Looking for something light to eat on scorching summer days? This Vietnamese staple goody is your best bet and it’s an easy bowl to fall in love with.
Pho with Spinach and tofu dumplings at Noodlemi
What’s in it?
Noodle soup with steamed dumplings of spinach and tofu fillings, tofu chunks – the soup is scented with cinnamon, star anise, ginger and spice
What’s so special?
It’s a simple take on the classic Vietnamese pho. This lovely vegetarian version doesn’t have the rich flavours of the meat-based broth but you can still see the interplay of textures just by looking at the fillings! Chunks of tofu and the steamed dumplings, all the versatile ingredients that combine to make every bite fulfilling, not heavy!
Why we love it?
Noodlemi is a boutique noodle bar. By the window would be our best pick of seating. What better than looking out the windows and people passing by while you’re chilling and enjoying a steaming hot bowl of dumpling noodle soup at the bar on a summery night?
Also, for those of us who are calorie-conscious, the dishes here at Noodlemi is MSG free, gluten free and wheat free. And even though this dumpling pho does not particularly stand out, it’s the kind of food that makes you happy after eating because it’s fresh, light and healthy.
Address: G/F, 2 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Beef Pho at La’Taste Vietnamese Cuisine
What’s in it?
Pho soup with thin slices of raw beef garnished with basil leaves, onion slices, and chopped scallions, served with lime and chopped chillies
What’s so special?
Always start with a sip of the broth and let your mouth first filled the sweet aroma of the beef. Its richly seasoned flavour makes it the highlight and the secret to this comforting bowl of pho. The piping hot broth cooks the beef to turn opaque and tender. The flat rice noodles are chewy too. The bowl on the whole is deeply rich in flavor, no wonder ‘tis the classic in the Vietnamese culinary repertoire.
Why we love it?
The proportions of soup, beef, and noodles are appropriate, so even if you eat it as a late-night snack (like I did) this is a great option. Beyond the deliciousness of the food, and looking at the surroundings, the interior is in chic turquoise tone, with the lights not overly dim or bright. It’s certainly a great spot for post-work chill.
Address: Shop C2, G/F, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 11:30-22:30
Pho Ga at Bún Chả Vietnamese
What’s in it?
Pho Ga has rich layers of flavours, with tender poached shredded chicken meat in the tasty noodle soup.
What’s so special?
Bites of shredded chicken breast are tender and seasoned just right. The rice noodles stay chewy and won’t become mushy even after a while you finally realise you have been too focused in your conversation with friends that you should really be having your next bite (like I did). Not to mention the rich-tasting broth that engulfs the noodle bowl, and bean sprouts and the herbs that garnish.
Don’t forget to order fresh lime soda with mint for drink to pair with the pho!
Why we love it?
It would be a big miss if I don’t mention the lovely exterior of Bún Chả. It’s instantly recognizable as you walk up Aberdeen Street. It may look like a hole-in-the-wall from the outside, but once you walk in, you can feel the coziness between the chefs in the open kitchen and the people enjoying the dishes within this small shop. Having a Pho Ga on a summery day here is a versatile option for a summery weekend. An absolute pleasure.
Shop 1, G/F, King Ho Building, 41-49 Aberdeen Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Mon-Sun: 12:00-16:30; 18:00-22:00
As a photographer, Stephanie believes natural wonders are great teachers and is constantly learning from local people with different backgrounds. With a BSc degree in Psychology and MSc Double degree in Global Media and Communications, she loves looking for the new and the adventurous, never settles.
