Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with Sông Quê Phở Bar, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of London's East End! This Vietnamese stalwart has finally unveiled its little sister, and it's a must-visit for any food enthusiast seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam.
The Long-Awaited Arrival
Sông Quê, a beloved institution known for its weekend queues and loyal following, has patiently waited almost a quarter of a century to expand. And expand it did, with the opening of Sông Quê Phở Bar on Commercial Street. But why the delay? Well, that remains a mystery, but one thing's for sure: they took their time, and it shows.
A Strategic Location?
The new phở bar has strategically positioned itself in a vibrant area, almost nose-to-nose with the renowned Xian Biang Biang Noodles and close to the beloved Som Saa. However, this location, nestled between Aldgate and Shoreditch, can be a tricky one. It's a curious spot that often fails to attract passersby. In fact, two previous restaurants on this site, The Pearly Queen and The Space, struggled to make a lasting impression.
A Quiet Sunday Surprise
On a recent Sunday visit, we were surprised to find ourselves the only diners at the new phở bar. Initially, we had worried about not booking, but the entire restaurant, spanning two floors, was ours for the choosing. The staff, young and enthusiastic, greeted us warmly. They shared fascinating insights, like the fact that the original Sông Quê opened in 2002, an era they described with a hint of medieval nostalgia. The new venue, however, feels more like a dedicated canteen, focused on doing one thing exceptionally well.
The Phở Phenomenon
And what's that one thing? Phở, of course! This beef broth noodle soup is the star of the show, topped with a choice of proteins like beef, beef balls, chicken, prawns, or tofu. My rare beef flank phở was a masterpiece, with thinly sliced, blush-pink beef generously served over al dente noodles and chopped spring onions. The broth, rich and warmly spiced with star anise, was the shining light. They also offer their famous bun bo hue, a slightly different take on phở, featuring well-done beef flank and pork sausage, or spicy prawns or tofu, served with an abundance of fresh herbs.
Small Plates, Big Flavors
But phở isn't the only star on the menu. The small plates are not to be missed, and we certainly didn't ignore them. We devoured grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, a semi-hedgerow of fresh mint, and a generous scattering of chunky peanuts. The dipping sauce was hot and sweet, a perfect complement. Next, we savored spicy tempura squid, a juicy bite flanked by raw chili, and moved on to those grilled lamb chops - unassuming in appearance but packing a gorgeous char and served with a subtle, vinegar-based dipping sauce that perfectly balanced the meat's richness.
A Quiet Moment of Reflection
As I indulged in those adorable prawn cupcakes, little more than egg and cornflour molded into baskets, I couldn't help but wonder: where was everyone? This charming spot is a hidden treasure, and it can't survive on midweek office workers alone. It deserves a bustling crowd, especially on weekends, to truly thrive.
Use It or Lose It
This is a restaurant that demands your attention. With seats available, now is the time to visit. Take a friend, or a good book, and settle in for the best phở in town. And if you're an antisocial foodie with a love for Vietnamese cuisine, Sông Quê Phở Bar is your heaven on earth.
So, will you answer the call and support this hidden gem? The choice is yours, and the future of this wonderful restaurant may just depend on it!
