Pho 88 Lowell

Pho 88 in Lowell/Chelmsford is an institution for Pho and Vietnamese food. I have been going here for a really long time and they never disappoint. Besides that, I'm on the hunt for a really good Banh Xeo.

They are located just after the infernal rotary in Chelmsford. Getting here is fine, but leaving is a nightmare since nobody respects the lane markings. There is parking, but the little plaza is busy, and the parking spaces are tight. A sign on the hostess stand said their prices had increased by 5%. They also have very handsome new (to me) menus.

I already had plans when I got here, but when I saw this in the specials section, I had to try it. Bun Bo Hue (Hue City Soup) ($10.95). "Hue Special Soup - A spicy large vermicelli soup, with softened tendon, sliced shank, ground pork cake, pork leg and pork blood." They don't do the pork blood anymore. It wasn't vermicelli noodles either, and the tendon was missing, but I got sliced brisket instead. There were very delicious pork cakes in the soup. It was spicy but really just pleasingly spicy. This was one savory soup chockful of flavor. 10/01/21

Goi Cuon Nem Nuong ($6.95). "Fresh Spring Roll. Grilled Vietnamese ham cake, pickle, carrots, cucumber, mint and crunchy roll wrapped in rice paper. Served with homemade sauce." The ham cake was a very skinny slice, and I'm not convinced that the pickle made it. The crunchy roll was super crunchy. Not sure what the homemade sauce was, but it wasn't really memorable. I think I'll stick with the normal Goi Cuon since the peanut sauce was excellent. 10/15/21

Banh Xeo ($10.95). "Vietnamese Pizza. A combination of Shrimp, Pork, Mushrooms, Bean Sprouts and Rice Powder Pancake." This was a proper Banh Xeo that was crispy on the outside but still pliant. All you see is beansprouts if you open it up to check on the fillings. The fillings are loaded into the batter before it is fried. A nice little salad at the top right. Underneath the mint, there was a big bunch of watercress. I really like watercress, the mint not so much. 10/15/21

I normally order the famous #14 XE LUA ($13.95). "Extra large Beef Noodle Soup. Our largest bowl of our most popular Beef (Bo) Noodle Soup combining rare Beef, well-done Brisket, Beef Flank, Tendon and Tripe." This time I decided to get the #15 ($11.95) that is the same, but in a smaller bowl. As you can see, I got everything. The broth was rich and delicious, with plenty of meat and I mean plenty! Even the smaller bowl was loaded with meat. The tripe was crunchy as it should be since it's only there to add texture. A bit short on the tendon, but no big deal. Leftovers for dinner, that's how big the smaller bow is. 02/23/22

Canh Chua Ca Bong Lau, Tom Hoac Ga (Sm:$12.95 / Lg:$14.95). "Hot, Sweet and Sour Soup. A choice of sliced Fish, Shrimp or Chicken Breast with Bean Sprouts, chunks of Pineapple, fresh Tomatoes and Basil in an aromatic spicy broth with a slice of small Green Chile Pepper on top. Two sized bowls are served with steamed rice." It's now $16.95 for a large. The chili pepper didn't make it. I had to ask what "Tom Hoac Ga" meant? Turns out it should be "Tom, Hoac, Ga" fish, shrimp or chicken. The fish turned out to be catfish, which was perfectly cooked. It was also a good amount of fish. I really enjoyed the broth. However, it lacked spiciness. Adding chili oil and pickled jalapenos from the condiment stand really improved things. 12/26/21

S8. Mi Vit Tiem ($13.95). "Fried duck leg and pink oyster mushrooms and Chinese brocolli with egg noodles soup in clear broth". The wrong kind of mushrooms, this is shitake. The duck leg was previously fried, but after spending time in the soup, the skin was flabby and not very pleasant. The meat was tasty and tender. I don't like broccoli, but this I do like. The broth was excellent and the noodles weren't overcooked. 05/07/22

Address: 1270 Westford St, Lowell, MA 01851 Phone: (978) 452-7300

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