Pho So 1 Boston
If you’re craving authentic Vietnamese pho in the Boston area, look no further than Pho So 1 Boston. Nestled at 51 Memorial Pkwy Randolph, MA 02368, this cozy restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a bowl of hearty pho or other Vietnamese delicacies.
Pho, the star of the menu, is a Vietnamese noodle soup that features fragrant broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats like beef or chicken, all topped with fresh herbs. What sets Pho So 1 apart from other pho joints in the area? Let’s break it down.
Authentic Pho with a Personal Touch
Pho So 1 Boston excels in the art of pho-making. The broth is the key to a great pho, and here, the broth is simmered for hours to extract deep, savory flavors from bones, herbs, and spices. It's aromatic, flavorful, and perfectly complements the tender meat and fresh herbs.
As a regular customer myself, I’ve personally experienced the perfection of their Pho Tai (beef pho) and Pho Ga (chicken pho). Each bowl is a comforting combination of rich broth, tender meats, and noodles that melt in your mouth. They offer various options to suit all tastes, including special pho bowls loaded with tripe, meatballs, and brisket.
Expert Tip: Don’t skip the hoisin sauce and sriracha—these are the perfect accompaniments to enhance the soup's flavor and bring out the spice and sweetness.
Fresh Ingredients for a Healthier Experience
Pho So 1 Boston prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients. From the crisp vegetables like bean sprouts and Thai basil to the high-quality meats and hand-crafted noodles, every ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect pho experience. This attention to detail not only enhances the taste but also ensures that each bowl is as nutritious as it is delicious.
The restaurant’s commitment to freshness doesn’t stop at pho. Their menu also features a variety of other Vietnamese staples, including Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwiches), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), and Com tam (broken rice dishes). Whether you're looking for a light appetizer or a filling meal, Pho So 1 Boston has you covered.
A Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere
When you visit Pho So 1 Boston, you’re not just getting great food—you’re also treated like family. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always happy to explain the menu or recommend a dish if you’re unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine. It’s this sense of hospitality that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
I can’t stress enough how comfortable and relaxed the atmosphere is. Whether you’re dining in with friends, grabbing a quick lunch, or taking out, you’ll feel right at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Pho So 1 Boston is the ideal spot for any occasion, whether you’re craving a warm meal on a cold winter day or celebrating a special event. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options, making it easy to enjoy their delicious pho wherever you are.
Additionally, the location is convenient, situated just off Memorial Parkway in Randolph, MA, making it easily accessible to those living in or around the Boston area. Whether you're coming from the city or outlying suburbs, Pho So 1 offers a fantastic dining experience worth the trip.
Reviews
Growing up, my family always ate at pho hoa (in dorchester). With vietnamese food now trending in the foodie world, many places readjusted to the western palate. It's honestly sad to see how saturated the Vietnamese food market is in Boston but how much of it isn't really truly as authentic as it can be. Enter Pho So 1 Randolph. They've been true to themselves since day one and now it will forever be my favorite go to spot! The taste is almost exactly like home, or as close as can be with the ingredients we have access to. The portions are not skimpy, you're actually comfortably full or even have left overs to enjoy after. The fresh veggies are actually fresh and they give you more than just a handful. The staff are friendly and quick to assist. My favorite dishes here are: pho tai gan (eyeround steak and tendon), pho tai bo vien (eyeround steak and meatball), bun bo hue (spicy beef vermicelli soup), banh mi bo kho (beef stew w/ vietnamese baguette), banh hoi thit nuong (vermicelli paddies w/ grilled pork), muc chien gion (crispy fried squid w/ rice), and all their drinks are delicious (my go to is durian or coconut smoothie)! Some of my friends (who are not vietnamese) do prefer places like pho countryside, pho 86, and pho hoa - which I get. But give this place a try if you want to go really authentic before you adjust to the western palate!
My go to order is Bun Tom Tau Hu Ky (rice vermicelli with grilled shrimp and fried shrimp paste inside of tofu skin). Their grilled shrimp is always so juicy and has the greatest char on it. They are pretty generous with the filling of the Tau Hu Ky, most places put a paper thin amount of shrimp paste but theirs is quite thick. I always order a drink along with my meal, I highly recommend their avocado shake, Thai tea (less sweet) and Viet iced coffee (less sweet).
Not sure if this Pho So 1 is the same as the one in Quincy, but this one is so much better! The menu is a bit different so I was not sure if they have any relation to each other. I ordered the catfish clay pot, a rice plate, as well as an avocado smoothie, and pineapple smoothie. We did start with egg rolls for an appetizer, which was yummy. The catfish was delicious with the sauce that I could not help but dress onto my rice. I finished all of my rice, which is super rare. The rice plate was also made well. I totally suggest coming here for Vietnamese food if you're looking for a great one to try!
If you love noodle soups, you'll love Pho So 1! LOCATION: Located in a strip mall, there is a lot of parking available! The space is fairly big but it does get filled up pretty quickly. FOOD: Get the Bún Riêu and Nem Cuốn! One of the best crab and tomato soups I've ever had! It's packed with a lot of flavors and most importantly, the crab! There's only one size so be prepared to eat a lot! The pork spring roll was delicious at all and highly recommend. SERVICE: The staff was so nice and food came out pretty quickly!
It's skibidy flavours mog every other pho place. You should try it. And there's hella huzz to fizz up so go and pull some shawteys at pho do 1. From Kayden Lo