So Pho [Part II] - So Different?

Barely a week after dining at So Pho, I returned to try their other dishes. Is second time less the charm? 

For one, the drinks were disappointingly diluted. The Lemongrass Tea, which I raved about in my previous post, felt watered down and the ginger taste had all but vanished. Pictured below, the Soursop Freeze with Basil Seeds ($4.80) wasn't sweet enough, nor was it blended properly, resulting in relatively big ice chunks.

I also felt they could have added more soursop seeds to the mix.

The Gỏi Cuốn a.k.a Summer Rolls (3 types to choose from: $4.80 for Grilled Beef and Mango or Prawns and Lemongrass Chicken, $4.50 for Vegetarian Tofu) weren't too bad. We took the prawn and chicken rolls, containing cucumber, cold chicken, a fresh prawn piece and chopped rice noodles. There was also the undeniable presence of mint leaves which imparted a refreshing taste. The sauce had a spicy-sour tang, a stark contrast to the translucent, tasteless wrapping skin.   

Cơm Chiên Hải Sản ($9.80), fried rice with seafood, was pretty yummy too with its oiliness, chili flakes, and small pieces of prawn, cuttlefish and egg. Tasting a little of shrimp and spice, it differed from Chinese fried rice yet was suitably satiating. Now if only the ingredients were more abundant!

The Bánh Xèo ($9.80) is a pancake whose flavor reminded me of kueh. Rolled around a pathetic portion of meat, bean sprouts and prawns, it was neither filling nor appetizing. Won't order this again despite it being listed as a favourite and chef's recommendation.

Phở Xào Giòn ($9.80) looked like the typical crispy fried noodles served at Hong Kong restaurants, with crunchy vegetables and soft mushrooms, but with a twist - the sauce was relatively sweet. The noodles were also not as crispy as expected. All in all, it was still delicious.

Our total bill did not exceed $50 (again!) so it's good for those on a budget seeking hearty Vietnamese fare. There were more hits than misses, and the quality of So Pho's food and service still dazzles.

*I re-visited on 22 November 2014.


Halal Certified: Yes

Jem
50 Jurong Gateway Road, #B1-08
Singapore 608549

Website: N.A.


Overall Rating: