PHO – Exeter

I am always on the look out for new restaurants popping up in Exeter and I was very excited when I heard that PHO was coming!

I’ve never tried Vietnamese food before and I have to say I was blown away….not only by the taste of the food but also by the level of service and variety of gluten free options.

I nearly fainted when I was informed that I could have anything on the menu without a asterix beside it. There were only 3 items I couldn’t have! I thought this must be a mistake but my friend and I checked and the staff happily informed me that “yes, most items are gluten free!!” WOW. There aren’t many places that do that.

Before we placed our order we were given recommendations by the staff who informed us of their favourite items! This is great for someone who hasn’t been to the restaurant before and gives a bit of added insight…the staff genuinely want you to enjoy your meal and have a great time!

My friend and I decided to share starters to get a taste of different options –  fresh rice paper summer rolls with prawns and homemade pork and lemongrass meatballs. We both must have looked a little confused about how to eat them as the gentleman who brought the food over to us kindly showed us that the best way to tackle the meatballs was to wrap them in the lettuce before dipping them in the sauce. Both starters were delicious – topped off with a choice of peanut or sweet chilli sauce…obviously we opted for both! You could tell everything had been made fresh in house!

To drink we both tried the freshly made juices – trust me, the kale one is delicious and so healthy!! May get this one more often as a take away!

After starters, we both decided to have the Vietnamese curry topped with nuts, broken rice and vegetables. Emily enjoyed the chicken option and I stuck to prawns, having loved them in the starter. I was surprised to see that the portion was huge! The prawns were amazing and I really enjoyed the fresh taste of the carrots, mushrooms and other vegetables which gave you a refreshing break from the spice of the curry. I am not too great with very spicy curries (I think its being gluten free and sensitive and all) so this really was a fantastic option for me! Fresh tasting, flavoursome, with just enough spice. I even managed the chopsticks – after a while trying to get to grips with it, I found it quite easy!

Obviously, we had desert. Don’t know how I fitted it in and the only explanation I have is that maybe I have a second stomach reserved for deserts. Again what a choice for me! It’s great! So much gluten free! I chose honey and stem ginger ice cream – being adventurous and all. It was interesting and complimented the meal perfectly.

I absolutely loved my trip to PHO and will 1000% be going back!!! I can just see myself cuddled up in the warmth, in the winter, enjoying a bowl of Pho (rice noodle soup). MMMM.

Cheeky fast: PHO is actually pronounced “fuh”