Thai Bao
Inviting atmosphere, yummy Vietnamese food
Maricor Coquia, Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 11/24/08 Section: Arts and Culture
Enter the doors of Thai Bao, and you can't help but feel welcome.
"Hello, how are you today?" greets owner Minh Le to each customer, inviting each person in with a smile. More casually known as "Le," (pronounced Lee), Minh exhibits no discrimination towards new or regular customers. His good-spirit is contagious. And service is top-notch, especially as Le's family works right along side him, with the same contagious hospitality.
"I treat every customer like how I treat my family," says Le. "Only the best quality, so customers don't only come one time, but come back and say to friends, you know, the food is really good."
And the food is really good.
Thài Bao serves an impressive menu of Pho (pronounced fuh), the popular traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, Bun (rice noodle bowls), Cha Gio (Vietnamese-style egg rolls), Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls), and other dishes made fresh daily.
"I like to give customers [what is] excellent," said Le. Le, who is from southern Saigon, admits to even showing customers the traditional-style of eating Vietnamese dishes, just so each person can experience a bit of true Vietnamese culture.
"I tell clients to put the little bit of hot sauce, you know, and hoisin," says Le, pointing to the condiments on the table, for those who order pho.
For those in the know about pho, the earthy, complex flavors of star anise, ginger, onions, cloves, and a flavorful beef broth is simply too delicious not to eat, especially when joined with tender vermicelli rice noodles and your choice of meat (rare sliced beef, well-done flank, chicken, etc.) It's a go-to comfort food.
Though, at Thài Bao, all meals are a comfort on your wallet too. For about five dollars, you can get a bowl of the good stuff, served with all the garnishes: fresh bean sprouts, sweet basil, mint, cilantro, lime, and spicy peppers. Add a bit of that sweet hoisin (plum) sauce and a squeeze of Siracha hot sauce, and the deal is practically a steal. Delicious, and on a college budget!
"Hello, how are you today?" greets owner Minh Le to each customer, inviting each person in with a smile. More casually known as "Le," (pronounced Lee), Minh exhibits no discrimination towards new or regular customers. His good-spirit is contagious. And service is top-notch, especially as Le's family works right along side him, with the same contagious hospitality.
"I treat every customer like how I treat my family," says Le. "Only the best quality, so customers don't only come one time, but come back and say to friends, you know, the food is really good."
And the food is really good.
Thài Bao serves an impressive menu of Pho (pronounced fuh), the popular traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, Bun (rice noodle bowls), Cha Gio (Vietnamese-style egg rolls), Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls), and other dishes made fresh daily.
"I like to give customers [what is] excellent," said Le. Le, who is from southern Saigon, admits to even showing customers the traditional-style of eating Vietnamese dishes, just so each person can experience a bit of true Vietnamese culture.
"I tell clients to put the little bit of hot sauce, you know, and hoisin," says Le, pointing to the condiments on the table, for those who order pho.
For those in the know about pho, the earthy, complex flavors of star anise, ginger, onions, cloves, and a flavorful beef broth is simply too delicious not to eat, especially when joined with tender vermicelli rice noodles and your choice of meat (rare sliced beef, well-done flank, chicken, etc.) It's a go-to comfort food.
Though, at Thài Bao, all meals are a comfort on your wallet too. For about five dollars, you can get a bowl of the good stuff, served with all the garnishes: fresh bean sprouts, sweet basil, mint, cilantro, lime, and spicy peppers. Add a bit of that sweet hoisin (plum) sauce and a squeeze of Siracha hot sauce, and the deal is practically a steal. Delicious, and on a college budget!
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