San Francisco, CA — I woke up this morning hoping to romance myself with crisp bay air and a modest-priced hole-in-the-wall on Polk Street. As much as I should have ventured out on my own for formica table tops and free-refill coffee, I waited for my husband to join me. Lunch time arrived and my fickle tastes sought another dream – noodle soup. The morning walk turned into a slapdash drive to San Francisco’s “Little Saigon.” The beast of my appetite was looming.
Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls, 鮮春卷)
We arrived at Turtle Tower, one of our favorite restaurants while we lived in San Francisco. 11am is a perfect time to arrive, just before the lunch crowd queues.
Phở Chín (Well-done Flank and Brisket Beef Noodle Soup, 熟牛肉湯粉)
While I’m in San Francisco, I’m enjoying the foods I don’t normally have the pleasure of eating best versions of in Beijing. This also means, I’m not eating Chinese food during this short stay. My favorite place for Vietnamese in Beijing is Muse and I usually order the beef Phở with brisket and tendon. Turtle Tower’s Phở Chín (Well-done Flank and Brisket Beef Noodle Soup, 熟牛肉湯粉) – fewer condiments, no bean sprouts, mint, or basil.
Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup, 雞肉湯粉)
The popular item on the menu here is their Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup, 雞肉湯粉). A light and tasty broth, the bowl holds its own and doesn’t come with any more condiments than a few slices of green chillies and a lime wedge.
Soda Xí Muội (Soda Plum, 梳打酸梅)
One of my favorite taste bud obsessions is the mixture of sweet, salty, and sour. A salted plum, large granules of sugar and soda water baffles my husband as to why I drink the stuff. Soda Xí Muội (Soda Plum, 梳打酸梅) is refreshing and a perfect drink for some of us who like to play with their drink straws.
I am told all the best Vietnamese restaurants in the Bay Area are located in San Jose. Where are some of your favorite Vietnamese restaurants in San Francisco, San Jose and the rest of the bay?
Turtle Tower
631 Larkin St. (between Eddy and Ellis)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 409-3333
http://turtletowersf.com
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It’s interesting to see Asian food in America.
Especially because, thanks to your website, we can compare what it looks like on both sides of the world. Thank you.