Pho Cali

Hi All,

Thank you for following and contributing to "our" blog.

I wanted to tell you about a Vietnamese place that we visited this weekend. It's called Pho Cali, located in Mission Valley. We went with our friends and their 11 month old. First of all, the place is very baby friendly. They were very quick to offer us a high-chair and the tile flooring was a practical choice. Although, there wasn't a children's menu, aside from rice. So, if you're coming with children, bring something from home. This is a very minimalistic establishment. Their menu is basically divided into 3 sections: 1) rice dishes 2) Vermicelli (noodles) 3) Pho. You also have the option of ordering spring rolls (fresh) or eggrolls (fried). Take a look at the menu on their site

Before I go on, I have to tell you that it's written on their menu that they use MSG and to notify the server if you're allergic to it. Since we are not allergic to MSG, and rarely consume it, we were not thrilled, but ok with the idea.

We ordered the fresh spring rolls (2 per order) for an appetizer. They were what we expected: soft rice-paper filled with rice noodles, bean sprouts, herbs, shrimp and pork, served with a peanut and Sriracha sauce. I honestly would have preferred the spring rolls without the pork, but we wanted to try them as stated.

For the main dish, my husband ordered the "not on the regular menu" fried rice with beef which was delicious. Perfectly fried rice with carrots, onions (specified green), a touch of garlic, and a generous portion of beef. I had the Vermicelli noodles (rice noodles) with bbq shrimp and eggrolls, # 28 on the menu. I was surprised to find out that there were only 4 shrimp served in the bowl. I expected at least a couple more since they were the (30-40 count variety). The eggroll portion was ample and made up for the lack of shrimp, about 3 eggrolls cut into small pieces. Since I LOVE fried food, I was just fine with the outcome. The food tasted very fresh. Our friends both ordered the Pho, which is the house specialty. Pho is Vietnamese beef broth with lots of toppings: herbs, bean sprouts, veggies, and optional meat. I asked for reviews and they were very happy with the taste.

For a Pho establishment this place is not cheap. Rice and noodle dishes are around $7.00 each and the Pho is around $6.00 for a bowl. While we enjoyed our food, I can't say that I would rush back. Maybe, because I feel like you have to be in the mood specifically for Pho, it is quite good, but a unique taste. I think this location would profit from offering more variety. Vietnamese cuisine is so diverse and delicious, yet so many of the San Diego restaurants don't offer what I call "saucy" dishes: lemongrass chicken, spicy chicken, lemongrass shrimp, etc. Vietnamese food is not all soups, rice, and noodles, and I wish that was better represented in San Diego.

If you've visited Pho Hoacali Express on Mira Mesa Blvd (also an RB location), it is almost an identical experience with almost identical prices. My overall review is somewhat neutral... the place is clean and if Pho is your thing then it's worth checking out.


Advice for the establishment:
Offer more Variety. Diversify the menu

Advice for consumer:
1) If you cannot find parking behind the restaurant, park next to Best Buy or in the Pier One parking lot.

2) This place is very humble and "not fancy". If you're expecting an elegant atmosphere, this place is not for you.

3) This place is an ideal quick lunch or dinner

4) Pho is GREAT for a hangover. It definitely possesses therapeutic principles.

5) Vietnamese drinks and coffee (with condensed milk) are served here.

Overall recommendation:
If you're in the mood for soup or a simple quick bite, check out Pho Cali!

Details:
(619) 542-1062

1400 Camino De La Reina #105

Mission Valley, CA 92018

open 7 days a week

9:30AM- 9:30PM

http://pho1cali.com