1931 E Oltorf St # BAustin, TX 78741
(512) 693-2464
A co-worker (Kevin) and I decided to try a different Pho restaurant than Phở 888, on Oltorf. I had read a few reviews before deciding on the place so and based on the reviews, the place was worth a try.
Typically, Vietnamese restaurants that have Phở or Mi on their sign, specialize in soup. So, you shouldn't expect to see Banh Mi, Clay Pot, Bo luc lac, or any other Vietnamese dish on the menu. Typically, when I have Vietnamese, I have Phở, which is why I chose Hai KY. Phở and Mi were on the sign so, I would be judging them on my typical meal at a Phở restaurant: Spring Rolls, Phở Dàc Biêt, and Cà phê sữa đá.
Ok, Hai KY is a pretty small place and I could see that it's popularity outstrips it's seating. We ended up sitting at a bar facing the window, so I had to turn and face Kevin when I wasn't slurping noodles. We shared the bar with 3 other people but, many of the customers were sharing tables with strangers. This is typical for a Phở restaurant. The wait staff was quick and courteous, seating us quickly, getting our orders quickly, serving the appetizer quickly and leaving us just enough time to finish them before the main course was delivered. They even delivered the bill early so people with short lunch breaks (like me and Kevin) could rush back to their jobs.
On to the meal. The Spring Rolls had the right ingredients (pork, shrimp, noodles), were not rubbery or chewy, and the taste was completely obscured by one of the most peanut-y tasting peanut sauces I've ever had. It was so good, I had a few spoonfulls when the Spring Rolls ran out. I should have had a bite without dipping it in the sauce.
It takes a while for the coffee to drain out of the drip filter so I usually drink the Cà phê sữa đá after the meal so, I'll get back to this.
The soup stock (which is really the heart of Phở) was not that great, sadly. Since this was Phở Dàc Biêt, I expected to see a mountain of eye round, and flank steak, tripe and soft tendon, but, there wasn't really much to go around. There wasn't much in the way of noodles either. The bulk of the solids were white onions, green onions, and cilantro. It was worth about the price I paid for it (under $6). By comparison, though, most Phở kitchens give you much more for the price.
Towards the end of the meal, the Cà phê sữa đá was ready (as predicted), so I mixed it all up, and poured it over the ice. I've never had a bad glass of Cà phê sữa đá... until today. It tasted bad. I still can't place exactly what the problem was. Could it be the water was too hot, or the grains too old or was it that the condensed milk was expired? I ended up leaving half a glass, which never happens.
I'll reserve my final judgement until I visit them again, since it could have been an off day. Until then:
Eric - 4.5
3 comments:
I've been to Hai Ky before. You're too generous to them to give a 4.5...unless the scale is out of 1 gajillion. Now, granted, when it comes to Vietnamese food, I'm a damned hard critic. Then again, I did grow up with dear Vietnamese mother of a chef cooking her native cuisine for me. Let me tell you where I lost it, though, with Hai Ky. It was the spring rolls. You're right in that they seemed to be made well, but the sauce. Ack. I picked up on the overly peanutty sauce as well. They should never be served with a peanut sauce---screams too much of a Thai influence. (That that I dislike Thai food...just a purest when it comes to my very own ethnic food--my comfort food). If you're looking for amazing Vietnamese experiences in Austin, I'd suggest Pho Hoang in Round Rock or Lilly's Sandwich Shop at the new Chinatown center @ Lamar and Braker. They sell stuff at Lilly's that I never had until I went there---only heard stories from my mom about...
It pays to go back and look at comments. Thanks Lee! I've been up to Pho Hoang and I really liked it. Now, I haven't been to Lilly's Sandwich Shop so, I'll make it next on my list for reviews.
Hopefully, you'll get back to check this comment again, Eric. Because I've found a gem, possibly two. Last night, before the Spurs played, I was on a mission seeking some Banh Xeo, a Vietnamese crepe, in case you're not familiar. That was the favorite dish my mom made when I was growing up, and I've been sorely disappointed that I can hardly find it served in Austin let alone being of good quality. Well, a couple Vietnamese friends told me of a place down @ 182 & Lamar that I should try for it. So, I went armed with nothing more than directions and I failed. I did end up at Pho Saigon (Lamar & Peyton Gin). The place was awesome. The food was very authentic...even to the point of educating me. After having a Vietnamese style quail, I learned that quail are native to Vietnam, and it wasn't just an americanized version of a Vietnamese dish. Oh, and authentic. You know it's the real stuff when the description of a soup lists "pork liver, pork heart, and other assorted parts." I was very pleased walking out of there. Anyhow, I'll also be going back to check out Tam Deli & Cafe later this week. That's the place that I should have went to last night for Banh Xeo.
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