(10.0)

Pho Ca Dao

2431 North Classen Blvd.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73106
(405) 521-8819

It seems like everyone that I’ve met has a different place they consider to have the absolute best pho. These are more than just opinions but beliefs that are fought to the bitter end. During one of these heated debates a coworker recommended we try Pho Ca Dao. As an avid contrarian, I decided that I would give this joint a puff, just to nay say it. Ca Dao is located in a semi-shady shopping center deep in the Asian district which automatically got me excited. Upon entering the establishment I was happy to see plenty of tables arranged both in community style rows and smaller group settings. The staff was also courteous and spoke just enough English to take the order but leave everyone a little nervous of what they might get (again bonus points). Our table was equally split between vegetarians and meat eaters, and therefore the orders were also split between pho and vermicelli bowls. After a short wait filled with insults and nervous chatter about the possibility of meat in the vegetarians lunches the meal began to arrive. First, the generous helpings of basil, bean sprouts, jalapenos, and lime; followed by large bowls of piping hot pho. The vermicelli bowls arrived thereafter and instantly ended all speculation on order accuracy. I ordered the lean brisket and was blown away at how lean the meat actually was. The broth was the perfect combination of color, taste, and aroma. Of course I’m a big fan of Sriracha sauce and do not consider any pho, or most any cuisine, complete until my taste buds are on fire and there is a slight perspiration on my brow. While I was enjoying my pho I kept looking over at the vermicelli bowls thinking that the vegetarians got screwed. The bowls consisted of a pile of noodles, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, basil, mint, roasted peanuts, and a smidge of finely diced and fried onions, along with a side dish of fish oil. To my amazement everyone that got the vermicelli bowls just would not shut up about how bomb they were. The pho eaters floundered back and forth on whether or not it was better than the Phoa Hoa or the one in the old Long John Silver’s where Wayne Coyne worked. Personally I felt that Ca Dao had the best combination of factors that entitled it to best pho. These factors of course are centered on taste but also include quality, service, availability of seating, and ambiance. Note – when I say ambiance I don’t mean that there is a status quo of coolness that must be met. Rather, I mean the feel of the restaurant matches with my preferences for that specific type of food. For example, a good Mexican restaurant needs to be non-chain and a little run down/dirty for it to be worth a damn. Pho Ca Dao met and exceeds every one of those factors. BUT, the reason I came back was to try that mother effen vermicelli bowl. I ordered the combination bowl that came with egg rolls and grilled pork, and my God the world stopped. The eggrolls were amazing, the pork was grilled to perfection, and the combination of flavors blew my palette. After having one of these bowls, it has become one of my weekly meals, and has taken over Mexican food in both hypotheticals: if I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life, and last meal on earth. Needless to say I am torn on what grade to give this establishment. The pho, vermicelli bowl, and eggrolls are as good as you’ll find. Unfortunately the vermicelli bowl is so good I can’t get myself to order anything else and therefore I am not sure I can vouch for the rest of the menu. Eh who cares, the vermicelli bowls are bomb their getting a 10…biatches.

(8.0)

Super Cao Nguyen

Super Cao Nguyen
2668 N Military Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
(405) 525-7650

If you are looking to reenact the infamous “Soup Nazi” episode of Seinfeld then I recommend you head over to Super Cao Nguyen and ask a bunch of questions. The first time I ate here I was excited to try it. I had been frequenting the Milk Jug for some time now and I was in need of something just a bit different. I had heard really good things about their sandwiches so I was overly eager to get my hands on one. My wife and I walked through the sliding doors into a rather large grocery store. We look to our right (past all the Hello Kitty stuff) and see a small deli. We head over to a welcome greeting by a rather friendly Asian lady. It did not take long for the friendliness to be overcome by anger.

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(8.0)

Mr. Pho’s Noodle House

 

Mr. Pho’s Noodle House
1133 NW 25th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
405-525-7692

OKC has a large and active Vietnamese community and this is great for food buffs as we have a large selection of places to get Pho  (pronounced “fuh” by the knowledgeable but “foh” be me and most okies). For those new to this delicious item, Pho is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup that is served as a bowl of white rice noodles in clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast, or other chicken organs (heart, liver, etc.) are also available. A big plate of bean sprouts, Thai basil, jalapeno slices, and assorted chili sauces and oils are served on the side.For those of you that have binge drinking problems, it should be noted that Pho is an excellent hangover remedy.
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(8.0)

Saigon Baguette (Milk Bottle Sandwiches)

Saigon Baguette
2426 N Classen Blvd
(405) 524-2660 |

Stopped into my favorite Vietnamese Bánh mì shop yesterday for lunch, in the heart of the OKC Asian District. Actually, it may be the only Vietnamese sandwich shop in the city and if not, I am sure someone will correct me.

Housed in a famous local landmark, the Milk Bottle has been photographed and had portraits painted of it for posterity. Many businesses have tried to make a go of it in this location but with barely 100 square feet, it has to be tough. The latest comer is the Saigon Baguette and I hope this one stays for a long time.

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