Pho 87's magical broth

Pho 87 (5/5). I love pho. I mean, I literally could have it everyday. When I wake up in the morning, I dream about having either pho or Chinese jook for breakfast. Love it so much that I convinced my girlfriend to divulge her Vietnamese husband’s family’s closely-kept pho recipe so that I could make it at home.

Though my pho is the bomb and I make the best pho I know, sometimes, I just don’t feel like driving to two markets to get beef bones, oxtail and fresh anise. Not to mention the 4-5 hour cooking time, plus overnight rest that my broth needs to be its very best. When I want pho, I want it now and I sometimes I just can’t wait to have my own.

When I get those cravings and don’t want to drive to Bolsa in the OC, Pho 87 is my crack. Like they literally, must stew that kettle with a crack pipe and in a crack-lined cauldron because I can’t stop dreaming about it, thinking about it, and wait, what’s this? I’m actually salivating as I type this. It’s so tasty, comforting and delicious.

Brodard-esque: Magical crispy pork spring rolls

The order: I usually get the pork spring rolls and House Special pho, which comes with meatballs, tendon, brisket and rare beef. What’s shockingly good about the spring rolls, for those of you on the Vietnamese food tip, is that these rolls are comparable to the legendary rolls from Brodard’s in Garden Grove and by far, the best I’ve had outside of Orange County.

Magical garlic and chilli satay

Every pho-aficionado knows that it’s all about the broth. It so flavorful here that when I order, I specifically say, “large, 1/3 the noodles and an extra side of soup.” The brisket, rare beef and meatballs are great, but it’s all about that soup.

Every bowl comes with the usual fixings, but trust me, you won’t need it. However, if you like your soup spicy, Pho 87 has another secret weapon: their garlic, chilli satay. One dollop goes a long way, so use sparingly.

Management knows the regulars and offer sweet perks to us pho-phreaks. The service is fantastic and the food is magically Bolsa-esque, but it’s all about the pho. Can’t believe I’m salivating this much. Need to stop writing–heading out to pick some up for dinner.

Pho 87, 1019 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012, 323-227-0758