Many of my friends like Vietnamese Pho and this baffled me for the longest time, until I tried the Pho at Fat Saigon Boy Express.

I had my first Pho at a popular Viet restaurant chain in Singapore. While I like the rice noodles, I did not enjoy the clear broth at all. It just tasted weird to me. So when I was invited to Fat Saigon Boy Express, a quick service Aussie-Viet eatery, I went with the intention to avoid Pho.

But things didn’t go as planned; I was served their Beef Pho since it was one of their signature dish. Surprisingly I like it! The slightly murky and herby beef broth fitted my palate! I also enjoyed the tender yet unbloodied beef tenderloin and the melt-in-my-mouth beef shin.

Puzzled, I researched and found that there are generally two types of Vietnamese Pho; the northern-style Pho which features a salty clear broth and the southern-style Pho which is characterised by a sweet, cloudy and herby broth. Apparently, Fat Saigon Boy’s is southern style though I do not find it very sweet.

If you also enjoy the southern-style Pho, give Fat Saigon Boy Express (Icon Village) a try, especially if you live or work nearby!

As an express outlet, Fat Saigon Boy Express features a modest menu consisting of 4 types of Pho (beef, smoked duck, chicken or vegetables) and a small selection of Vietnamese rolls, rice dishes and baguettes. Service is also minimal (you have to order and pay at the counter before food will be served to your table). On the upside, prices are pocket friendly (nothing over S$10 Nett) so it will make a great lunch option! If you prefer to have more menu choices and full restaurant service, you can visit the original Fat Saigon Boy outlet at Telok Ayer.