Pho 88 - Lowell

Already had plans when I got here, but when I saw this in the specials section, I had to try it. Bun Bo Hue Hue City Soup) $10.95). Hue Special Soup A spicy large vermicelli soup, with soft tendon, sliced shank, ground shrimp and pork. The actual menu said pork blood, but they don 't do that anymore. It wasn 't vermicelli noodles either, and the tendon was missing, but I got sliced brisket instead. I also got a pork knuckle. There were very delicious pork cakes in the soup. It was spicy but really just pleasingly spicy. This was one savory soup chockful of flavor. More dishes. Hot, Sweet and Sour Soup. Canh Chua Ca Bong Lau, Tom Hoac Ga Sm:$12.95 Lg:$14.95). A choice of sliced Fish, Shrimp or Chicken Breast with Bean Sprouts, chunks of Pineapple, fresh Tomatoes and Basil in an aromatic spicy broth with a slice of small Green Chile Pepper on top. Two sized bowls are served with steamed rice. It 's now $16.95 for a large. The chili pepper didn 't make it. I had to ask what Tom Hoac Ga meant? Turns out it should be Tom, Hoac, Ga fish, shrimp or chicken. The fish turned out to be catfish, which was perfectly cooked. It was also a good amount of fish. I really enjoyed the broth. However, it lacked spiciness. Adding chili oil and pickled jalapenos from the condiment stand really improved things. I normally order the famous #14 XE LUA $13.95). Extra large Beef Noodle Soup. Our largest bowl of our most popular Beef Bo) Noodle Soup combining rare Beef, well done Brisket, Beef Flank, Tendon and Tripe. This time I decided to get the #15 $11.95) that is the same, but in a smaller bowl. As you can see, I got everything. The broth was rich and delicious, with plenty of meat and I mean plenty! Even the smaller bowl was loaded with meat. The tripe was crunchy as it should be since it 's only there to add texture. A bit short on the tendon, but no big deal. Leftovers for dinner, that 's how big the smaller bow is.

The food was really good and there was good portions! We got the fried chicken for appetizers, and I got the bánh hỏi tôm (39).

Ordered $28.95 seafood platter with $7.95 miso soup base for shabu These were all we got for the seafood platter. We’ve been here for shabu before. It wasn’t this bad. this time is the worst we got. I would not recommend to order shabu at all.

We have visited Pho 88 many times over the years. Since COVID we made our first return today. Food quality not much has changed absolutely some of the best you will find!!!!! We expect they are struggling with employment. Service was much slower than expected. Far less servers per table. Make sure you tip those that are willing to work well!!!! Thank you for an great lunch today!

Food was very good. Large Beef Pho was the right size for me (and it was large). The spicy fried calamari was loved by all. Could be an entree for one or an appetizer for a group. The vermicelli with pork was flavorful and quite filling. Highly recommend.