Pho Real: Mrs Pho opens its latest joint at VivoCity to satisfy your Vietnamese food cravings
SINGAPORE – Popular Vietnamese restaurant Mrs Pho opens its latest outlet in VivoCity, marking the first Mrs Pho in a shopping mall! This is an addition to its 349 Beach Road outlet, well-loved by many, especially office workers and foodies in town.
This authentically humble pho restaurant reflects the love of founder Hoang’s mother, grandmother and aunts, the women who had selflessly fed their families. Serving up homemade communal style Vietnamese classics, Mrs Pho aims to taste exactly like home. All ingredients in their making are proudly sourced from Vietnam as well.
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Growing up as a refugee in Australia, food was the string home to Hoang’s roots, the same one which he now hopes to share with the world through Mrs Pho. That is why everything continues to be made in-house, from the broth and sauces to its range of unique house-made drinks.
Gourmet Food Holdings, the same company which also brought in Tsuta, the world’s first one Michelin-starred ramen eatery to Singapore, has high hopes of bringing the Mrs Pho brand international.
Flavours of childhood
Two very special dishes were unveiled at the launch – an exclusive creation by the original Mrs Pho, as Hoang’s own mother is affectionately known, who graced the event with her presence for the opening. Mamma’s Chicken Ham (S$4.90) are irresistible slices of minced chicken marinated with spices, steamed in in banana leaf and then fried for extra flavour. A traditional snack in Vietnam, its flavours explode with each bite especially when had with its special sweet and spicy dipping sauce, perfect to go with beer. They are also the perfect addition to the Moc Noodle Soup (S$9.90), a hearty clear noodle broth, sweetened with slices of fresh onion.
Mama’s Chicken Ham and Moc Noodle Soup are exclusive dishes to the VivoCity outlet.
The rest of the menu features flavours of Hoang’s childhood with appetisers like the Mrs Pho Cockles (S$8.90) that presents succulent cockles tossed in fragrant garlic and pork lard, as well as the Fresh Star Fruit and Beef Salad (S$8.50), where tender slices of beef is served with fresh star fruit for a zesty balance. The Grilled Lemongrass Beef Sticks (S$5.90) is also a good contender with chunky beef marinated in lemongrass essence for a touch of freshness.
The must-order here is the Special Beef Combo Pho (S$9.90), a warm, hearty bowl of silky flat rice noodles in a rich beef soup, accompanied generously by lean cuts of beef, beef balls, tripe and more. Crunchy beansprouts, mint leaves, sliced chilli and onion make it a meal that’s as balanced as it is heartwarming. The Hue Special Beef Noodle Soup (S$8.90) also shines the spotlight on beef while the Mrs Pho Dry Noodle Combo (S$9.90) allows you to savour the delicateness of the restaurant’s house-made noodles.
Wash it all down with house specialty drinks like refreshing Coconut Smoothie (S$5.90), Yoghurt Cooler (S$3.90) and a popular Vietnamese favourite, the Saigon Salty Lemonade (S$3.90). For a sweet end, the Cream Caramel (S$3.90) will seal things with a syrupy sweet kiss while the Avocado Smoothie (S$5.90) wraps things up on a creamy note. As an option, you can also have the traditional Vietnamese drip coffee as an add-on to the smoothie for an extra buzz.
A reflection of home Vietnam
This new outlet takes on a quirkier vibe true to Vietnam’s booming street art scene back home, featuring a graffiti wall by an upcoming Vietnamese artist for an interactive element. The dining area reflects your typical Vietnamese household with lanterns and bamboo beads. All furniture and fixtures are flown in from Vietnam, too, for a true feel of home.
A visit here promises to transport diners to Hoang’s home and childhood, through the food, ambience and restaurant spirit.
Address: Vivo City #B2-29A, 1 Harbourfront Drive, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: 10:00 to 22:00
Facebook: Mrs Pho
Instagram: @mrspho
Hashtag: #mrsphosg
