Sometimes, you just don’t want to spend a lot of money, but you want to have something tasty and maybe –just maybe– even a little healthy. That’s why I started the Five-Dollar Feed feature here at Wanderingjustin.com – to help find non-corporate, non-fast food places to get some good food for a reasonable price. Today, we’re at Da Vang for a bowl of pho.
I'm strong to the finish, 'cause I eats me pho tai. Hmm, not quite the ring of "spinach," but far tastier. Take that, Popeye!
Vietnamese restaurants really have a knack for finding nondescript, cheerless locations. Here on 19th Avenue and Campbell, you’ll find Da Vang ensconced in a squat, run-down building. It’s one of those times where you should really get over the appearance and concentrate on the food.
Especially the pho. This is a Vietnamese noodle soup, which comes in several varieties. The difference is the meat in each. Pho ga comes with chicken, pho tai with sliced beef. Still others will have those funky Vietnamese meatballs, tripe, brisket, beef tendon or some combination of them all (I’ll call that pho dunt no).
Pho tai is my favorite. I’ll usually go for an iced coffee or a limeade to chase it. Call that an extra $2.50, tops.
Before your pho arrives, you’ll usually get a plate of bean sprouts, fresh jalapenos, basil and limes to garnish the pho. I also recommend a squirt of Sriracha hot sauce (which is the king of hot sauces of the non-homemade variety) and a generous dollop of hoison sauce. To keep things from getting splashy and messy, I attack the broth first before devouring the beef and noodles. Often, the meat in the pho is still pink when it arrives. If you’re one of those with a phobia about undercooked foods, chill out. It’ll be uniformly brown after sitting a few moments in the hot soup. It’s always hot and fresh, with decent-quality meat. And it’s only $4.50. Yes, real food for the price of fast food.
Still hungry? If you have $1.75, try my favorite of Da Vang’s dessert. I have no idea what it’s called, but it’s pretty much black beans soaked in coconut milk served over shaved ice. It’s really amazing – and full of fiber and protein!
Da Vang doesn't look like much, but it's got it where it counts, kid.
The staff is friendly, and gets even moreso when they start to recognize you. And there’s an eclectic crowd – clearly, a good chunk comes from the local Vietnamese community. But there are plenty of non-Asians, proving to me that Phoenicians still have a strong interest in stuff beyond McFoods. Da Vang is one of three Vietnamese restaurants within a few miles of each other. But to the east, the nearest is about 10 miles away (Noodles Ranch on Scottsdale and Thomas Roads in Scottsdale – good, but far more expensive than Da Vang. Great desserts there, though!). Phoenix could really use one somewhere along Indian School or Thomas roads between Central and 56th Street.
Da Vang has no Web site, but here’s some contact info for you from Yelp.com:
4538 N 19th Ave
Phoenix
(602) 242-3575
According to the Phoenix New Times, it’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Have a Five-Dollar Feed idea? Send it to wandering.justins@gmail.com!
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That is one of my favorite restaurants. I go there often for lunch. I am surprised they can stay in business with their low prices. Tips must make up the difference.