Pho, a taste of Vietnam
Dreamt up by passionate couple Stephen and Juliette Wall during their travels through Vietnam, Pho started out as a romantic notion that many of us can relate to. Inspired by new found exotic taste and smell sensations, they decided (while slurping pho bo in Ho Chi Minh City) to bring a tangible piece of their holiday home with them. Quite some travel curio. The first Pho opened in 2005 and now twelve years on Pho is still a family-run business with twenty-three UK branches. We’re delighted that now Wimbledon has joined the fray.
Located on Wimbledon Hill Road the restaurant seats around 100 diners with a funky mix of shared counter and cosy booth seating, also on offer for summer al fresco dining is the rear garden. The interior with its authentic Vietnamese décor and art depicting typical Vietnamese street scenes transports you out of SW19 and you could be forgiven for thinking you were slap-bang in bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Jasmine Koolhoven, deputy manager explained that PHO is pronounced ‘fur’. So, fur next time you pop in do speak the lingo!
We enjoyed a delicious selection of dishes from the menu so we could share with you, just to whet the appetite!
Refreshments
Apple, mint and lime juice
Apple, beetroot and carrot
Phojito – mojito using rice rum from Vietnam
Starters
Goi cuon summer rolls – made with fresh rice paper handmade by chefs daily. We loved these, refreshing and light with crunchy mint salad.
Banana blossom salad – an exotic dish with star fruit, soft thinly sliced steak mixed with banana blossom. The dish packs a flavour punch with heat from the chillies and bursts of acidity from the star fruit.
Main
Pho – Vietnamese noodle soup.
Bun nam rom hue: hot and spicy enoki, shiitake and button mushrooms, pak choi.
Rich red, hot a spicy this is a comforting bowl of goodness. The dish is accompanied by a plate of herbs and spices.
Top Tip from Jasmin is to crunch these aromatic herbs and spices up before adding to the pho to intensify the flavour.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Merton Chamber of Commerce Awards
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Vote for your ‘Best Eating Experience in Wimbledon Town Centre’. With over 100 great eateries including cafes, restaurants, bars and take-aways, it’s time to back your favourites. Voting closes Wednesday 19 July – Vote today at timeandleisure.co.uk/food-and-drink-awards
