It’s been roughly four years since I did a project to determine the best Pho. In 2011, after a close decision it was Pho Hien that won out best Pho.
Over the course of time, many things can change at a restaurant and sometimes the quality of the food drops. It was time to go back and write a full review on Pho Hien to see if it has stood the test of time.
Pho Hien is located at 1750 N Broadway, near 17th and Broadway.
Their hours are:
Mon – Tue: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thu – Sun: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
You can also check out their Facebook page.
Fortunately with the ever changing Wichita weather, it was a brisk outside and just the perfect conditions for a bowl of Pho. I went with a group of co-workers; all first timers to Pho Hien. Upon arrival, the restaurant was packed full of Asian people which fits one of my criteria for a great restaurant experience. Meaning: If a restaurant is full of the matching ethnicity the food is from then it’s likely a winner.
Glancing through the menu it looks as though the prices have gone up at Pho Hien. (Menu at the bottom of the blog). A couple things to note about Pho Hien, they serve and specialize only in Pho. You won’t find other Vietnamese dishes here. You won’t be able to order rice. You won’t be able to order spring rolls but you will be able to order Pho. Also, there are no options for vegetarians at Pho Hien. Everything has meat, even the Pho broth is made with meat. I made the mistake of taking a vegetarian here. I knew the broth was made with meat originally but it didn’t even dawn on me when I invited him. I’m an idiot; this just further proves that. After debate on whether to stay or leave, we eventually stayed against my will………sort of. If I’m told to stay and eat Pho, I will.
For lunch everybody ordered a large #1. Dac Biet Xe Lua. That is the special combo with rare slices of steak, beef balls, brisket, flank, tendon and tripe. When it comes to Pho, they can throw whatever in it and I’m all in with some chopsticks.
The bowl came out piping hot and had the aroma that just turn on all of your senses. Feeling the warmth of the broth rise up to my face just made me want to go home, put on some sweats, sit on the couch, turn on some Netflix and have the bowl of Pho on my lap.
Everybody tried the broth undoctored by Sriracha or Hoisin sauce and I could immediately tell by the looks on their faces it was delightful. The broth is the best part of any good Pho and Pho Hien’s broth is beyond excellent. From that moment on, I stopped looking at facial expressions and dug right in occasionally adding in Hoisin sauce or Sriracha at random moments. The large bowl is indeed large (duh). Pho Hien does not skimp on noodles or meat. A large bowl is sure to fill you up and worth the price increase. For those who have issues with food texture, tendon or tripe may not be for you. But their noodles are excellent and you can never go wrong with brisket or steak inside your Pho.
I’m halfway done with my Pho and turn to my left and one of my co-workers bowl of Pho is empty. I was quite impressed with the speed he ate at.
After we were all finished, reviews by everybody were all positive. I was pleased to find out at Pho Hien has stood the test of time and is still one of the best Phos in Wichita, if not, the best.
They also still only accept cash which fits another criteria of being able to tell where it’s a great restaurant. Cash Only.
Like Pho but haven’t been to Pho Hien? Go.
Like Pho but haven’t been to Pho Hien in a while? Go.
Dislike Pho but have a friend that likes Pho? Take them.
Vegetarian? Don’t Go.
Vegetarian but have a friend that likes Pho? Take them and drink tea.
Happy Dining.
