Sông Quê Phở Bar: A New Vietnamese Dining Destination in East London
In the bustling heart of east London, a new culinary venture has emerged from a well-established favourite. Sông Quê Phở Bar, the little sister to the iconic Sông Quê Vietnamese cafe, has opened its doors on Commercial Street, marking a significant expansion after nearly 25 years of operation. This new spot focuses primarily on phở, the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, alongside a selection of small plates from the original menu, including summer rolls, green papaya salad, grilled lamb chops, and savoury banh khot cupcakes.
Why the Delay in Expansion?
The original Sông Quê, renowned for its weekend queues and stellar reputation, has long been a staple in London's Vietnamese food scene. Yet, it took almost a quarter-century to branch out. While the reasons remain unclear, this cautious approach may be wise. The restaurant industry is fraught with risks, and premature expansions often lead to failure. Moreover, replicating the magic of an institution like Sông Quê is no small feat, requiring careful management and authenticity.
Location and Challenges
Sông Quê Phở Bar is situated in a seemingly prime spot, opposite the acclaimed Xian Biang Biang Noodles and near the popular Thai restaurant Som Saa. However, the Spitalfields area, bordering Aldgate and Shoreditch, can be tricky for attracting foot traffic. Previous ventures on this site, such as The Pearly Queen and The Space, struggled to make an impact, raising concerns about the new phở bar's prospects. During a recent Sunday visit, the restaurant was notably empty, highlighting potential challenges in drawing crowds, especially on weekends when competition from nearby spots like Slurp Thai intensifies.
The Dining Experience: A Focus on Flavour
Despite the quiet ambiance, the staff at Sông Quê Phở Bar are enthusiastic and welcoming, adding a cheerful touch to the experience. The menu is concise, centred around phở with options like rare beef flank, beef balls, chicken, prawns, or tofu. The rare beef flank phở features thinly sliced, pink meat atop al dente noodles and spring onions, all immersed in a rich, sweet broth highlighted by star anise. For those seeking variety, the bun bo hue offers a spicier alternative with well-done beef flank, pork sausage, or prawns, accompanied by an abundance of fresh herbs.
Small plates are equally impressive. The grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves comes generously garnished with peanuts and mint, paired with a hot, sweet dipping sauce. Spicy tempura squid and grilled lamb chops, with their perfect char and tangy vinegar-based sauce, showcase the kitchen's attention to detail. Even the simple prawn cupcakes, made from egg and cornflour, delight when dipped in a spicy-sweet sauce.
A Call to Action: Use It or Lose It
With its high-quality offerings and convenient location, Sông Quê Phở Bar is a jolly handy little spot that deserves more patronage. Currently, it risks relying too heavily on midweek office workers, potentially missing out on weekend diners. For lovers of Vietnamese cuisine, this is an opportunity to enjoy the best phở in town in a serene setting. Whether you're dining with friends or solo, Sông Quê Phở Bar promises a heavenly experience for those who appreciate authentic Vietnamese treats. Located at 44 Commercial Street, London E1, it operates daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, with meals starting around £25 per person.
