetables.
- Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef): A perfect dish for those craving savory, wok-seared beef with rice.
“Every time I visit Pho East, the Pho Dac Biet keeps me coming back. The broth is so flavorful and the assortment of beef cuts makes it special.” – Food Blogger
Conclusion
Exploring the Pho East menu is a delightful way to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy and welcoming environment. From the soul-warming pho to the crisp banh mi sandwiches and fresh appetizers, the restaurant offers something for every taste and occasion.
Whether you seek a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a place to savor traditional flavors, Pho East’s menu promises quality, freshness, and culinary excellence.
Next time you crave Vietnamese food, let Pho East’s menu guide your journey through rich broths, fragrant herbs, and vibrant flavors.
