Chef Minh Vietnamese Pho: Vietnamese head chef offers affordable Ho Chi Minh-style pho in the West

Vietnamese cuisine has always held a special place in my heart; since I was a teenager who’d plonk herself in front of the television, watching multiple travel shows on the wonders of Southeast Asia. That’s why when I heard of Chef Minh Vietnamese Pho’s flagship stall in Bukit Batok, I knew I had to make my way down. 

Chef Minh - image of stall

Being a die-hard Eastie, it’s difficult to get me out of Pasir Ris. But I’d gladly travel to the end of the world for pho. Despite the hour-long journey, my excitement stayed intact.

Before I continue with my review, it’s worthy to mention that Chef Minh, namesake and founder of the month-old stall, has over 10 years of experience in Vietnamese cuisine. From a teenager cooking in his family restaurant to the head chef of Malaysia Royale Vietnam, Genting Highlands to head chef at Wynn Palace, Macau, and now, a business owner and head chef of Chef Minh Vietnamese Pho, Singapore. 

“As a proud Vietnamese, my dream is to bring the authentic flavours of Vietnam and make it more accessible and affordable for Singaporeans in the heartland,” said Chef Minh.

What I tried at Chef Minh Vietnamese Pho

With five different pho bowls to choose from, I went for the classic Pho Beef Tender Slices (S$5.50). Freshly prepared before dawn every day, the marrow-rich beef broth goes through eight hours of slow-boiling. I’ve said this before and I’ll say this again, to gauge whether I’m served with a fantastic bowl of pho, it has to smell and taste slightly similar to sup kambing

Chef Minh - image of pho

After waiting for a few minutes, I got my bowl of Pho Beef Tender Slices. Immediately, the combination of coriander, bone broth, cardamom, and other familiar Southeast Asian spices permeated the air. An aroma I was all too familiar with. I was also greeted by the sight of a sea of beef slices in the notable clear broth, with a side of chopped chilli padi

Chef Minh - close up of a spoonful of broth

According to Chef Minh, he has tweaked the broth to cater to local tastes— which was disappointing considering the familiarity I had with authentic Vietnamese pho. Alas, I took a sip. The broth wasn’t as intense as I expected it to be, but the flavours were there, and that’s what made it enjoyable. It was light and refreshing, and addictive.

Chef Minh - close up of beef

Apart from the mild-tasting broth, the beef slices were very thinly sliced which made it extremely easy to eat. Despite being tender and well-cooked, I felt that the dish would’ve been better with the addition of more beef. 

Chef Minh - close up of pho

The banh pho itself was silky smooth which made it seemingly easy to grip and glide down my throat with ease. The noodles were also well-cooked and did not stick together, which made the dish a delicious treat (but not the best I’ve had locally).

Chef Minh - image of spring roll

To complement my bowl of pho, I also got myself the Summer Roll (S$4 for two pieces). The dish is essentially a combination of fresh prawns, tender pork belly, and vermicelli with fresh lettuce and cucumber strips, wrapped in a translucent paper-thin Vietnamese rice paper. One look and the Summer Roll here is loaded to the brim. 

Served with a classic dip made of sweet soy sauce, peanut sauce, and Vietnamese chilli sauce, pairing the roll and dipping sauce will guarantee an explosion of flavours. Normally not a seafood person, I enjoyed the rolls a bit more than I thought I would, and would have finished them in a heartbeat (if I wasn’t too full from my bowl of pho). 

Final thoughts 

Chef Minh - image of dishes

I may be biased here but I absolutely love Vietnamese food. And the mere fact that Chef Minh has made a conscious effort to bring affordable bowls of pho to the heartlands is commendable. 

Although I found the broth unlike the ones I’ve had in Vietnam, I recommend anyone who lives in the West to have their maiden pho experience here as it’s a good stepping stone to the real deal. 

I’ll definitely pop by soon if I ever find myself around the area again. 

Expected damage: S$5.50 to S$9.50 per pax

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Price: $

Our Rating: 3.5 / 5

Chef Minh Vietnamese Pho

Blk 279, Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 , Singapore 650279

Price
Our Rating 3.5/5

Chef Minh Vietnamese Pho

Blk 279, Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 , Singapore 650279

Telephone: +65 9614 6995
Operating Hours: 10am - 9pm (Daily)
Telephone: +65 9614 6995

Operating Hours: 10am - 9pm (Daily)
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