By EDKL Writer A. A.
Starting out from their home-based private kitchen where they delighted guests with beautiful Vietnamese salads & sumptuous braised pork, it's been a nearly four-year journey till this point for husband-&-wife team Kenneth & Hoa. After testing the waters with an SS2 kopitiam stall, the couple have finally made the leap of faith by launching their own full-fledged restaurant in this neighbourhood.
Pho King is all about the details, reflected through the venue's choices in how it sources and prepares its ingredients. For the meat, Australian beef and premium pork from respected Malaysian brand Sanbanto. The traditional fish sauce comes from no less than Phú Quốc, the island with seaweed-rich waters. The Vietnamese peanuts are purchased raw, then roasted, peeled & crushed by the team here. This dedication translates to quality in Pho King's fare.
Of course, the signature Phò Bò (RM 15.50) is fundamental here. These smooth Vietnamese Beef Noodles come with rare beef and brisket slices that blend together in a peppery bowl with subtle complexities. For the full effect, eat this Hanoi-style - taste the broth first on its own, then add in garlic vinegar if you wish, before finally introducing some sriracha sauce for spiciness.
Bún Chạo Tôm (RM 16.50) is a big bowl of cold noodles, vegetables and sugarcane prawns. Pho King recommends having this in the manner of the south – pour the sauce into the bowl and toss the components. What results is a lightly sour, pleasantly sweetish dish that's perfect to combat the heat.
The Còm Thịt Gà Rang Sả (RM 13.90) is a plate of lemongrass chicken with rice that's rich, juicy and spicy, with soup that just complements the experience with more spiciness and a hint of lime. If you're craving something punchy and in-your-face, you need this.
The Fresh Summer Rolls (two pieces for RM 7.90) are a healthy, fresh mix of crunchy greens and shrimp wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce. If you prefer something a bit more sinful, go for the crispy Fried Spring Rolls (three pieces for RM 7.50). Then there's the grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves - each bite of the Bò Lá Lốt (RM 7.90) steals the show with a crunchy nuttiness and a smoky fragrance.
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Even the drinks have the same measure of precision. The Vietnamese Drip Coffee (RM 5.90), made with Arabica beans, is creamy and comparatively less acidic than other Vietnamese coffees. It's well-balanced and relatively light. The Artichoke Tea (RM 3.50) is an interesting choice, both fruity and a bit bitter. We also like the house-made Lime Soda (RM 3.90), light, fizzy, and ultimately refreshing.
We didn't have it this time, but on our previous visit to Pho King's stall we loved their braised pork belly - previously a weekend special, it's now a daily menu offering (RM13.90). Like before, Pho King is always experimenting with new temptations, and customers may often find limited-time-only specialities here. Check out Pho King onFacebook to stay updated.
Pho King also sells Vietnamese snacks.
Thank you Pho King for the Awesome Vietnamese Food.
Pho King
Open Friday-Wednesday, 12pm - 9pm (closed Thursdays) | Tel: 03-7865-3290
153, Jalan SS 2/6, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
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