Pho Newcastle review: fresh Vietnamese food in the city centre

By Ania Askwith

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Pho, 139-141 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AE

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Best for: Vietnamese cuisine, City centre restaurant, Newcastle dining, Asian food

What you need to know before you visit Pho Newcastle

If you’re in town and fancy something fresh and delicious, you have to check out Pho on Grainger Street. It’s a Vietnamese street food spot that opened earlier this year, and it’s already become a go to for healthy, tasty meals in the city centre.

What is Pho? Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup explained

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is Vietnam’s national dish – a fragrant noodle soup made with a clear slow cooked broth, flat rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of protein.

It’s served with a side of herbs, beansprouts, chilli, and lime, and you can add as much, or as little, as you like. Now this is my idea of a good time!

Simple, soulful food!

What to order at Pho Newcastle: top dishes to try

Their signature dish is, of course, pho. But the menu doesn’t stop there. They’ve got loads of other options like rice bowls, wok fried noodles, and fresh salads.

Over a third of the menu is vegan, and nearly everything is gluten free, so it’s a great spot if you’ve got dietary preferences or just want something light but nourishing and hearty at the same time.

If you’ve never had Vietnamese food before, let me tell you: it’s fresh, hearty, and absolutely delicious!

We visited Pho in Newcastle and tried a bit of everything.

• Baby Squid (tender fried squid served with a zingy salt, pepper & lime dip. Perfectly cooked with a lovely crispy coating.)

• Chicken Wings (the seasoning on these was something else – spicy, super umami, with the loveliest texture)

• Hot & Spicy King Prawn Pho (the broth was so so so delicious! But my highlight was that it comes with a tray of fresh herbs and greens that you add as much or as little off, throughout your meal. I love greens so I LOADED my bowl with everything and it wad divine. With some chilli oil – it was perfect.

• Wok Fried Noodles with Beef (flat rice noodles stir fried with lemongrass, chilli, and Asian greens. Served with crushed peanuts and nước chấm (a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce). Super flavoursome and just the right amount of heat (and you can always add more chilli and hot sauce to suit your preference)

• Vietnamese Coffee (now that is something we both love but it is a real treat! Rich, intense coffee served black or with sweet condensed milk (yes, you read it right!)  Like dessert in a cup that is sure to wake you up after a meal. Just gorgeous.

• Pandan Waffle with Ice Cream (freshly cooked pandan waffle with scoops of honey & ginger ice cream. Like matcha in dessert form. Absolutely dreamy. If you like matcha – YOU NEED TO TRY IT!

• Cucumber Fizz (A refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail with Seedlip Grove, cucumber, lime, elderflower and soda. Light, and perfect for cleansing the palate, especially if you go heavy on the chilli, like we like to do. You can have it as a cocktail version too.
• Spicy Lemonade (A house-made lemonade with ginger and fresh mint. Dare I say, this was the best lemonade I have ever had. Ever. I am actually craving it now!

Why we are already planning our next visit

• The vibe inside is casual and welcoming – great for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even a solo meal. The decor is lovely too.
• Whether you’re new to Vietnamese food, or already a fan, Pho is a great place to try.  A real sense of comfort food done with finesse.
• The Newcastle branch has the loveliest staff you can meet who seem genuinely passionate about the food they serve there (and know LOADS about it – just ask!)
• The location is great – right in Newcastle city centre
• You really get your value for money with the potion sizes

Safe to say I’m now a pho fan.

Location

You’ll find Pho at 139-141 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AE; the nearest metro station is Monument and there is loads of city centre parking available. We park at the Dean Street multi storey and walk as it’s the best priced car park and free in the evenings. Also it is nice to have a walk back to the car after a meal.

Tips for visiting

• If you’re not up for dining in, you can order for click & collect or find them on Deliveroo.

• Starters can be ordered as sides if you like all your food served at the same time, and vice versa

• You can adjust the heat level by adding chilli oil and sauces which are available at the table. There is also freshly pickled chillies and garlic; all super delish

• It is worth booking as the place does fill up quickly. We have booked for 5:30pm, and within minutest of arriving the place filled up.

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If you love discovering the best places to eat and drink, things to do, wellness experiences, places to go, hotels and staycation spots in Newcastle, the North East, and beyond, be sure to follow my Newcastle blog for more reviews and recommendations. As a Newcastle blogger, I share everything from foodie finds, self care experiences, to weekend escapes.

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