Pho Van, without a doubt, has the best pho in Baltimore. The beef bone based broth is rich, full of beef flavor with the aromatics of cinnamon and star anise balanced perfectly. What meats you choose to go into your pho is diverse and additional portions can be ordered. The small bowl has always been more than enough for me, but a hearty appetite will finish the large. Fresh basil, bean sprouts, jalapeno peppers and wedges of lime are plated beside your pho, letting you customize your pho along with optional hoisin and hot sauces. The nondescript restaurant in a nondescript strip mall west of downtown, 40 West Plaza Shopping Center, is cash only, so come prepared. Service is friendly and fast, the owner greets everyone with a smile. While you are there, try the marinated quail (Chim Cúc). How good is Pho Van’s pho? On each visit, the patrons were mostly Vietnamese who were contented slurping the noodles and broth from their bowls of pho.

Dara Does It

Contributor