Ha V L

Tucked into the back/side of the little parking lot, this restaurant could easily be passed by on accident. It's definitely worth checking out though. There's only two menu items available each day and they sell out fast. When I was there the chicken pho was sold out and only the pnompenh soup was available. The extra bits of meat in the soup were okay, but the rich and luxurious broth was the scene stealer. Some of the best broth I've had. Noodles retained their snap. Delicious, hearty meal. I'll definitely be back on different days to try the other offerings.

If you want a place with a menu that is limited to the best someone could ever do a thing then this is your place. This is the exact transverse of The Cheesecake Factory. They have two offerings per day, instead of a 47 page menu. And I swear it will be the most perfect two things you've ever experienced. Choose what you will, but try every day's choices at some point

Under the definition of "Mom and Pop Joint" in the dictionary comes HA &VL Vietnamese Noodle Soup. It's right there along with Delicious Broth and Genuine Experiences. I had heard about this place and decided that after a great day at the yard sales I would investigate further. The parking is a challenging tight Tetris and I was so glad I wasn't driving the big ugly truck, but after a short wait, there was a shift and a few spaces opened up. The place only has a couple of items on the menu and it changes ever day. I will be honest and say that I wanted the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup but they had already run out and I had to get the Peppery Pork Ball Noodle Soup, which I would not have generally chosen... But at first sip I was sold. It was deep, warming, complex, good umami, and the pork balls and slices were a genuine good surprise. I did not care for the one fish ball that I found in the depths, but I get that it is a prized food in Asia, I'm just too stuck in my ways to appreciate it . I also get that the addition of fish to a broth adds to the flavor like a mysterious magic elixir, a hard lesson for most western cooks. The place is a treasure. The staff were friendly and welcoming even though there was a substantial language barrier. That, for me makes the place that much more attractive. Like I have been welcomed into their world, on their terms, to experience their authentic food. I love the fact that instead of offering 50 items, they just offer two trusted items a day and if you start to explore their food, you will have you favorite days. I would bet that they know to some extent who will show up on which days. To the general white American these places can be semi visible back drops for the area that never enter into their minds as even a possibility, but that is a huge mistake! It is places like this that can show how much of a family we all are. Where it's natural to sit with diverse families in fellowship and get on with the important business of good food served by kind people.

The place that solidified Vietnamese cuisine in Portland. I’ve been going here since I was 9 and now I’m 25. Definitely a classic. The food is great. Thank you for treating my family so well for so long. Wish you the best, Peter and family.

Must visit for authentic south east Asian noodle soup. Flavors are good, ingredients are fresh, toppings are plentiful, price is fair, and service is very fast. If I lived in Portland I would try each of their daily soups. Be aware there is only 2 to choose from each day of the week.