September 24, 2021
Look, I’m no pho expert. While I’ve eaten thousands of tacos in my lifetime, pho hasn’t been something readily available in the places I’ve lived. Even now, Northern Colorado isn’t a mecca for pho lovers. It’s on a few menus, but it’s not everywhere like in some cities.
I’m still a newbie to pho, and far from being a pho snob, so when I discovered pho bowls at Costco, I was pretty happy. I thought they were tasty, not as delicious as at a restaurant, but they were nice to have in a pinch. Then, the product disappeared, as things do at Costco. However, pho bowls are now back, although I think it’s a different brand because it’s just not as good. I can’t recall the other brand.
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I had a bowl earlier today, adding mushrooms, jalapenos and cilantro. I didn’t have any meat that would work in pho.
And here’s why I think it’s a different brand or the same brand but a different recipe. The broth just isn’t very flavorful. I do know that good pho restaurants put a lot of time into their broth and a seasoning packet will never live up. Pho is first and foremost about the broth, but I just wasn’t very impressed with this one.
Eight more pho bowls to go, and I will eat them. I might try adding a little less water than is called for so that the broth is stronger. I also somethings add a soft-boiled egg on top, like in ramen (which is probably a pho faux pas).
Have you discovered an instant pho that’s good? I’d love to hear about it.
Happy Pho Friday!
#phoFriday