Hoâng Tofu is waiting for you. When we entered into the heavily-lit Vietnamese Sandwich & Deli escaping the rainy evening, we were entered with a blank faced man as if he wasn’t expecting company. I asked “if there was any Phò available tonight..?” As if they may not offer a menu item that night. He nodded in the affirmative that indeed, it was OK to order Phò.
I then asked.. “May I please have (1) Tofu Phò, (1) Tofu Bahn Mi & (1) Cà Phê Sữa Đá...?” He interrupted me a few times to ask if I wanted more than one order of these items. I assured him that it was only (1) of each item.
As the food came out on a silver tray, I asked if we could keep all of the food on the tray. He did not hear or understand me and nodded no and walked away. He brought us 2 glasses of water which was just the right amount for me, but for my dinner-mate, he had to fill up his water half way through the meal. Plenty of spice and flavor here! And the food seemed endless, and we never made it through to the bottom of our bowls of Phó…we shared one order and we were supplied an extra bowl to split. We then proceeded to devour the meal you see before you.
Tasty Sauces: Sriracha, Hoisin Sauce, Fish Sauce, Chili Sauce & more)
Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Cafe Sua Da)
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk I recommend Longevity Brand Condensed Milk
• 3 tablespoons dark French roast coffee ground (use the richest you can find – I recommend Trung Nguyen Gourmet Blend)
• 8 oz boiling water
• 1 cup of Ice
INSTRUCTIONS:
Pour condensed milk in a tall glass. Place the phin filter chamber and cup spanner on top of the glass, remove the filter and measure out the coffee, leveling it out by gently tapping the chamber. Place the filter on top, and pour just a touch of boiling water into the filter, just about to the level of the filter (about 20 mm or so) and let the water absorb into the coffee. Proceed to fill the chamber with the rest of the hot water to the top, cover, and let it steep until all the water passes through the filter. This can take some time, about 6-7 minutes.
Remove the filter, stir the condensed milk and coffee, then pour over a tall glass with ice. Serve immediately.
When I proceeded to pay in cash, I asked “How much is the total cost?”. He put up two fingers like a peace sign, and said “TWO”. I handed him a $20 bill, and he held up his 2 fingers again signalling 2 more dollars. I handed him two $1 bills and he gave me the thumbs up. I gave him another $2 as a tip. He handed it back, but I was not going to take it back from him, and I said, $2 for extra good food today!
I’d like to say a big CẢM ƠN (THANK YOU) everyone involved a this great restaurant and letting me in so otten to partake in your great food.
Also, the “Snake Hunters” Vietnamese show that was playing during this meal was wild!
Cheers,
Pickle