Seattle Kitchen Show dares to talk pho

Even though the name is hard to say, The Seattle Kitchen staff bravely stepped into the subject of pho. (Image courtesy Pho Cyclo)

The pronunciation might be intimidating, but that didn’t stop The Seattle Kitchen Show staff from taking up the subject of pho on this week’s episode.

The soup dish, which host Tom Douglas said he thinks sounds like – fuh – is popular with all the members of the Seattle Kitchen staff.

Douglas likes it best for breakfast. “It is just a great way to start the day.”

He said his favorite spot for pho is the Pho Bac at 12th and Jackson.

“For years when I was taking my daughter to Seattle Academy in the carpool in the morning. I’d stop at Pho Bac and have breakfast,” said Douglas. “I felt good all day long.”

Co-host Thierry Rautureau also calls Pho Bac a standout, and adds the Than Brothers location near the Starbucks headquarters, as one to try.

SODO seems to be a hot area for Vietnamese food, as it’s also where Douglas’ favorite Banh Mi Vietnamese sandwich can be found. “My favorite place [for Banh Mi] is Pho Cyclo down there.”

Edible correspondent Katie O concurs, commending Pho Cyclo for the char they get on their pork.

Douglas said his research shows that pho is not only a Vietnamese tradition, but also has roots in China as well. For a more Chinese-style pho, which he said is considerably different, he suggests trying the pho at Szechuan Noodle Bowl.

“If you want to see the real difference between phos,” said Douglas. “It’s dark brown and rich. It’s got the big udon style noodles in it. It’s got big chunks of almost like pot roast in it. That’s much more in my mind a Chinese pho compared to the light, brothy Vietnamese style.”

Katie O is a fan of both varieties, and said listeners really should taste both for themselves.

The Seattle Kitchen Show can be heard on the new 97.3 KIRO FM Weekends on Saturday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Available anytime ON DEMAND at MyNorthwest.com.

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor