Pho Xic Lo
17 Spring Street
Chatswood, NSW 2067
$$—

Was at Chatswood today and realised we hadn’t had any Vietnamese food in yonks. Walked past Pho Xic Lo and decided we’d have lunch there. All the tables were full, which was a good sign. Service was pleasant and quick, which made a great quick lunch. Only downside was that the only table available was dirty when we arrived, which was a bit of a turn off. Still, the free-for-all serviettes and big jug of complimentary hot tea there made up for it.

I decided on Crispy Skin Chicken with Rice Noodles. I’d actually requested that it be “beef soup”, but it came in plain unflavoured soup – disappointing 🙁 That said, the noodles were just perfect. Smooth, slippery little suckers and the broth wasn’t too salty. Yummilicious. The crispy skin chicken… hrmm.. well.. I’ve had better at Pre-Pho @ Eastwood. Whilst the skin was tasty and super-crisp, the meat itself wasn’t as juicy and plump as it coudl have been. It was a tiny bit on the dry side.

Chris opted for Tomato Rice with Chargrilled Pork and Soup. The pork was FANTASTIC – all juicy and the smell of the charcoal really came through. The tomato rice wasn’t as flavourful as the Eastwood version, however.

We also got a Vietnamese Milk Coffee since the other table had ordered 4, which piqued our interest 😉 Unfortunately it was a rip-off!! At $3.50, it came in a teeny glass that was 80% ice. The coffee simply tasted like instant Nescafe. Utterly ridiculous and we grouched the whole meal over that 😉

All in all, it’s decent Vietnamese food.. but really doesn’t beat Eastwood. Still good though, because of location, as it’s right near me!

Pho Xic Lo

Crispy Skin Chicken

Rice Noodle Soup

Tomato Rice with Chargrilled Pork and Soup

Vietnamese Milk Coffee