A new pho spot has opened on Grandview Avenue, inspired by a twenty-year friendship.
Phy Phom Pho, a fast-casual Cambodian restaurant, opened on July 23 in the former Jobu Ramen space at 1439 Grandview Avenue.
Owner Maggie Ailabouni, who also owns next-door Mazah Mediterranean Eatery, decided to open a Southeastern-style kitchen, infuenced by her longtime friend Phy Phom, after whom she named the restaurant. She’d previously subleased the space to Jobu Ramen, deciding to open another restaurant after their December closure.
Ailabouni met Phy Phom (pronounced pee-pom) shortly after she moved to the U.S. from Israel back in 1988. The duo worked together in the same kitchen for two decades, becoming fast friends. Phom cooked traditional Cambodian food for Ailabouni, including (what else?) traditional pho. Ailabouni loved the broth so much that she based the restaurant after her recipe, which Phom herself makes fresh every morning at the restaurant.
“The whole idea is to share food through Phy Phom,” said Ailabouni. “To have someone like her in your life — you hit the jackpot. The more you have good people around you, you become better, and more humbled.”
The restaurant itself is cozy, with 1,400 square feet of tables and booths. The interior seats up to 40, with a few tables available for outdoor seating on the front patio.
Phy Phom Pho operates via fast-casual model, with food options available at a walk-up counter. Choose between a BaiBo (rice bowl) and PhoBo (traditional pho), topped with grilled garlic-ginger marinated beef, chicken, or tofu. Top your bowl with a selection of fresh herbs and veggies, then pick a sauce. Sauce selections include peanut fish sauce, hoisin, soy, sweet chili, sriracha, and garlic. Bowls aside, chicken wings, kimchi, veggie and chicken eggrolls, and asian coleslaw are all available for $5 or under. Phy Phom Pho’s food is MSG-free, gluten-free, and vegan friendly.
Phy Phom Pho is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Takeout and catering are both available.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/PhyPhom/.
