Welcome Pho, PNU

PNU is by and far the epicentre of foreign food in Busan. Basically, if you want some non-Korean fare, this is where you will find it, be it Burgers, Kebabs, Indian Curry, you name it.

So its no surprise that PNU is also a great place to enjoy some Vietnamese style dishes. Welcome Pho is a very stylish and clean restaurant with a great view for people watching. The service is good and prices reasonable.

Most important, of course, is the food - and it is quite good. The spring rolls are perfect and come with a delicious peanut sauce. The pho is not quite up to the standard found in Vietnam itself, but is authentic enough to evoke memories of the gasoline stench from the motorcycle-filled streets of Ho Chi Min City; the sound of boats putt-putting down the Mekong delta, the colours of silk and vegetables in the crowded market...

As usual with Vietnamese food, you'll find more than enough here to sate your appetite. The usual assortment of sauces, spices and sprouts are provided for you to season your own meal. The only real downside to this place is there is no lime to flavour the dishes with, only lemon. For the moment, lime remains out of reach in Korea - even in Vietnamese cusine. Also, some Vietnamese beers would be nice - 333 or Saigon - but Korean beer is a pretty similar style anyway. In any case, they serve Vietnamese style coffee, the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing afternoon.

Prices: Pho/Fried Rice: 6,000+
English Menu: Yes
Vegetarian options: Yes
Directions: It's next door to Kebabistan, on the corner, 2nd floor.

The Pho, Nampo-dong

Firstly, we reviewed this restaurant mere days after returning from our trip to Vietnam. Secondly, their Vietnamese food is really, really good.

The Pho really gives you the atmosphere of an upmarket restaurant. As part of "The Terrace" (which also includes "The Pan" and "The Cafe") it has an interesting street view while seating you comfortably back from the foot traffic of Nampo-dong.

Service is excellent. The staff are quite professional and even brought us lap blankets!

The food is excellent value and surprisingly authentic. All the dishes we tried were very similar to what one might find in Saigon and the presentation is excellent. The dish sizes are pretty big though, so if you order, for example, a large Pho you might want to share it.

Generous amounts of tea are also provided free with your meal, which does encourage one to linger under their gas-fired heaters.

After finishing your meal, you can enjoy a Vietnamese-style drip coffee (Ca Phe) - but first-timers may be suprised by the ultrasweet condensed milk at the bottom of their glass.

The Pho is without a doubt my new favourite restaurant in Nampo-dong, and I can't wait to get back there.

Phone: 256-8055
Location: Nampo-dong, near the main roundabout & police station.

English Menu: Yes. And English-speaking staff.

Vegetarian Option: Yes. The staff even asked us if we were vegetarians (did I forget to shower today or something? Maybe its time for a haircut.)

Prices :
Ca Phe: 4,000

Spring Rolls: 4,000
Medium Pho: 8,000
Fried Rice 8,000