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Food, Restaurants
Pho’Hoa - Simple and pleasant Vietnamese meals
At the end of a long day, a perfect way to perk yourself up is a bowl of steaming hot soup. Yesterday, my sister, brother in law, and I, tired and each complaining of various pains, decided to head of to
My brother in law ordered a small bowl of Pho Do Vien (Seafood Noodle Soup, P195), which came with a platter of sprouts and basil for toppings. The latter arrived first, so we sat there munching on the firm fresh sprouts while we waited. While the soup was much prettier on the menu (Pho’Hoa has photos of all their items on the menu, helpful since most of the Vietnamese names are difficult to pronounce, so all you do is point instead), it was still a nice and filling meal, and (again according to the menu) heart-healthy to boot.
We also ordered some Ca Kho (Caramelized Fish, P205), which my sister and I shared with a bowl of rice. The fish, which is a traditional dish cooked in a clay pot (in
From the appetizers, we got a plate of Vegetarian Cha Gio (Vegetarian Spring Rolls, P95) and some Chien Nam Nio (Breaded Oyster Mushrooms, P125). The spring rolls were freshly prepared and yummy, though a bit on the small side, but a good enough value for the price (sinabi na ngang appetizer lang e… ).
The oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, were enough for four people, and came piled high on a plate with a bowl of dip that tasted like a mixture of chili, soy sauce, and (what else?) oyster sauce. The mushrooms seemed too delicate for the breading, which mostly overpowered their flavor.
All in all, it was a good and simple meal, although we racked up a bill of around 800 bucks for just three people. Still, that seems to be the going rate for specialty food nowadays, and Pho’Hoa makes it worthwhile: small details, like their perfectly cooked fish, great rice, and even their refreshing lemonade, chock-full of lemon slices, all contribute to an overall pleasant dinner experience.
Pho’Hoa Noodle Soup
Entertainment Complex, Alabang Town Center
772-7494
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Good day! where can i possibly contact if i am interested to franchise a store like this? Kindly give me details. My cell no is 0917.8058277. Thank you.
hi carlene!
we’ll do our best to get in touch with the franchise owner. in the meantime, here’s a mention in the press about the guy who set it up here: http://www.onephil.com/lifestyle_food_JL.htm
I am writing to you to inform you about the incident that happened at PHO HOA ATC on August 19, 2008. Together with my mother, and my assistant, we decided to have lunch at PHO HOA ATC around 11:05am. When we arrived only two customers were there and we waited for 5 minutes for the server to approach us to take our orders, but it seems that your servers are preoccupied with other things and we have to call her attention. A Nancy (which was on her name tag) approached us and took our orders. We ordered for fresh spring rolls, stuffed chicken wings, seafood soup, another kind of soup and vermicelli bowl, 1 coke and 2 iced teas.
While waiting for our food, I noticed that there are other patrons coming in at the restaurant.
The dirnks were served first. Ten minutes after the spring rolls arrived followed by the stuffed chicken wings. The three of us were so engrossed in conversation, when I checked my watch 20 minutes have passed and the rest of our orders have not yet arrived. So I followed it up with the male server and the seafood soup was served 5 minites after my first follow up. Five minutes have passed again the other soup arrived. At this point I noticed that all the other patrons of the restaurant who arrived after is already eating their meals but we were there first.
I followed up again on the vermicelli bowl and Nancy told me that they were having problems with their griller. I told her how can that be since another patron is already eating something that is grilled???? I told her to prioritize my order, however, the order of the other patrons who arrived later than us were served first despite my follow up.
Finally, after more than 30 minutes, the vermicelli bowl was served. I asked the male waiter if they can replace my soda since it took such a long time for my food to arrive the soda has gone stale and warm already. The male waiter did not react to my request, so I called his attention again, and he told me that he will ask the supervisor (Nancy).
When the soda arrived, a coke in can, a glass with ice, I poured the coke in the glass and started eating my lunch. I was already taking a sip from the glass when I noticed something foreign touched my lips, when I looked at the glass I saw some gelatinous substance and my first thought it is spit or phlegm!!!! I showed it to my assistant and he reacted and called the attention of the staff and told them “Bakit my dura itong binigay ninyo na baso?!” The female staff, supervisor Nancy, insisted on taking the glass from my assistant and in replacing it. He refused to give her the glass and told her that he will complain it to the Administration of ATC. I was given another set of coke in can and a glass with ice. My assistant went out of the restaurant to ask assistance from the customer service of the mall but he was only able to get hold of a security guard. While my assistant is out looking for the administration office, my mother and I stayed at Pho Hoa to wait. While my mom and I are engrossed in a conversation, the male waiter sneaked from my back trying to sequester the glass with spit! I raised my voice and told him I did not permit them to take the glass because it is going to be my evidence!
The security guard came and we showed him the glass and he told the staff that he will accompany us to the security office since there is no one in the administration office at that time and we will take the glass with spit with us.
At the security office, the security officer took our statements and he asked someone from his office to call the staff of Pho Hoa to get their side but Nancy refused to cooperate with the security officer.
This incident clearly raises doubts on the restaurant’s sanitation and safety system. I hope that this letter warrants your immediate attention and action.
hi regina,
wow, that sounds like a horrible experience. i feel for you. :(
unfortunately, we’re not connected with the owners of pho’hoa, so we can’t pass along your comments and be sure that they’ll be received by the proper people. perhaps you can try calling the number given at the end of the article and asking for an audience with the owners. i’m sure they’d appreciate the feedback, especially in a serious case such as this.