Phuong Trang

Phuong Trang Restaurant Review:

This surprisingly large establishment bustles at meal hours and waits are not uncommon. It’s a lively place, thanks to an eager, diverse crowd and speedy staffers who fly through the rooms bearing platters of hot-from-the-fryer imperial rolls and bowls of steaming noodle soups. The menu is vast --- no fewer than 248 dishes are on offer --- and all the familiar classics are available, from banh xeo crêpes filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, to a salad of shrimp, pork and jellyfish. Order a whole roasted catfish (ca nuong) to share with larger parties, or try the various fondues for interactive dining experiences. Maine lobster and Dungeness crab can be selected live from the tank. Specialties include the visually pleasing "seafood bird's nest" filled with stir-fried vegetables, shrimp, krab, calamari, fish and scallops, or the "seven courses of beef," which includes fondue, beef-stuffed grape leaves, beef porridge, meatloaf and more. Vegetarians will appreciate the plethora of options, like dau hu xao xa ot, lightly battered tofu tossed in aromatic lemongrass and hot pepper sauce.