Kulantro

This is the best pho I’ve had in Albuquerque and pho is my favorite food. It’s served in a disposable plastic bowl with a plastic spoon but don’t let that deter you. The broth is rich and complex. The meat is tender. Honestly, I’m at a loss.

The veggie bowl with chicken was spring mix with chicken and no dressing or sauce. It was more of a $12 boring salad than a veggie bowl. The chicken is well seasoned.

The seasoned pork bao buns were delicious as was the milk tea. The setting inside the Park Avenue Market food court is pleasant. What was off putting was the mute barely responsive unsmiling young woman who staffed the counter. Yes she took our order and set our food on the counter for pickup but just the bare minimum of interaction. I’m not looking for effusive, but some acknowledgment of my “Thank you” or eye contact would be greatly appreciated. No hint of friendliness at all, just cold and impassive. I recommend the food but the particular young woman who took our order could use some coaching on the fact that excellent customer service goes beyond a money for food transaction.

One thing you MUST KNOW IS, there is no cutting corners here. No synthetic ingredients! 18 hours for pho prep alone. Natural sweeteners like honey, NO pre made food yes lots hours put in by Mom of the family to give you the authentic taste, all teas are brewed fresh —-NO powders here and you can taste the difference. You better come and taste the difference on the Vietnamese contemporary foodies!

Excellent food, friendly service. Very clean and pleasant atmosphere to enjoy lunch. Highly recommend.