Chew Review: Pho House in Cedar Rapids stands out with value, quality among Vietnamese restaurants

CEDAR RAPIDS — Vietnamese food is one of my favorite cuisines, and its popularity is growing in Eastern Iowa.

So much, that Cedar Rapids and Iowa City now have a growing number of specialty eateries in Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines, like boba tea shops and banh mi sandwich shops.

This one hits high marks on price, accessibility, and quality, making it one of my go-to restaurants for Vietnamese in Cedar Rapids.

How does the food look?

Everything from hot stir fries to cold vermicelli bowls is served with relatively articulate detail and a good eye for presentation — especially given the moderate price.

Vegetables topping entrées are fresh and crisp.

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How does it taste?

I tried the spring rolls, bún thịt nướng and lemongrass chicken with honeydew boba tea to drink.

The spring rolls, my go-to at Vietnamese restaurants, are among some of the best in town — a litmus test for good Vietnamese. Fresh, crisp greens are refreshing on a hot day, along with a sweet peanut and soy-type dipping sauce.

Tapioca boba in my tea is soft, chewy and slightly sweet with a syrup type of flavor, telling me it’s fresh. The tea itself is good — about average.

There is also an option for a frozen, slushy type of boba tea, which does not hold up as well.

I ordered my bún thịt nướng in the Chả Giò style, which tops a bed of cold vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, shrimp and pork egg roll pieces.

Pork is lusciously crispy, adding a dimension I didn’t realize it needed. The grilled shrimp has a thin but crisp layer from being cooked, which adds a little more flavor. The pork roll is crisp with a good flavor.

Fresh vegetables are important for a foundation of Vietnamese cuisine that makes it stand out among other Asian cuisines. The chopped lettuce, cucumbers, shredded carrots and bean sprouts score high marks and mix well with the noodles.

Lemongrass chicken is a rich, luscious treat with a unique umami. Excellent.

The nuoc cham sauce adds a mild sweet and sour layer as a very light dressing that doesn’t overpower any other components.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars.

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What’s the ambience like?

Trendy decor is set up in a relaxed atmosphere that strikes a nice balance for a casual spot where you don’t need to dress up. The dining room is intimate, but not cramped.

This spot is versatile for many occasions and serves well as a midrange option.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

How was the service?

The service was fast, attentive and efficient. You can get in and out quickly.

If you rely on recommendations and chitchat from your server to figure your way out in a new restaurant, know that the staff tend to be relatively quiet and reserved. That being said, they won’t shy away from helping you at all.

I don’t mark this as a negative, especially given how fast and efficient they are, but it may have its limitations for some diners.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars.

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What are the noise levels?

Noise levels are balanced with calming pop music selections. But if you want background noise to help disguise an intimate conversation or you’re having loud laughs with friends, you may feel a bit exposed during less crowded times.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars.

How about the location?

It’s not in a very central location, but its spot at 5300 Fountains Drive NE, #108 is in a decent strip mall location close to other popular shopping and practical destinations.

Parking is easy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars.

Is it a good value?

With appetizers under $10, boba tea for $6 and most entrees right around $15, this offers excellent value for a sit-down restaurant that isn't a hole in the wall.

With compounding issues facing restaurants today, it’s getting more and more difficult to find quality entrées that aren’t fried food or bar food at this price point.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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