Location: 2082 N Capitol Ave. San Jose ,CA

Ever find the need to satisfy the hungry Vietnamese soul inside of you? Look no further than Pho Kim Long. This restaurant provides a wide variety of pho, ranging from beef or chicken soup to pan-fried. And with prices as low as six dollars for a hefty portion, this is one meal that will definitely fit  your budget.

Starting from the service, I found Pho Kim Long to provide an excellent experience for the casual eater. The waiters are efficient yet polite and ring up orders quickly. Best of all, your food comes within a matter of minutes. Tables are mopped up nicely and you can choose from a variety of sauces and condiments to use from each tables’ little sidebar.

The pho is definitely unlike any other from around the bay area. I ordered the #9, or “noodle with rare beef and tendons”. Even the small portions are quite filling. I find the quality of the broth to be what makes Pho Kim Long’s noodles stand out. It’s not too salty or filled to the brim with MSG and spices. Instead, it has just the right texture and compliments each soup quite well.

The only downside is that due to its reputation, the restaurant is mostly always packed. During the busy lunch hours, there are always a throng of people waiting outside. Also, the aisles between tables are quite narrow, and so I find it a little bit uncomfortable as waiters and customers rush by down the lane.

All things aside, Pho Kim Long definitely provides the best bang for your buck, with top quality pho at a good deal. I give it a 9/10.