More of a noodle-house, Pho Hoa has unveiled salads, appetizers, soups, and main courses that are light both for the heart, and the budget. Salad-lovers can feast on Goi tom buoi, which combines pomelo and shrimp; the traditional goi ga, which can be plain vegetables, or vegetables with chicken; and goi tom xoai or mango prawn salad.

Pho Do Vien (Seafood noodle soup)

Another unique appetizer that can set the tone for a healthy meal is goi cuon or fresh spring roll (available in vegetarian or shrimp and chicken) which is best dipped in peanut sauce.

Pho Hoa’s signature dish (and oftentimes the main entrée for diners) is the pho or soup, which consists of a selection of condiments such as sweet basil, bean sprouts, scallions, coriander, tendon, flank, brisket, and hoisin (a sweet bean paste). The soup can be flavored by adding the herbs, vegetables and spices directly into the broth and adjusted, according to the preference of the diner, to mild, spicy, or extra hot.

Pho vo dien (seafood soup) and canh chua tom (hot and sour soup) with prawns and pineapple are the top favorites which bear the "health-conscious choice" seal. These soups have generous servings and are good for sharing with another person.

"Because there are many food-borne disorders nowadays, people are beginning to be conscious of their diets. Pho Hoa would like to offer them health-conscious and tasty choices," says Nancy Cua, Pho Hoa operations manager. She notes, though, that even before the inception of the new vegetarian dishes, Pho Hoa has been serving food without extenders, preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients. This simple but nutritious cuisine, she added, accounts for the healthy lifestyle and long life expectancy of the Vietnamese.

Meanwhile, among their fish meals, ca thu nuong (grilled fish steak) and ca kho (caramelized fish) stand out because of their distinct flavor.

For those who can’t do without red meat, Pho Hoa has a wide array of beef and pork dishes to satisfy their cravings. But they needn’t worry as the meats are grilled very thoroughly to burn as much fats and cholesterol as possible. There is also a host of meals to suit every member of the family, young and old alike.

Moreover, sandwich lovers can choose from a variety of banh mi: Vietnamese ham with pate, grilled chicken or pork, beef brisket, breaded fish, or vegetarian.

To cap off a hearty meal, sip a hot cup of ca phe sua or the Vietnamese brewed coffee dripping from a percolator and mixed with condensed milk.

"Pho Hoa believes that health is wealth. In line with this, we will continue to offer the public food that is both healthy and flavorful," Cua concludes.

Since the introduction of the noodle house in 1998, it has expanded into key points in the metropolis. Currently, Pho Hoa has 10 branches located at SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, SM City Manila, Tomas Morato, Eastwood City Walk, SM City North Edsa, Greenbelt Mall, Wilson cor. P. Guevarra St. in San Juan, and at the New Medical City, Metrowalk.