Often mispronounced by many who eat it, phở , a popular Vietnamese noodle dish, is hard to duplicate. Since there are many different variations of Vietnamese noodles in broth, it can be confusing for dinners to find the real thing. But with a specific variation of meat (or tofu), spiced broth and additional garnishes, Number Nine rings in authenticity.
Phở , a Vietnamese noodle soup that originated in Northern Vietnam in the early 20th century became popular in cities throughout the United States in the 1970s when many Vietnam refugees fled to America.
Number Nine, which is situated a block back from the beach, is located on Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach. The second of two restaurants—the other location in Long Beach—opened about a year ago and is owned by Vietnamese natives. While the restaurant brings ethnicity to the beach with their phở , Number Nine’s menu also consists of other traditional Vietnamese items such as appetizers, mon khai vi, and Vietnamese sandwiches, banh mi. All their selections are make from 100 percent natural, free-range and grass-fed meats and poultry, while their produce comes from sustainable family farms.
From the mon khai vi section of the menu, the crispy shrimp egg rolls with fresh herbs ($7) was a real fried delight. The shrimp, which are wrapped in rice paper and quickly fried, are then rolled in red leaf lettuce and topped with a homemade sweet and sour sauce. The lettuce gives the fried shrimp a clean taste and an extra crunch. But on the lighter side, the fresh vegetarian spring rolls ($7) are rather guiltless. Carrots, lettuce, bean sprouts, Vietnamese basil and mint are rolled together and served chilled with a side of soy sauce, fish sauce and chili paste. The fish sauce adds an element of salt to burn off the heat from the red chili paste if you are so daring enough to use.
The Vietnamese sandwiches are served on soft, flakey bun with a side of prawn crackers. With various fillings, the five spice chicken sandwich ($8) is a breast of white meat lightly grilled with a little bit of heat from cayenne pepper and a salty soy sauce finish. Served with a red chili aioli sauce and red leaf lettuce, the simple sandwich was packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. The crispy prawn chips have a bit of fishy taste, but are worth trying.
But the authentic phở Number Nine is serving to its dinners is the real winner on the menu. With a beef, chicken and vegetarian option, this soup is served with the specific cut rice noodles native to Vietnam. The vegetarian phở ($8) is made from an onion-based broth and has a hint of cinnamon going through it. Cubes of tofu, carrots and jimica are added to the large white bowl of broth with a large helping of the rice noodles. A plate of fresh bean sprout, Vietnamese basil, limes and jalapeños are served on the side to add as each pleases. After adding some fish sauce and chili paste, the soup has a great consistency and bold flavors running through it. The fresh squeezed lime juice cuts the heat from the bite of the jalapeños and adds a level of citrus to the broth.
While the restaurant is small, the renovations bring a level of cleanliness and chic to the beach city. The modern white flatware gives the colorful food a clean backdrop and fresh appeal. The service is attentive and friendly no matter if you are picking up or dining in.
Number Nine is bringing fair priced Vietnamese cuisine that is fresh, healthy and authentic all in one bite.
