Pho Cong Ly

1 Reviews on “Pho Cong Ly”

• Taste.

  I feel a little spoiled when it comes to Pho. With so many great options to choose from in San Jose, it can be difficult making a decision on a given night. Being around the university makes it easier. For some reason, the area has more upscale Thai joints than homey soup shops, even though most customers between 4th and 10th live in the dorms next door. Cong Ly, one of the relative newcomers in terms of its blooming popularity, is a little pricier than your standard noodle house. They offer three sizes ($8 for small, $10+ for large) and more than ten types of pho. Each type has at least two cuts of beef, including flank, skirt, tripe, tongue, and filet. My standard is the #11, a mix of fatty brisket, filet, and flank. Though the meat doesn’t melt in your mouth and is a little overcooked, the rest of the bowl is solid. Each bite of noodles is firm (but not too firm), and the sprouts and basil are fresh. The broth could be heavier and more flavorful, especially for the price, but is still satisfying. Drinks and other dishes aren’t Cong Ly’s specialty, but their Thai Tea, Smoothies, and Eggrolls stand out on the menu. If you’re feeling brave and aren’t in the mood for pho, consider the Chef’s Special mixed rices. Food aside, service and ambiance are not big positives. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere when it fills up, but is beige and strip mall chic the rest of the time. Wait times can be pretty long no matter how many tables are empty. Pho Cong Ly might not be the best Vietnamese option in San Jose, to say the least. If you’re in the SJSU area, though, and are in need of soup, it might be your best choice next to the Five Spice Duck at Sa-By Thai.Rating: 5.8/10 tasteperiod.blogspot.com

  September 20, 2015, 12:16 pm

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