Ingredient appreciation — what makes Pho special

What sets Pho apart is the handling of fresh mint and coriander. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the light and herbal result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Vietnamese cuisine shows French colonial influence alongside traditional Southeast Asian techniques. The a street banh mi counter atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had lime soda as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Pho is the place to start.