In case you missed it previously, I’m a big fan of instant ramen. Don’t ask me why, I have no idea. I guess there’s just something fun and super comforting about a fast and hot bowl of noodles. Last year I began collating instant noodle reviews into one handy place and I’m adding new ones all the time so do take a min to check them out here.
What is Phở ?
Well, firstly, it’s pronounced ‘Fuh’ not ‘faux’. It’s a Vietnamese noodle dish made with long-simmer bone broth, flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, and meat and considered their national dish. In fact, December 12th is even celebrated as day of Phở!
Pictured below is a big hearty bowl of beef pho at Vūng Tàu in Abbotsford, Melbourne. This was 2017 so I have no idea if they’re still there but I’d like to think so. As you can see, it’s accompanied by a pile of fresh bean sprouts and herbs, as well as chillies and lime. The instant version isn’t quite so good looking but does include some of those flavours incredibly.
Onto the instant version:
This instant bowl version is based on the classic beef version, despite being made by Mama, a Thai brand which has been going since the 1970’s. I’m sure nearly all of us has come across their noodles at some point in our lives. I guess Thailand isn’t too far away and they certainly have managed to capture some of the typical flavour profiles.
On first taste, the broth is definitely beefy, with that warming hint of spices typical in a Phở broth of star anise, cinnamon and cloves. I was actually really pleasantly surprised by the flavour and really enjoyed every last drop of that broth.
The noodles were chewy and held their bite well but without extra bits and pieces for the sauce to cling to (herbs, meat etc..) this was a messy affair. Splats of broth everywhere! With that in mind, despite this being a cheap and cheerful noodle bowl, it’s definitely a contender for being pimped up a bit. Fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime would work well, and a few slices of leftover rare roast beef would be fantastic!
Preparing the noodles:
The noodle bowl is super easy to prepare – no need for a saucepan. You simply peel back the lid slightly, empty out the seasoning packs and add boiling water to the indicated line (around 350ml). Close the lid down and leave for 4 mins. Then stir and eat.
This one is a contender for lunch at the office, camping, hikes and picnics. As long as you’ve got access to boiling water and a fork or chopsticks you don’t need anything else.
Scores on the doors
- Flavour – 8/10
- Texture – 2/10
- Ease of making – 1o/10
Total: 20/30
Buy again? Yes
If you like the look of this Pho, you might also like Mama’s Shrimp Tom Yum noodles. For a wider selection of instant noodle reviews though, head to my ever growing guide here.
