ADDICTED TO PHO IN UTAH

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a healthy appetite. Let me amend that statement. Anyone who has seen me knows that I have a healthy appetite. I love all types of food but in the last four or five years, I have developed a special fondness for Vietnamese cuisine that borders a bit on fanaticism. My wife doesn’t get it but then again I think it would be safe to say that she is a very finicky eater. I on the other hand have no qualms about stuffing my face full of anything that goes down and stays down.

A co-worker and I stumbled upon Vietnamese cuisine while looking for something out of the norm. a place that provided something appetizing and filling that did not have the words ‘flame-broiled’, ‘secret sauce’ and ‘eleven-herbs-and-spices’ in its marketing campaigns or slogans.

West Valley City is Utah’s largest melting pot and the 3500 South corridor is an international potpourri of Mexican, Chinese, American, South American, Japanese, Polynesian, South-East Asian and other cultures as well as their distinct flavors and foods. You’re bound to find something interesting to eat while wandering along this main artery of the city as far west as the 4000 block to as far east as Highland Drive.

Pho Hoa, located off 3460 South and Redwood Road in West Valley has become my absolute favorite hole-in-the-wall. Its no longer the best kept secret in Utah but rather a teeming, bustling café filled with people from all walks of life who enter its doors to enjoy the establishments main dish: Pho. A steaming bowl of beef broth with thin slices of meat (and a lot more if you’re so inclined) and rice noodles are about as close to taste-bud heaven as I will ever get. A squeeze of lime, a handful of sprouts and a bit of hot sauce to give it a little ‘go’ and there is nothing more satisfying that I can think of for my diversified palate. Prices are reasonable and the helpings are hearty enough to leave you content.

Just up the street on 2000 West and 3500 Soth is Pho Green Papaya where the fare is every bit as appetizing as Pho Hoa and reasonable priced. In either joint try the spring rolls. La Cai Noodle House (961 South and State Street) is a little pricier but they have a wide variety of specialty dishes that keep bringing you back for more.