Pho Anh Dao


I have never been afraid of food. And trying new dishes is a quest. I have been hearing people rave about Pho for about two years. And then I saw Anthony's Bordain episode on food porn (Watch Video Here). Since that moment my mouth and stomach craved Pho. 

Pho Anh Dao‎691 U.S. 1, Edison, NJ 08817-4503(732) 985-7977‎

Mon - Sat 11 AM - 10PM Sun 11AM - 9:30PM Tues Closed

Pho Anh Dao is a cozy restaurant in a mini-strip mall in Route 1, Edison. The place is wheelchair accessible but a bit tight to maneuver. Chairs are sturdy and comfortable to sit. Metal with a cushion. The staff is nice and very friendly, if you prefer to sit somewhere specific let them know they more than willing to accommodate you. Facilities are clean and very spacious. 

                                       

The menu of Pho Anh Dao is simple but very delicious. They have a variety of different kind of Pho, and rice entrees. With beef, pork, shrimp and chicken. Also, different appetizers including bbq pork, steak cubes, and different kind of rolls.  They have the normal soft drink and a large variety of homemade drinks and deserts.  I recommend the lemonade and the piña colada. 

I reviewed the menu. This time joining me was my mom and sister.  We decided to order Bì Cuôn (Shredded Pork wrapped in rice paper), Thit Nướng (Barbecue Pork on Lettuce), and Bò Lúc Lằc (Marinated Beef Cubes Sautéed on Lettuce).

Bì Cuôn 

Thit Nướng

Bò Lúc Lằc 

The shredded pork roll was very flavorful. It’s made with vermicelli noodles, basil and pork; wrapped rice paper. A peanut sauce came with the order; for the roll to be dipped in. Adding the peanut sauce added a whole new level to the roll. 

Peanut Sauce

Bì Cuôn 

The barbecue pork was excellent. Very tender high seasoned and fatty. It came with a sweet vinegar sauce to dip in. The pork reminded me of Dominican fried sausage without the casing. 

The marinated steak cubes were delicious. They were tender and cooked perfectly. The veggies were crispy and well seasoned. If it weren’t because we wanted our soup I would have ordered another plate of it. 

Its not often you find a place that make their own drinks. This is why we took advantage. We had two piña coladas and a Durian shake. Anyone that knows anything about Durian knows why I had to try it. Durian stinks! It is a strangest tasting fruit possibly in the world. However, I have been also been intrigued by watching Andrew Zimmern (Watch Here) trying to eat it. Why not kill two birds with one stone. 

What can I say about Durian? It did not smell. The owner freezes it as soon as they cut the pods out of the fruit. The shake was not bad (lol). It is very creamy and very sweet. At first you do not feel anything strange. But after you swallow you get the after taste of Durian. I cannot describe the after taste. Lets just say its very strong and it takes a different kind of person to enjoy it (lol). My mother liked it. She thought the after taste wasn't that bad. One tip: if you do decide to try. Drink it fast! As soon as it starts to get warm the smells comes out. You will not be able to continue (lol).  The Piña Colada was very sweet. And it tasted like pure coconut milk and fresh pineapple. It is delicious and addicting. 

Durian Shake

Mom and her Durian Shake

Piña Colada

Piña Colada

Now the Pho!  First came a dish with beans sprouts, basil, cilantro, green chilies, and lime wedges. Then came out three bowl of simmering broth with pink meat on top, onions and chives floating around in the broth. A smell of star anise and beef hit me first. The smell was amazing. And it really triggered my hunger into gear. The meat was very tender, fatty and flavorful. 

Everyone has their way of preparing their pho. Some like it spicy and sour some like it supper spicy and sweet. I like mine with a bit of everything. In most Pho restaurants you will find in your table chili paste, fish sauce, soy sauce and Hoisin sauce. It is up to you to build your own taste. I like to add chili paste, hoisin sauce, some bean sprouts, basil, cilantro and lime. I like it a bit sweet and spicy. My mom like it sweet and sour, my sister spicy and sour. 

This is a great place to go and have a good bowl of soup that will give you the energy you need and feed the hunger. I recommend this place. Good ambient and great service. And Goood Food!

YUMMMMMMMMMM!