Pho Oso, Dong Khoi, Saigon

This place (37 Dong Khoi) came as a recommended alternative to the more popular Pho 2000 and Pho 24 joints in the city. I wasn't quite sure what to expect here, especially when you're greeted with a loud "irasshaimase!!"

See, the owner, I was told, is Japanese, which I suppose also explains why I got what appeared to be thick chasyu slices in my bowl, in addition to the standard beef. The broth was also of the much darker sort...more like the kind at PhoChine back in Singapore rather than the lighter version that I'm much more accustomed to. Is this darker version supposed to be a regional Vietnamese variation? (Or perhaps a result of some Japanese localization?)

The place was adorned in dark wood furniture, and amusingly had a sign out front screaming, "No pay, no delicious." I didn't need to invoke this clause, as this was all pretty satisfying; I liked the black pepper sprinkled on top, as well as the full-length sprigs of green onion too. Anyway, this is sure to be but one of many, many bowls of pho to come on this trip, so let's see what else we're able to come across.