One of the healthiest cuisines in the world has to be Vietnamese; and at Phớ 779 in Meridian, this emphasis on freshness, combined with flavors and textures that excite the taste buds, are present in every dish they present. Although it is not fancy, Vietnamese food tends to be grilled or steamed, with plenty of fresh vegetables and an emphasis on quality ingredients. This, combined with the Vietnamese penchant for providing sauces and chili sauce at the table to make the soups that Vietnam is famous for into an elixir that is seasoned just the way you want it, makes Vietnamese cuisine something to be tried if you’ve never had it.
Although most unfamiliar with Vietnamese consider it another spicy Asian cuisine, the exact opposite is true. The majority of Vietnamese dishes are very mild and can be eaten by everyone. It is only when you add your own jalapeños, chili and sriracha sauces and other sauces to Vietnamese dishes that they become spicy. Literally, this means just about any dish can satisfy everyone.
Phớ (pronounced fuh) is the most popular dish of Vietnam. Phớ is basically a soup with noodles. There are many variations though with beef phớ being the most popular. Phớ 779 also has a Vegan Phớ to satisfy vegetarian taste buds as well as a chicken phớ. Phớ 779 sticks with the basics and does them well. The Rare Steak and Meatball Phớ is a good soup to start with. The tender meatballs and thinly sliced steak add nice texture to the flavorful beef broth and thin rice vermicelli noodles. Other variations of this can include well-done beef brisket, flank steak and beef tendon. These can be ordered in various combinations or as a phớ with all of them.
As it comes, the beef broth is a very mild broth, but that is just the base. Fish sauce and hoisin sauce can be added for flavor. Sriracha sauce and chili paste can also be added to make the broth spicy if you want. Along with the soup, a plate on the side is presented. This plate includes fresh bean sprouts, fresh basil, fresh lime, cilantro and jalapeño. The lime adds acidity and brightness to the broth with the jalapeños add a different type of hotness to the broth. A good handful of the herbs adds nice flavoring to the soup. The bean sprouts shout be added a bit at a time to maintain their crunchiness for a bit of added texture.
Bún bò Huế is a soup not found on as many menus, but Phớ 779 makes a wonderful version of it. This soup, from Huế, the Imperial Capital of Vietnam, is a knock-you-out-of-the-chair dish. As opposed to phớ, the Bún bò Huế broth starts with a broth made from pork bones as well as beef. It is strongly seasoned, with lemongrass and plenty of red chili oil to make it on the hot and spicy side. As with most Vietnamese dishes, there are many variations; and Phớ 779’s version uses brisket and their sliced pork roll in their version. The side plate of toppings is also given to add the herbs, lime, jalapeños and bean sprouts to the soup. The noodles too are different, a thicker version, toothsome and good at soaking up the spicy broth. Having had this dish many places, Phớ 779’s version of Bún bò Huế held up well with the best of them.
Bún is another popular Vietnamese dish. It is basically a dish of the thin, rice vermicelli noodles on top of fresh herbs and beans sprouts and topped with various items. Phớ 779 in Meridian offers grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, grilled pork and small fried egg rolls in various combinations. The dish is served with a sweet, tart and slightly spicy dressing to be poured over the dish. Although it was not on the menu, the staff was very accommodating when a combination of the grilled pork, egg roll and shrimp was requested. The flavor was very good and the shrimp were cooked perfect, still juicy but with nice grill marks. This is a summer dish, very refreshing on a warm day.
Bánh mì is the classic sandwich of Vietnam that best illustrates its time as the colony of French Indo-China. Essentially, a French baguette forms the base for the sandwich, upon which are placed cilantro, pickled carrot and daikon and usually thin-sliced jalapeño. At Phớ 779, these can be served vegan style, or filled with a variety of meats. Grilled pork, grilled chicken, a pork paté , grilled beef and a pork roll are some of the choices. The meats are generous and the sandwich a nice contrast of flavors. One of these sandwiches with a nice glass of freshly made boba milk tea and you have a delicious, filling lunch.
One other item of note are the gỏi cuốn, or fresh spring rolls. These are served four to an order, the soft rice-paper wrappers filled with shrimp, pork, rice noodles and herbs. A tasty dipping sauce topped with crushed peanuts accompanies the rolls. The freshness of these with the variety of textures inside makes for a really tasty and yet healthy appetizer. It is a recommended order with any meal.
Phớ 779 in Meridian is a friendly place, light and airy with simple décor. There is plenty of table seating for anyone from individuals to larger groups. Their dishes are on point and provide a nice selection of items to please anyone. It provides a nice introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and a healthy, tasty way to enjoy a meal.
Phớ 779
3327 N. Eagle Road
Suite 195
Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 884-2550
Photo gallery follows. All photos by Ed Simon for The Boise Beat.
