(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.