Updated 2/3/09. Pho Hoa Pasteur holds a special place in my early teen heart and memory. Not just because of its hearty bowls of pho. No. Not the Pho Hoa Pasteur you’re thinking about. I’m talking about the original place in Saigon.
I don’t remember frequenting Pho Pasteur in Saigon all that much before leaving the country in 1975 - Pho Pasteur as I recall it, not Pho Hoa Pasteur. More importantly this place (and this street Pasteur) is special to me because I bicycled along this street everyday going to school in the early 70′s.
I’m postulating this is why many restaurants in the US (and I’m sure elsewhere outside of Vietnam as well) are named some variations of Pho Hoa Pasteur. The place was that well-known and popular.
For the hard-core (or the curious) fans who want to read more about Pho Hoa Pasteur, the Pasteur Institute across the street from it, and the history behind it, click over to read about “Street of Saigon: Pasteur“, courtesy of SaigonToday.net.
Here’s what I had and my ratings:
Jan 16, 2008Pho tai, chin (beef: rare, well-done brisket), large size.
- Pho noodle: (4/5)
- Soup stock: (4/5)
- Meats: (4/5)
- Garnishes*: freshness (5/5)
- Garnishes: extra points for fresh ngo gai (5/5) – Ngo gai galore!
- Extra points: 3 for clean dining area, comfortable ambience, authentically friendly service.
- Total points: 26
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