Look, I’m no pho expert. While I’ve eaten thousands of tacos in my lifetime, pho hasn’t been something that 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 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.
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.
Have you discovered an instant pho that’s good? I’d love to hear about it.
Happy Pho Friday!
#phoFriday
