Pho

Following the success of the Farringdon original, a second branch of Vietnamese street-food specialist, Pho, has opened behind Oxford Circus. Vietnam’s native cuisine is defined by clear, fresh flavours & here they come in abundance: vibrant starters include generously filled ‘summer’ rolls & special crepes (crisp shells made of rice flour, coconut milk & turmeric) packed with prawns, chicken & beansprouts. Eponymous ‘pho’ noodle soups combine fragrant broth & rice noodles with a choice of meat, seafood or veg, while other mains include curries & stir-fries. The surroundings are as unfussy & appealing as the food: white walls brightened up with Vietnamese street scenes, vivid orange chairs & blond wood tables. All in all it’s a good spot for a quick working lunch (when fresh fruit juices are the drink of choice) or in the evening - when the short wine & beer list may be preferable. No reservations.