Check it Out: Pho 75

Do you remember when you discovered your favorite food? Have you ever subsequently discovered a food that made you question yourself? Well in my case that answer is yes. About two months ago I discovered pho—Vietnamese noodle soup. I was taken to Pho 75 in Rosslyn by a friend who espoused its virtues. Since that first fateful trip I have lost track of the number of times I have immersed myself in the delicious world of pho.

Upon entering Pho 75 you might not expect it to be home to delicious foods. It is a large, unassuming, cafeteria-like room. If you were looking for something fancy the décor could be considered lacking. Apart from the scattered pictures from native Vietnam the walls are mostly bare. That is except for the wall dedicated to the Best Bargain Awards Pho 75 has received, for the last 21 years. Since Pho 75 first opened its doors in 1987 it has been receiving praise for its awesomely delicious and awesomely cheap fare (its cash only). That said however, the food itself is the real reason for coming.


A glance at the menu reveals that you only have to make a limited number of choices. Large or small bowl? What kinds of meat? Do I want a drink besides water? After making your choice (I usually go with a large number 9 and a Ca Phe Sua Da—Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) you can sit back and wait for your food to arrive. And within a matter of minutes, arrive it does (I have yet to wait for longer than 10). Upon receiving your bowl and garnishing it to your liking with the provided bean sprouts, hot peppers, thai basil, and fresh lime you must then make a decision on what is arguably the most key element to a good bowl at Pho 75—the sauce ratio. The two sauces provided are a plum sauce and Sriracha hot sauce. The ratio varies. If you want a spicier bowl, as I do, try more Sriracha and vice versa if you prefer it to be sweeter, like my regular partner in pho does, you will use more plum sauce.


In case you hadn’t gathered, the food is fantastic, but more importantly Pho 75 is all about the atmosphere. On one hand, it’s a place built for camaraderie and shared experiences, but at the same time it can also be very personal. From what you order, to what sauces you use, to even how you eat it (chopsticks and a big soup spoon are your weapons of choice) each person has their own unique way of eating pho, and for that reason I won’t presume to tell you how you should eat your bowl of pho at Pho 75. That’s for you to decide.