Pho Triple 888 Peabody, MA

I’ve been craving Pho – if I had to define perfection in a bowl, Pho would be it. In fact, it is in my top 5 favorite foods, and one I usually choose to go to a restaurant for, although I have made it at home. How fortunate that I live close enough to a small restaurant, Pho Triple 888 in Peabody, MA, that does Pho very,very well. And all this for $6.95!

136 Newbury St. (Rt.1)
Peabody, MA 01960

They have a very extensive menu, and while many things looked tempting, I wanted what I went for – the small #20 (sliced rare beef Pho). Soon enough, out came the plate of traditional garnishes for this type of Pho:

The Pho arrives with some nice fresh chopped cilantro on top, a great variety of crispy vegetables, and beneath – thinly sliced rare beef that cooks in the hot broth – and of course Pho noodles. The chili paste was already on the table – complete with a lovely little spoon. Hoisin sauce was also on the table, which is for the diner to put in a small side dish along with chili paste. It is nice to dip your various Pho items in while you are eating.

I like to add chili paste (sometimes it’s sriracha instead of the chili paste) right into my broth – along with the mung bean sprouts a bit at a time.

Everything was fresh and delicious. The broth was the real deal – not from a can, but rich with the taste of simmered beef bones, a hint of star anise and ginger. A complex yet clean flavor.

Eating Pho is a kind of ritual….. bit by bit making your way to the bottom of the bowl, dipping this and that, adding sprouts as you go, sipping the broth between bites and slurping up your noodles. I thoroughly enjoy it!
In the quiet of this little “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant, I relaxed, reflected and wondered if they have enough business to sustain themselves. Such a clean and colorful place. I hope everyone nearby who loves a good bowl of soup visits and enjoys the wonder that is Pho. Well done Pho Triple 888.