Preface
With a population of nearly 75,000 Vietnamese folks, Georgia is covered in their fantastic cuisine. Especially in Duluth, it feels like there is always a great place around the corner. At worst (and why is it always in Atlanta), it’s still pretty decent. I’ve never had a bad meal at a Vietnamese spot, and it’s truly a testament to the quality of their dishes. With their balanced flavors and aromatic herbs, it’s hard to go wrong.
With so many Vietnamese restaurants, it’s hard to choose where to visit. So, I wanted to share a place I’ve regularly visited for years. I’ve made so many memories here, and I wanted to share this place with my readers so you can make memories here as well.
Review
Why do I come here so often? Not only is their broth one of my favorites, but it’s open until 2 am! They’ve become a late-night staple for me when I don’t feel like punishing my body with McDonald’s. However, it’s not just a nocturnal visit, their pho broth is one of my favorites in Georgia—it is delicious, balanced, and importantly… not salty. Though I don’t think I’ve had any “bad” pho broths, they can lean salty or bland.
I typically get the “P2,” aka Pho with Filet Mignon, and I get the meat on the side. I love to do this because the meat is always softer and tender rather than it being added in the kitchen. Don’t worry; the broth is steaming hot when it comes to the table, so your beef can cook as much or as little as you desire.
They recently revamped their menu, likely due to new management, and added new items, including a side of extra bone marrow to add to your pho broth. I personally love bone marrow, so it seemed like a no-brainer to add it on. It added a bit more depth, richness, and a stronger umami note to the broth. It is important to note that it adds pure fat, so if that’ll make your stomach do cartwheels, I’d skip it. I will also say that I find this unnecessary; the broth is great on its own and should only be ordered by bone marrow fans. I prefer it roasted on the bone, anyway.
The pho is definitely a must when visiting here, and the price is fair—the going rate for pho within Duluth. I’ve had their pho dozens of times over many years. I’ve shared a bowl of pho with countless friends and family, and I encourage you to do the same. For this review, I split this into two different visits. I realized I had never tried any of their other dishes besides the pho. To give a more well-rounded review, I decided to come back and try their less-wet dishes.
Another part of the revamp is that they added new drinks to the menu reminiscent of things you’d order at a boba shop. I was a bit skeptical, but I ordered the mango green tea anyway. I was very pleasantly surprised. It has delicious, chewy mango jelly pieces at the bottom that are genuinely addicting. The tea is definitely sweet but not overly sweet. Overall, it was pleasant and satisfying. I really appreciate this addition. Honestly, it saves me a stop when I’ve finished my meal since my demonic stomach always craves a sweet treat.
My boyfriend, who graciously paid for all my meals, ordered the special combination banh mi (his new addiction caused by yours truly). It contains a traditional pork sausage rather than the popular grilled pork. It was yummy, and the sausage was flavorful, but it wasn’t overly rich, thanks to the fresh herbs and vegetables. It wasn’t anything special, but it was a good, solid banh mi. I will say it is a tad more expensive than the going rate in Duluth.
I got the grilled pork rice dish. I don’t know what the Vietnamese are doing to their grilled pork, but why is it always so amazing? This dish wasn’t an exception. The marinade is sweet yet savory, and the meat has an amazing smoky taste with a great balance of fat. I wouldn’t say that New Super Pho’s grilled pork is particularly better than other places, but Vietnamese grilled pork never disappoints, period. The portion and pricing are standard for other Vietnamese restaurants in Duluth, but it is small compared to an American portion, FYI. If you’re quite hungry, you’ll have to order some sides or another dish for sure.
Rating and Conclusion
Taste: 4.5
Value: 4.5
Memorable: 4
Total: 4.3
I love this place, it has been a comforting spot for me for years. It’s not always about reinventing the wheel; it’s about consistency, warmth, and a flavorful broth. If you get a chance to stop by, their pho and grilled pork dishes are a must. Let me know if you get to make memories here like I have.
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