Disclaimer: All the above were paid by writer. Not sponsored post. All reviews are based on writer's preference and taste bud and does not represent anyone else other than herself and her friends.
My friend wanted to satisfy her craving for Vietnamese food and found this place online that was priced affordably. So we headed there and also to get some hipster vibes at Haji Lane.
It has been awhile since the last time I'm here. Loving the stretch of Middle East restaurants like Turkish, Lebanese and also shops that sells their local delicacies like Baklava etc, leading up to the famous Sultan Mosque where visitors would take a photo or even do Reels. Remembered a shop that sells Turkish lamps or lightings and it was so beautiful. When Turkey comes in mind, it is all about the hot air balloon ride, Turkish bath and watch Sufi whirling.
Anyway, let's get down on our Vietnamese food expedition.
VIET ICED TEA $3.90
My friend wanted a Viet Iced Coffee but ordered a Viet Ice Tea by mistake. This was like drinking plain water or like a 0% sugar Bubble Tea (nlack tea for example) but I could taste a tint of minty flavour.
By the way, our food were served up by a robot which I did see at Marina Square food court, for diners to put their finished bowls and cutlery. Here, the robot comes up to you, you take your food and tab Finish on the screen when you are done.
MRS PHO FRIED SPRING ROLL 👍 $3.90
With the fish sauce on the side as dip, their spring rolls were fail-proof entrée. Crispy skins and full fillings wrapped within. More of a meaty spring roll. I missed those spring rolls we had in Hanoi and Sapa, whether fried ones or fresh summer rolls.
CRISPY CALAMARI $8.90
It has been long since I had Calamari and certainly very excited. The crispiness on the outside was alright and the inside wasn't too rubbery. But my friend found it oily and not crispy enough, like the oil wasn't hot enough and went straight into frying. There might be better ones but this satisfied my long craving.
MANGO SALAD (with Grilled Chicken) 👍$8.90
Salad could never fail right? This was good. Crunchy and sour along with chunks of tender grilled chicken (thank god!). We overheard that the Fish sauce used was a homemade version. The boss was talking with 2 patrons who enquired on their salad. Not bad. And it came with a small basket of crackers. My friend was a little surprised to see Papaya and Mango Salad in the menu but Vietnamese have their own recipe for these two too. Equally good. Probably can plan a trip to Thailand, or Vietnam, or both maybe. Too eager to travel out of the country.
MAMA'S PORK BELLY $16.90
I would say the Pork belly had a mix of fat and lean texture cooked in the braised sauce that tasted sweet and savoury. Their menu stated that they used coconut water to do the braising so that explained the taste. Probably with Viet Fish Sauce too. With 3 slices of tender pork belly and an egg that was fried before putting into the braise process. I actually couldn't helped but asked the boss about that egg. You know it tasted like beancurd skin wrapped with egg yolk. This was exactly what I told my friend and even the boss. Pardon my ignorance but it was my first time having a fried and braised egg. I probably can try making the same one at home since I love stew braised pot.
SLICED BEEF PHO $8.90
According to my friend, the taste was less flavourful than those in Vietnam with a hint of sweetness. Suitable for those light taste bud (I tried the broth). The beef slices were hard, probably cooked slightly longer. Honestly, I do have my own favourite pho in Singapore.
This is like a showdown of 2 different taste bud: a heavy and a light. That is a stark contrast.
Overall, a mediocre dinner that cost about $30 per pax. They have other outlets so probably can try other food in their menu. I realized different outlets have different food items in the menu (correct me if I'm wrong). So do your homework and see what you wanna have before heading down.
After your dinner, walk around Haji Lane and maybe like us, walk all the way to Golden Mile for Thailand vibes after that. It is like going to 2 countries in a span of 2 hours or so. Broaden your horizon and not be superficial about your surrounding. Cheers.
Mrs Pho
Address: 73 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199486
Opening Hours: 11-10 pm, Wed-Sun. Closed on Tue.
Nearest MRT: Bugis
