Midtown Lunch

Down on Washington Ave, Pho Ta replaced Pho Hoa. Similar name, similar menu. But would the pho be any better?

Summer rolls to start; stuffed to the brim and tightly wrapped.

As for the pho comparison, I am happy to report Pho Ta’s broth is miles away from the bland broth that their predecessor put out. They respected my request for less noodles. My only complaint is that the meat came overdone, I prefer having it arrive raw and watch it lose a bit of its pink while in the broth.

The pho really filled me up but I wanted to order something different to take home. It is a pretty big, noodley menu to navigate through. I ended up picking the pan fried crispy egg noodle with beef and vegetables-Pho Ap Chao Bo ($9.95).  Little triangles made of compacted rice noodles are a nice base for the beef and slew of broccoli, bok choy, snow peas, and baby corn. I liked that the sauce sinks in to the crispy noodle packets and makes then soften up. My mistake was ordering this to go because heating it up properly at home was tricky (the microwave ended up working better than the stove).

While browsing the lengthy menu, I notices all the fun add ins the vermicelli bowls could with with, but I wasn’t looking for any more noodles. Instead I asked for a side order of the shrimp paste wrapped in tofu skin add in. They were able to accommodate. It was far better than Pho Hoa’s shrimp paste and sugar cane appetizer.

Pho Ta was able to execute the series of dishes I tried well and they listened to my requests, I think that is a good indicator that they can handle their big menu. Though the pho might not be quite as good as Pho Ha, I would recommend this place for a group seeking more menu options.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Improved pho from the restaurant they replaced

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• I like my pho steak  to come raw

Pho Ta, 1111 S 11th St (@ 9th) 215 755-4000