Pho Viet Street Food – A Vietnamese Pho Stop in Wellington
Hello, this is Tomonji Chieto.
Wellington is home to countless restaurants. Trying to visit every single one would be impossible, but if I narrow the focus to Vietnamese restaurants, it might actually be achievable.
With that thought in mind, I was looking for a place to eat when one restaurant caught my eye: Pho Viet Street Food, a Vietnamese restaurant located in central Wellington. Peeking inside, there were already a few customers — perhaps it was still a bit early in the day. After a brief pause, I decided to step in.
The menu wasn’t the easiest to understand, as there were not many photos. I did a quick search online to get a better idea of the dishes and eventually ordered Pho Bo Dac Biet (Rare Beef, Brisket & Meatballs) for $19.90.
From what I learned online, Pho Bo Dac Biet is a classic Vietnamese beef pho. “Pho Bo” means beef pho, while “Dac Biet” translates to “special.” The dish typically includes thinly sliced rare beef, slow-cooked brisket, and meatballs, allowing you to enjoy different cuts and textures in a single bowl. It is usually served with aromatic broth, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking — very much the Vietnamese way.
Tasting Time
About ten minutes after ordering, the pho arrived at the table, steaming hot. I squeezed the lemon wedge that came with it into the soup. As a side note, in Vietnam it’s more common to use lime rather than lemon, often squeezed using the edge of a spoon.
The rice noodles were smooth and silky, going down easily. The broth struck a nice balance between the brightness of the citrus and the richness of the beef-bone stock. While some seasoning is likely used, it didn’t overpower the soup. The generous amount of coriander added a distinctive aroma that paired beautifully with the broth.
For a change of pace, I also recommend adding the chili oil available on the table. The extra heat lifts the flavors nicely.
The Restaurant
The interior was casual and relaxed, making it an easy place to stop in for a quick and satisfying meal.
Restaurant Information
Pho Viet Street Food
40 Dixon Street
Te Aro, Wellington 6011
