Zen Kitchen

I used to come here frequently when having a hankering for a really good Pho in the city, but for some reason hadn't got here for over 6 months. Trade seems to have slowed down, perhaps due to the renovations blocking off access in the arcade, or as I found out rather disappointingly, because the standard has dropped off a cliff. I ordered a combination Pho, and was handed a plate with the obligatory beans prouts and herbs looking wilted and sad, as was the 'fresh' chilli that looked like it had died the same death as the ancient lemon slice nearby. Didn't bode well. On arrival, I spied cracked black pepper and fried onion sprinkled on top of the soup. These have no place in a Pho. The stock was flavoursome and decent but overly salty. The noodles clung together reluctant to be eaten in such a state. Other ingredients; beefballs, tendon, tripe, beef - were all sparingly applied. I'm not sure if the owners or the chef has changed, but the place has gone downhill considerably. For the price they charge and the end product delivered, I for one won't be returning.

The bahn mi was sold out when I got there 😭 but anyway, I got the signature salad (I think) and grilled pork rice. Grilled pork was very tasty, thought I wish the rice was broken rice (I’m not sure if this is traditional of vietnamese food but I’ve seen it in many vietnamese restaurants). The signature salad was refreshing. Spent $27 on these 2 relatively large dishes so I’d say it’s really affordable.

I can understand that it can get busy, but 20 minutes for a meat roll, (one with 1 layer of meat) is a bit of a stretch. Even the customers that ordered pho and bun after me received their food before me. Fortunately, the meat roll was ok. I think they need one more staff to get the meat rolls out during lunch times.