Canh Chua Cá
(Sour Soup with Fish)
This soup was loaded with vegetables. There was a slew of celery, a heaping bowlful of bean sprouts, oodles of okra, jalapeños, and pleasantly spicy red peppers. This bright array of vegetables brought the sweet and sour broth alive with fresh flavors. And, crispy fried pork bits add richness.
So tender, we believe the catfish was cooked gently in the steaming hot broth.
Each piece of fish was barely touched with the faintest blush of pink. Only the lightest touch was need for it to flake into tender bites.
The sweetness clearly comes from the pineapple and the juices they contribute.
Bún bò Huế
Concentrated with flavor, the saltiness of the fish sauce was dominant in a mostly good way. Sadly, the chopped herbs were a bit skimpy and limp. There was plenty of beef, blood pudding, half of a pork hock and slices of pork loaf (cha lua or gio lua). But, it was all hiding at the bottom of the bowl.
We were craving a lot more whole herb leaves and herb sprigs.
Nam Phuong Restaurant
(Nam Phuong Atlanta)
5495 Jimmy Carter Boulevard
Norcross, GA 30093
770 409 8686
