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EAT THIS IMMEDIATELY: Chicken Pho at Café Thanh Thanh
Hidden underneath the Huntingdon El stop in Kensington is Café Thanh Thanh (2539 Kensington Ave.), which has been serving up home-style chicken pho and other specialties for close to 11 years.
EAT THIS IMMEDIATELY: Chicken Pho at Café Thanh Thanh
Hidden beneath the Huntingdon El stop in Kensington's "Little Saigon" is Café Thanh Thanh (2539 Kensington Ave.), which has been serving up home-style chicken pho and other specialties for close to 11 years. They've built up a loyal following of mostly Vietnamese patrons who line up outside of the tiny restaurant every morning ahead of a busy lunch rush. But what exactly makes their chicken pho so damn good, besides its status as the quintessential hangover cure (you'll be doing wind sprints in no time)?
Tony Le, who runs this joint with his parents — you can pinpoint his pops by his mustache and small-but-intimidating frame — attributes it to non-stop research and development. "We are always trying to perfect that recipe," he says. Le's mother, the chef, stews birds for hours, which results in a golden broth so rich, savory and meaty it'll make you wish you began opting for this rendition over the more common beef style long ago. While some customers request their pho white meat only, the soup is at its best with everything — bones, skin, dark meat — in the mix.
Thanh Thanh has no menu (just say "large chicken" to get a bowl), but if you must inquire, they also do stuff like beef-based pho and a steamed chicken appetizer accompanied by a dipping concoction of salt, pepper and lime juice (pictured). For me, though, there's only one reason to fall in line. Get here early (they open at 9:30 a.m. daily and typically close up by 6) before it gets busy and you'll be glad you made the trip. Eat this immediately!
Photos: Seri Chao
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