After a crowd-packed day at the RV Show at the Expo Center, we fell into our car exhausted and hungry. A quick search revealed the Pho Da Lai a short drive up the road. On this chilly day in January, a bowl of steaming hot pho sounded ideal!
The parking lot has two entrances, we spotted one open spot but access is a little tough so if one looks full don't be afraid to try the second. This could be problematic at peak hours. Don't be discouraged.
Entering the restaurant, greeted with the long tables and lots of groups in the middle, and tables on the outside circling the room. We were quickly seated- while loud and a little distracting, was very impressed how fast food, service, and especially the bus of each table occurred. We saw although crowded for a late peak Saturday lunch rush, nobody was standing around waiting on a table for more than a minute or less. We were seated and menus left for order. Ice water brought out with lime already in it - welcomed for sure! Mix of customers from families, couples, groups, etc. Our waitress came out and took our order. I had seen a poster coming in for Hu Tieu and couldn't seem to locate on menu but she identified quickly and I was set having a choice between yellow noodles or clear noodles, choosing the clear. Special only came in medium and large, so medium was my choice. My companion chose the #7 small pho eye round, well done, flank, and tendon. We also ordered a basil roll shrimp (#3 on the menu)
The appetizer and our plates of fresh herbs, sprouts, and add-ins came out so quickly. Maybe less than 5 minutes after our order. 2 large rolls served with a thick peanut sauce, the rice wrapper ensconced a variety of fresh green lettuce, rice noodle, shrimp, and herbs. Perfect starter for our starving bodies!
Not long after I had devoured my basil roll, our soups were brought out- my companion had barely finished his roll.
My medium bowl was very hot- don't try to move the bowl, it is HOT to touch. I could see already layered with a ton of ingredients - a few big slices of pork, fish balls, 2 quail eggs, and 2 large shrimp (I list the 2 shrimp bc on the chart in the lobby where I saw the special that was specifically listed) My broth was fragrant and aromatic. I immediately grabbed my spoon to taste and was met with a light, but not too salty tasting hot mix of flavor. That was a plus! I mixed up my bowl and brought forth a nice amount of clear noodles on the bottom. There were the requisite slices of onion but not too many. I only added sprouts, some of the Thai basil, and a little bit of Gochujang, or red chili paste, to my broth. Always taste before you add has been one of the biggest lessons.
My companion's pho quickly came out right after mine. His broth was darker and the taste was amazing. Again not too salty and rich in a mix of flavor. I will admit I preferred mine, and he preferred his over mine so the gods of ordering did right by us. He also didn't have to add much either. On the table were two chili oil, sesame oil, gochujang, and sriracha sauces. I was amused by all the choice of sauces. I also had a small bowl of soy or ponzu, I tried it but my broth or his really didn't need it. I was pleased that a lot of extra doctoring didn't have to happen.
The only drawback we had was with my companion's noodles. His noodles broke little too easily which could have been from sitting prepped however it didn't ruin anything. Just complicated eating with chopsticks. Silverware- knife and fork are brought out to you if needed but we didn't.
We slurped and enjoyed both bowls. I admit I guiltily left some leftover bc it was so much food. We agreed next time we would probably skip appetizers and move right to main soup. Our water glasses were constantly refilled and we were checked in with as well. Excellent service.
At the end you take your ticket stub up to the register and pay - cash and card accepted. Our total for 3 dishes - app, small bowl, and medium bowl - came to $24. Not bad for under $25 for two of us. The quality, service, and speed and accuracy pushed this to a 4 almost 5 star. I did take one star reluctantly off bc of the noodles. I imagine in a more top peak you won't see that bc dishes are moving so fast. But for pho aficionados out there, the noodles make a dish so want to be transparent in review. We will be back and count it among a return when we are in the Jonesboro area again. Good food and experience! read more