The Flavors of Los Banos: Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant

Finally, after so many attempts to share information about Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant, one of the favorites of the locals of Los Banos for serious international food, I finally made it. And if I thought I was the only one thinking along those lines, i was wrong 'cause others have already beat me to it, but I am writing about it anyway.  So, this is Phuong, probably one of the authentic Vietnamese restaurants in the country.  It is managed by the owner herself who is a genuine Vietnamese and whose failed attempts to speak in Tagalog does not diminish the excellence of her food preparation.   Phuong does not need an elaborate signage and marketing for anyone who's been there once will definitely return a hundred times.  Phuong has been written about and featured in some major dailies because of its popularity and of course, excellent food.

My favorite and one that I would order whenever I would get assigned in Los Banos is the beef noodle, or the Pho Bo where the beef is as tender as the ones that you would get in Ho Chi Minh, but definitely cheaper.  I was transported back to Ben Thanh area when I got my first bowl of Phuong's Pho Bo.    What I like about Phuong's is that there is a generous amount of beef in each serving unlike other Pho Bos where you'd drown in the overwhelming amount of soup per serving.  Phuong's Pho Bo is very affordable and filling at P140.00 only.  

Another favorite of mine which will always remind me of that tour I took in Mekong River is the fresh lumpia with pork and shrimp or what is called Goi Cuon.  There's also a few strands of thin noodles that will make it heavier.  What is really used in wrapping  the shrimp and the pork is the rice paper wrapper.   This seems to be a  common method of preparation of Vietnamese dishes.  To make it even tastier is the sauce of ground peanut, a little sugar, and vinegar.  A serving with 6 pieces costs P150.00 only.  A real treat for a group of 3 people.  

This one is really not part of my usual fare but I have decided to give it a try.  It seems innocuos anyway, similar to the local scrambled eggs, but there's more to it actually.  In fact, it is rich and heavy on the stomach.  Banh Xeo is rice pancake with pork and shrimp.  it is eaten like one would eat the sam gyeop sal of Korea. 

It is wrapped by a leaf of the pechay and dipped in a sauce of of soy and vinegar mixed with some leaves.  It can be oily sometimes but the sauce will really complete the entire eating experience of the Banh Xeo.  You will notice that Vietnamese food is always partnered by bean sprouts, basil or mint leaves.  I believe that Vietnamese food comes close to Korean food in terms of its nutritional value.  

Another item that I love in Phuong, but seldom offered, unless there is a special occasion and the manager/owner is requested to make some, is the Vietnamese rice cake.  It is a more glutinous version of the kutsinta.  But it's colored green at the top portion and yellow along the middle part.  What i like about it is the tolerable amount of sweetness.   Just make sure you can trust your dentures as it really can be very sticky.   This costs P15 each.  

I hope i have enticed you enough to pay Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant a visit one of these days.  You will surely enjoy their authentic Vietnamese fare.  It is located along Santos St. To go to Santos St, walk down Lopez Avenue.   Lopez is the main road leading to UP Los Banos. Before reaching the gate of UP Los Banos turn right at the last corner before you enter the gate.  This is Santos Street.  You will find Phuong at the left side. 

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