It was a relatively cold day in Cleveland; compared to the gloriously hot and sunny days we've been enjoying in past couple of days of August. I guess fall is coming soon? I know, I know, people are going to give you a hard time about this, but I LOVE fall. Its the best season of all time. The weather is not too hot; not too cold; a light jacket will do. Glorious scenery, and its a festive time! Thanksgiving is here; and Christmas is just around the corner! Anyways; since it was a little wet; a little chilly, and after a hard week at work, me and a bunch of friends decided it'll be a good day to watch a bunch of movies and go for Pho! Ahhh a nice steaming bowl of Vietnamese rice noodles to cure the cold wet weather.
Our usual "go-to place" in Cleveland for Pho would be
Superior Pho downtown. Its located in an Asian strip mall in china town, hidden almost and the parking is in the back. It doesn't look very inviting, but fear not, its safe, clean and perfectly fine place to eat. Anyways, lets get right to the food:
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| VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS |
I started off with the fried spring rolls for an appetizer. They came out FAST. I think in less than 5 minutes of ordering our food; these spring rolls came out; piping HOT and FRESH. So we know they were fried up right after the orders went in. They come with a cooling, fish sauce for dipping in. The spring rolls were just as you would expect; standard fare; but done well. Hot minced pork and veggie fillings bursting out of the crispy spring roll shell. The meat was flavorful, but nothing out of the ordinary; then again; simple and well done is always a good thing too. Plus; the play in temperature contrast; with the hot spring roll and cool sauce was rather enjoyable.
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| NO.8 (LARGE) - PHO WITH FAT BRISKET, FLANK AND THIN SLICED BEEF |
I went with my usual bowl of pho; a number eight - large. At this place you can order your pho at two sizes and large is the only size that satisfies me, and even then its enough to tie me over for a few hours; fills you up, but doesn't leave you stuffed. Hot steamy bowl of beef broth with thin rice noodles submerged at the bottom and the beef toppings on top. This too came at a ridiculously quick time. I would say; within 2 minutes of biting into my appetizer of spring rolls these big bowls of noodles came out. The broth was flavorful, the beef fixings were tender and not over cooked and the cilantro; spring onions; baby onions complemented well with each other. With some hot sauce and hoisin dipping sauce on the side the meal was rather enjoyable. I must say I enjoyed slurping my noodles rather loudly and the beef toppings gave it a nice hearty chew. Again; nothing ground breaking here, just a nice bowl of pho, done simply, but done well. Just as you would expect from a nice Pho joint.
All in all, Superior Pho does their Pho well. It doesn't break any rules, its not ground shaking cuisine, but rather comfort food for "one of those days". The price is very reasonable, the food was flavorful; and its in a decently clean environment. The service was quick, to the point and accomodating. A good experience if you're looking for a tasy, good, clean, cheap meal. My go to spot for pho in Cleveland. And I'm sure as the weather gets more chilly and the winter months set in; this place will be frequented more and more by me and the boys.
Superior Pho Restaurant
3030 Superior Avenue East
Cleveland, OH 44114-4360
(216) 781-7462
