Pho Thai?

Is it just me, or is it a travesty to leave out the Sriacha, Hosin, and add only 1 1/2 slice of jalapeno to an order of Pho????

[Robin Garr]

Is it just me, or is it a travesty to leave out the Sriacha, Hosin, and add only 1 1/2 slice of jalapeno to an order of Pho????

I won't say it's just you, Kim, but by and large, in my experience with ethnic Vietnamese restaurants here, in Southern California and on the Gulf Coast, Pho usually comes without the hot stuff, leaving it up to every individual to mix and match the fresh herbs (including sliced jalapeño), Sriracha and sambal oelek provided on the table.

Robin - I can understand that completely, but this was a to-go order. I was just seriously bummed as I don't have any Sriacha, and almost never have other Asian sauces anymore since hubby's not a fan. Was so excited, then.... not.

[Robin Garr]

Robin - I can understand that completely, but this was a to-go order. I was just seriously bummed as I don't have any Sriacha, and almost never have other Asian sauces anymore since hubby's not a fan. Was so excited, then.... not.

Oooooh! That's different. You'd think they would either put in some condiments or ask how you wanted it.

Mind telling which restaurant it was, Kim?

I'da been bummed, too, Kim. So while we're on the soapbox - has anyone had issues with the green curry at Saigon Cafe being too sweet? I had a nasty cold yesterday, and stopped there for a green curry to go (never ordered one from them before). I ordered it extra spicy, and they did great on that account, but it was too sweet to eat. Downright disgusting to me. I'm not sure I've ever ordered extra spicy on a green curry before, so I wondered if what they did to spice it up also added the sugar? Ugh - never again.

Pho is one of those dishes that is left up to the diner to decide how spicy or what to put in it. I personally like mine with a little chilli paste, fish sauce and a squirt of lime with a mix of hoisin and sriacha for dipping on the side.

yes, it is a punishable offense to leave out the sriracha. by the time i'm done using it my pho looks more like spaghetti

Robin - I can understand that completely, but this was a to-go order. I was just seriously bummed as I don't have any Sriacha, and almost never have other Asian sauces anymore since hubby's not a fan. Was so excited, then.... not.

Oooooh! That's different. You'd think they would either put in some condiments or ask how you wanted it.

Mind telling which restaurant it was, Kim?

I don't mind, Robin. It was Lemongrass Cafe in Middletown. I'm sure VK is better, but it's not close to home, and this isn't too far. In the past, they've always included Sriacha and Hosin, and several jalapeno slices. And I like it HOT, esp if I'm sick. I wasn't sick yesterday, just been craving it for some time, and was very disappointed. Saved it and picked up my own Sriacha, Hosin, and fresh jalapeno, and will be eating it tonight!

I'da been bummed, too, Kim. So while we're on the soapbox - has anyone had issues with the green curry at Saigon Cafe being too sweet? I had a nasty cold yesterday, and stopped there for a green curry to go (never ordered one from them before). I ordered it extra spicy, and they did great on that account, but it was too sweet to eat. Downright disgusting to me. I'm not sure I've ever ordered extra spicy on a green curry before, so I wondered if what they did to spice it up also added the sugar? Ugh - never again.

I've never eaten there, but that's my husband's issue with a lot of Asian food - it can be too sweet. The green curry we picked up at Lemongrass was too sweet for him as well.

yes, it is a punishable offense to leave out the sriracha. by the time i'm done using it my pho looks more like spaghetti

That's mine too!!!! The balance of flavors and textures is one of the main things, but the heat is KEY!!!