Simply Vietnam Express | Santa Rosa - Sonoma County

Last fall I dropped by for a late lunch. I'd been a fan of the original Simply Vietnam that's now closed but had not tried the fast-casual offspring. Miraculously its building was untouched by the fires that devastated the neighborhood and it offered complimentary meals to fire victims. Much of its regular clientele in nearby Coffey Park were displaced and it continues to be important to support affected businesses.

I ordered the Combo beef pho with raw steak on the side, and I was pleased that the non-Asian cashier did not blink an eye at this request. Sharetea is available here, so a mango-passion fruit green tea at 50% sweet too. A bit of sticker shock at $12 for this bowl, but it is packed with more meat than I’m accustomed too. Steak, meatball, fatty brisket ... but no tendon nor tripe served here, sadly. The beefy stock had the familiar light body, yet meaty depth, not mucked up with sugar nor excessive spice. This family's recipe is still a solid choice for pho bo.

Simply Vietnam Express
3381 Cleveland Ave
Santa Rosa 95403
707.544.4585