Pho | Page 6 of 7 | Mass Food & Wine

Pho Ga from Pho Dakao on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

I will say there is no type of food that I love more than Vietnamese.

I have been to Pho Dakao several times, each time I enjoy it more and more. I am very partial, or dare I say addicted to a particular Vietnamese Restaurant not in Worcester so it is very hard for me to compare.

However, you really can never go wrong with Pho soup, and of all the places I have tired, I would say Pho Dakao rates in my top three.

This traditional Vietnamese soup is a comfort food on a whole other level. The only type of Pho I order is the Pho Ga – chicken noodle soup (no cilantro). The soup always comes with rice noodles, shredded chicken, and a plate of garnishes that include Thai basil, lime, hot peppers, and bean sprouts. I use as much Thai basil as I can, (sometimes you must share) a little lime, a touch of sriracha and some hoisin sauce. Note the soup really does not need anything added.

The flavors of the broth are hard to describe – it is just so unique, so delicious, it will leave you craving more.

Some of the spices that go into this delectable masterpiece include cinnamon, ginger, fennel seeds, clove, coriander seed, and star anise. If you have not ever tired Pho, I urge you, please do.

It is really a given that I will be back to Pho Dakao and I hope you may be inspired to try some unique delicious Vietnamese food, and Pho is not the only delicious thing on the menu. Trust me, you will go back.

Phở Rau Cải from Pho Dakao on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

I have waited almost two years for my chance to pick a Foodies location…sigh…It was with GREAT pleasure and no hesitation that I selected Pho Dakao on Park Ave. My husband and I were introduced to this establishment by dear friends a little over a year ago and have returned at least a dozen times. The food is always delightful…and on a brisk, autumn evening, nothing soothes the soul (or a lingering cold) better than a piping hot bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho…pronounced “pha” as I was quickly and adamantly corrected by one of my Vietnamese students. Upon being seated, I glanced at the menu, and knew, almost instantaneously, which pho dish my taste buds craved…number 21 – Phở Rau Cải – vegetable noodle soup. While I adore Pho, I am very particular with how I order the soup…and how I prepare it once it is served. I start with the chicken broth because I have found it to be more flavorful than the beef broth. I always order the white noodles because I like their consistency and find that they absorb the flavors of the dish without being to heavy. I also order extra broccoli and no cilantro. The cilantro is KEY to my ordering because to me, it is an herb that can be overpowering and take over the dish. I would rather enjoy each individual flavor mixed together in every spoonful. Like always, my soup arrived hot and was served with a heaping side of bean sprouts, fresh basil, lime, chili peppers and ALL of the delightful Vietnamese sauces. Having learned my lesson from past visits, I knew that the small would satiate even my most intense hunger and I was not disappointed. The bowl was filled with perfectly cooked al dente broccoli florets, squash, zucchini, carrots and peppers, mixed with a generous portion of noodles. To the bowl, I added a handful of sprouts, and 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce for some heat for my palate, and…my secret ingredient…a splash of fish sauce…yes fish sauce…don’t be afraid..it makes the dish, I PROMISE! At Pho Dakao, the fish sauce is sneakily placed on the table in a clear container that resembles your stereotypical soy sauce…don’t be tricked! Take it from me, in order to have a TRULY delicious bowl of pho, the secret is really in the incredibly flavorful fish sauce. Mixed together = perfection. I ate every noodle, every vegetable, and every ounce of broth! I clearly enjoyed my soup and will be back for more!