Pho 75 (Falls Church, VA)

Pho is a breakfast food for Vietnamese, but Americans sure love it for lunch.  And our non-Asian friends swear that it’s addictive. The first thing you’ll notice as you step inside Pho 75 is the unique and slightly unfamiliar aroma of Anise-flavored Beef Broth and Fresh Basil and/or Asian mint.  You may choose from a variety of meats including Brisket, Tendon, Meatballs, Flank Steak, or Tripe as a topping for your Noodle Soup.  For seasoning, it’s really mandatory to mix in some Oyster Sauce (black sauce) and Sriracha Sauce (red sauce) to achieve the desired taste.  Bean sprouts, fresh jalapeno peppers, and Asian mint are served on the side, which should be dropped into the broth early in the mixing process to let it mix properly.  

Oodles of Noodles/Nooshi (Washington, DC)

It’s about time someone got this noodle thing right!  Jessie Yan’s innovative pan-Asian eatery serves so many delicious noodle dishes, you really won’t be able finalize your choice until the waiter arrives. Highlights include curry flavored Singapore-style Rice Noodles, Nabeyaki Udon with Fish Cake, Thai Drunken Noodles and Malaysian Curry Laksa.  For spicy food lovers, be sure to try the mouth-burning, Thai Phuket Noodles, served in a rustic Chinese casserole.  And how did they get the name Nooshi?  Easy - “noodles” and “sushi.