The first time I heard Anthony Bourdain talked about Pho I made it my mission to before I die... I would experience the pornographic experience that Anthony savors known as Pho.
Pho is a cross over between a Soup and a Oriental Noodle Bowl. A traditional Vietnamese Pho will include a simmering hot broth, glass noodles, some meet or chicken, cilantro, with lime and chilies on the side. It is a simple dish with complex fresh clean flavors. Simply heaven in a bowl.
Coincidentally, I had the opportunity to travel to Frankfurt, Germany. I stayed at reasonable Pension near Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. This area in Frankfurt is the hub for International Cuisine. Honestly, this was the first time I visited Germany and really didn't eat German food. I had less than 5 minute walking distance from my hotel, many options to experiment. There was eateries from Iran, India, Persian, Turkish, American, Cheap Chinese, French, Ethiopian within others. It is clear Germany has become a home to many people around the world. What they lack in Food Trucks they do have it in small simple eateries. It will be interesting to watch how foodies decide to evolve there.
One day just walking around town on my way to a museum I saw in big green letters Pho Restaurant and I said this is it I have to taste it to scratch of bucket list item number 3. I made it my mission. Later that week I convinced my Father that we were having lunch at this magnificent golden palace and ordered Pho.
As my soup/noodle bowl arrived not even 10 minutes after I ordered it... I realized why it was so appealing. It was a fresh smell, steaming with goodness. I was able to add my fresh garnishes as you can see on the picture below to my licking. If you don't like too much heat, then watch out for the chili seeds... don't add them to the soup.. your tong will suffer the consequences. But yes it was just like Anthony said pornographic goodness in a bowl.
I am quite sure that if I ever get to visit Vietnam in my lifetime, then I would be able to try the ultimate bowl of Pho. But for now the Vietnamese owners in Frankfurt of Pho Restaurant, I give them thumbs up for a good bowl of Pho my first. Bucket list item accomplished with a A+ but additional item added to the list.. now visit Vietnam for Pho.
Watch Anthony Bourdain that inspired this experience here:
One last note. If you believe that in Germany all they eat is meat and potatoes you will be surprised. I do remember from my childhood that Germany Restaurants had always been readily available from all corners of the world... but WOW.. now don't even think about that you will starve from lack of options because there are alot of them.
Here are pictures of my Ethiopian experience, Iran experience, and German experience.
German
Ethiopian
