Pho 88 - Lowell

Next, I tried the Hot, Sweet and Sour Soup (Canh Chua Ca Bong Lau, Tom Hoac Ga), available in small ($12.95) and large ($14.95) sizes. You can choose between sl... read more Next, I tried the Hot, Sweet and Sour Soup (Canh Chua Ca Bong Lau, Tom Hoac Ga), available in small ($12.95) and large ($14.95) sizes. You can choose between sliced fish, shrimp, or chicken breast, served with bean sprouts, pineapple chunks, fresh tomatoes, and basil in an aromatic broth, topped with a small green chile pepper. However, the price for a large bowl has now increased to $16.95. Unfortunately, the chili pepper didn’t add much heat. I asked about "Tom Hoac Ga," which means fish, shrimp, or chicken. The fish turned out to be catfish, perfectly cooked and in generous portions. I enjoyed the broth, but it lacked spiciness. A splash of chili oil and some pickled jalapeños from the condiment stand really enhanced the flavor. I typically order the popular #14 XE LUA ($13.95), a large bowl of Beef Noodle Soup filled with rare beef, well-done brisket, beef flank, tendon, and tripe. This time, I opted for the #15 ($11.95), which is the same dish but in a smaller bowl. As expected, I received plenty of meat even in the smaller portion. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the tripe had the right amount of crunch to add texture. There was a bit less tendon than I’d hoped for, but it wasn’t a major issue. The smaller bowl was still so generous that I had leftovers for dinner!

The food was fantastic, and the portions were generous! We started with the fried chicken as an appetizer, and I ordered the bánh hỏi tôm (39). read more The food was fantastic, and the portions were generous! We started with the fried chicken as an appetizer, and I ordered the bánh hỏi tôm (39).

I ordered the seafood platter for $28.95 along with a $7.95 miso soup base for the shabu. Unfortunately, this was all we received for the seafood platter. We've... read more I ordered the seafood platter for $28.95 along with a $7.95 miso soup base for the shabu. Unfortunately, this was all we received for the seafood platter. We've dined here for shabu in the past and it was never this disappointing. This time was the worst experience we've had. I definitely wouldn't recommend ordering shabu here.

We visited this restaurant on a weekday evening, and the atmosphere was pleasant and calm, which really helped reduce stimulation for my 6-year-old. The pho and... read more We visited this restaurant on a weekday evening, and the atmosphere was pleasant and calm, which really helped reduce stimulation for my 6-year-old. The pho and pork chop plate were both delicious and wonderfully tender. The highlight of our experience was the outstanding service from AP. He was friendly, quick, and genuinely supportive, making our family meal truly special. Thank you!

We were looking for a change from Viet Thai and decided to try Pho 88. It was a chilly day, and since I was on my lunch break, we both opted for Pho. I ordered... read more We were looking for a change from Viet Thai and decided to try Pho 88. It was a chilly day, and since I was on my lunch break, we both opted for Pho. I ordered the Dac Biet, and it arrived surprisingly fast, even with the lunch rush in full swing. The broth was fantastic, rich in flavor, and exactly what I needed to warm up on a cold day.