Basil and Lemons
A friend and I were one of the first few people to open Robinsons Galleria as early as 10 a.m. while the northern part of the country was being ravaged by storm Cosme. It was Saturday and the second day of mallwide sale. I remember having been there attending the same mall event exactly a year ago. But this time, the absence of glum talks about leaving the country made the huge difference.
The best thing about being early on a sale event is that there is no need to compete for a fitting room and wait in long lines. By lunch time, half of the shopping list was covered. We spotted Pho Hoa Vietnamese Restaurant at basement level.
Store Details
Pho Hoa is a Vietnamese restaurant known for its healthy soup varieties with tasty slices of flank, brisket, eye round steak. They have branches in densely populated Asian cities and North America. In the Philippines, they have a dozen stores. The one we ate in is located the basement level of Robinsons Galleria beside Compass Internet.
What’s On Our Menu
We ordered Phở Chín, Bò Viên (a noodle soup for beginners with flank, brisket and meat balls), seafood soup bowl and Gỏi Cuốn (fresh spring rolls). This big meal cost us only around P480.
Service Factor
It was quick. Once were seated, a menu book was opened for us by the crew who did not introduce himself. Also, the assigned crew was not attentive enough to spot my indecision on which food to order. I have been to Pho Hoa once many years back and I can’t recall their food specialty. Nevertheless, our food orders were completed in 15 minutes.
Yummy Meter
Their noodle soups are naturally flavored with fresh herbs and meat. Fresh basil leaves, bean sprouts and lemon wedges add more texture to it. We just loved it. I’m not exactly a noodle soup person but definitely I would be back for more.
Facilities Check
If you want a quieter space in a crowded mall, this place is good for conversation. However, the restaurant is predominantly dark. I’m not sure if they were just saving on electricity.
