Chef Long Nguyen and his wife Chau Tran find joy in combining tradition and creativity in their Vietnamese and Cambodian-influenced cooking at Pho Mekha Astoria. Just steps from the Columbia River, this cheerfully decorated restaurant bedecked with paper lanterns and abundant plant life is a welcome addition to the Astoria food scene.
Its sister restaurant’s phở has been voted among the best in Portland by readers of the Oregonian, and Pho Mekha Astoria honors that legacy with a dozen different phở options that stay true to that award-winning recipe. There’s no better way to beat the chill from the frigid Astoria wind than over a bowl of expertly seasoned five-spice broth loaded with your choice of beef, shrimp, tofu, or chicken, along with fresh greens, herbs and lime.
But their menu goes far beyond phở. On a rare hot-weather day in Astoria, opt for a refreshing vermicelli bowl overflowing with fresh vegetables and herbs along with your choice of protein. Order some caramelized chicken wings marinated in fish sauce to share with friends. Or try one of the inventive house specialties, like the Com Tho Gà (clay pot turmeric rice and grilled chicken served with fresh and pickled vegetables) or Thịt Kho (braised pork belly and egg in coconut water, served over rice).
And don’t forget to try the salted kumquat drink–it’s a revelation.
Location
1313 Marine Dr
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 741-3010
Open Wednesday-Monday, 11am–9pm
