Tang! Good Pho in Seoul by Joel Park

Tang Restaurant by Shinnonhyeon Station Exit 4

It's hard to find good pho in Seoul, but it turns out Seoul has a kind of pho that's kinda hard to find back in the states.  From what I understand, the pho in America is from southern Vietnam.  Makes sense.  But recently I went to a place that had north Vietnam, specifically Hanoi, style pho.

Located just out of Shinnonhyeon Station exit 4, Tang specializes in bun cha and pho.  I've had the bun cha there and it's very good, but this time I just had pho.  I believe the main difference between northern and southern style pho is that with the former, you don't really add things on your own.  You just eat it as is.  It's just noodles, broth, meat, onions, and I think green onions.  The meat at Tang was cooked separately, and the broth was cloudier.  The noodles are also thicker.  It's pretty good actually.  The broth has a nice, deep flavor and tastes very clean in spite of its cloudy appearance.  Apparently, the chef learned from Pho Thin, which they say is a very famous pho establishment in Hanoi.

Still, given the choice, I would choose the pho I'm familiar with.  I like being able to customize it to my tastes.  I have a very specific routine when it comes to eating pho, and pho just isn't the same without it.

Even if you feel the pho isn't for you, you should try their bun cha.  Amazing pork with veggies and vermicelli in a cool, sweet and tangy broth.  Their green fried rice is also excellent.  The place is a little pricey though, for the amount you get.  The pho was 10,000 won if I remember correctly.

Tang
www.tangrestaurant.co.kr
02.554.0707
Out exit 4 of Shinnonhyeon Station, take a few steps and it's on your right

Joel originally hails from Seattle. He is a world traveler, but the taste of Korea keeps bringing him back. You can contact Joel at thisisjoelpark at gmail dot com or leave a comment after this post.

Found a good (or bad restaurant), want to post it on Seoul Eats? Send Dan Gray an e-mail at seouleats at gmail dot com.

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