Mark’s Score 8.7
I had been a while since I had Vietnamese, so on my last trip to St. Michaels I decided to try Pho Van. Most of the time I find new restaurants on either Google Maps or tips from friends. Every once-in-a-while I go to Yelp or Trip Advisor to see which restaurants have good reviews. That is how I learned about Pho. Both sites gave it high scores.
Pho Van was opened by Gary Thanh Nguyen in 2018. His mission in opening the restaurant went beyond merely serving food. Nguyen wanted to create a cultural gathering place that showcased Vietnamese traditions and cuisine. The emphasis is on authenticity and hospitality where the Vietnamese community can maintain their traditions, while sharing those traditions with the wider community. The menu focuses on classic Vietnamese dishes, prepared in a traditional style.
I knew nothing of this restaurant other than what I read on Yelp. Pho Van is located on the west side of Easton in the strip mall next to Weis Market. I readily admit that I have a bias against restaurants located in strip malls. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I had a great time at the strip mall?” Having said that, I will give Pho Van this, they went to great lengths to create a distinct front entrance, making for a good first impression. But then you walk in to an oddly decorated dining room, the whole back wall is covered with electronic equipment. For a moment, I thought I had walked into an electronics store rather than a restaurant. But on the other hand, it made the place more authentic, as I had seen similar displays in restaurants in Asia. On the wall to the right was a TV screen playing Vietnamese pop music.
I sat down and the waitress brought a book-sized menu, which I view as a bad sign. With all the choices, I am embarrassed to admit that I was a bit pedestrian. I ordered the crispy egg rolls and the stir-fried chicken with pineapple. While I was waiting for my meal, I noticed a wicker basket full of tissues on my table. It brought to memory a story I once heard from a Vietnam Vet. He told me that the Vietnamese always carried tissues, as they viewed handkerchiefs as unsanitary. They were appalled when Americans blew their noses into a handkerchief and returned it to their pockets.
After a bit of a wait, the food arrived. The egg rolls were cooked perfectly, hot, crispy, and not greasy. The accompanying dipping sauce was light and fragrant. The chicken was sliced thin, succulent, and the flavors were subtitle. In short, exactly what I expect from Vietnamese cuisine. The sweetness of the pineapple paired marvelously with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Pho Van claims to be a traditional and authentic Vietnamese restaurant. When I eat at ethnic restaurants, authenticity is precisely my objective. Pho Van delivers an authentic Vietnamese experience. What more can you ask?
What else is there to do in Easton?
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