Thanks to all who posted here and provided guidance for a very nice first meal last night at Pho Nam Lua. There were just 2 of us. Of course, we over-ordered and needless to say, left with a substantial amount of leftovers. Food and service were both great . . .
Pho Nam Lua - 6261 N. McCormick, ChicagoEven as I stepped out of my car in the lot, the fragrant aromas were immediately noticeable. And it was comforting to see steam on the interior of the windows. The soups were clearly flowing!
Shrimp & Pork Spring Roll (#3)Fresh, light and tasty.
Fried Crispy Spicy Chicken Wing (#6)Ultra crispy and they stayed that way as long as we let them sit on the table, while we ate other items. Loved the sauce and mix of onions and peppers (that went especially well with the next dish).
Fried Tofu With Salt (#33)That's the house-made chili oil
(top right) recommended upthread by Gary. Loved the lightly crisp exteriors and jiggly-silky interiors. Delicious on their own but even better paired with some of the sauces and other veg that were already on the table.
Bun Bo Hue (#29)An aromatic, deeply flavorful bowl. I'd order it again without hesitation except for the fact that there were so many others I'd like to try.
Combination Stir Fry Noodle w/Beef, Chicken & Shrimp (#60)Loved the char on these noodles. Delicious and comforting. This is where I applied most of the chile oil I used. I couldn't stop with this one.
Rice Paper w/Ground Beef (#88)This one reminded me a little bit of Thai pad ka prao. Menu describes meat as 'ground' but it was actually cut into tiny pieces. Loved the aromatic basil here. The rice paper was more like a cracker in thickness and texture.
Menu Shots:
Loved this and truly appreciate all the intel posted so far. Looking forward to going back. Being so close to my Niles office and not requiring any Kennedy Expy nastiness, I think this will be a regular stop for me.
=R=
Same planet, different world