Hello and thanks for stopping by. Today I’m doing a quick drive-by post on my favorite Thai and Vietnamese restaurant. The reason it’s a drive-by review is because the place is in College Park, Md. You might pass it if you’re driving on I-95 coming or going from the Outer Banks or DC area. I have eaten Thai across the country and this place tops my list, easily within the top three, so yes, it’s worth the 20 minute trip off I-95. My son attended the University Of Maryland and for four years ,Pho Thom never disappointed.
If you haven’t tried the Vietnamese soup of Pho you need to remedy that real quick! It’s a fresh tasting soup that takes a few days to make. It can be made quicker but the man I spoke to said, his bone broth is simmered for at least a day with ginger and fish sauce. Thinly sliced meats can be added to the broth along with a variety of garnishes like hot peppers and cilantro. Toss in some rice noodles and you have warming delicious comfort food. It might even become one of your favorites.
On this trip I decided to go with the Thai side of things and ordered the chicken satay, chicken with basil in chili sauce and my son ordered the Pad Se Eww, which is homemade wide rice noodles with chicken and broccoli in a sweet soy sauce. The one thing that still amazes me is the consistency of Pho Thom, their food is cooked to perfection and always the same flavor and texture. Nothing has ever seemed old or off. It helps that the place is very popular with the students, partly because of the pricing and portions. Most students can get two meals out of an entree. Being busy is great for any restaurant because that also means fresh ingredients will always be used, so both customer and business reap the rewards.
I have tried their Pad Thai, Pho and countless appetizers and have never had a bad meal. I can highly recommend this place, especially if you have or know of any college students going to UMD. If you’re ever within 20 miles of College Park do yourself a favor and take the detour. You’ll be glad you did and you might even get an extra entree or soup to take home!. If you’ve ever been to Pho Thom’s or have any questions please leave them in the box below. It’s a good idea to walk the campus after a meal and you can say hi to the statue of Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog. Until next time, Boone Appétit!
