Not to derail this thread, but who does the best Banh Mi in Houston? The best I've had so far in Houston was from Nguyen Ngo French Cafe.
When I was on my way to propose to my soon to be fiancée I saw a restaurant called pho real. no idea if it's any good. Also it's Maryland. But how cool is that name?
You need cilantro and pickled diacon & carrots (look up how to make it) as a base. I go for liverwurst instead of the canned pate for a stronger flavor. Then you can add your cured/sliced meats as you like. Always good.
Now THIS my brother swears by (he's a chef) and I will never attempt to make at home: http://ramen-tatsuya.com/
There is a place here in Denver called Fi Phi PHO Fum. It has terrible pho but its a catchy name My go to when I'm in town is Les Givrals in midtown
I always get the chicken ones and my go to place is Thanh Noi Sandwiches off Bellaire. It might be nostalgia for me since Ive been going since a pup but their chicken is the best and their bbq pork is good too. Ramen pisses me off with the simple fact that there aint enough meat in my bowl when Im paying a price thats suppose to have meat in my bowl. NahImSayin...... Pho always. Pho sure. I am curious to try the Mi Quan, @got em COACH was talking about though.
There's one in dang near every city. Come on, man. The "pho" name game is played out. *EDIT* : I just googled for one in Houston, and there's one there, too. lol.