Editor’s Note: Fork & Dagger is 828newsNOW’s anonymous restaurant review series, written by our independent Grub Scout—no freebies, no press perks, no agenda. Grub Scout pays full price, visits unannounced, and takes notes on food, service, atmosphere, and value. Each review reflects a recent, honest experience rated on our 1‑to‑5 fork scale. We aim to help you discover standout dining spots—from casual diners to white‑tablecloth affairs—one bite at a time.
As a big fan of Vietnamese food, Asheville has been a tricky locale for me these last 27 years. When I was younger, I drove to Charlotte, or even Atlanta, just to get the real deal. Wild Ginger is excellent, but it’s in South Asheville, and I live in North Asheville. To be honest, I don’t have the time or the energy for that one hour round trip driving commitment.
Pho Real has opened on Merrimon Avenue, in my neck of the woods. I really wanted it to be good because it’s only a casual stroll away.
As most food lovers know, strip malls contain some of the world’s finest cuisine, so this place had that in its corner.
It’s a great setup. You walk up to a digital kiosk to order, pay with your card, take a number and sit down. You can also go to the counter if paying cash.
Food began arriving quickly. The Goi Cuon: spring rolls with steamed shrimp were perfectly classic, a basil-heavy salad inside a rice paper wrap that is then dipped in a creamy peanut sauce.
Fried egg rolls with sweet chili sauce are all the same to me, anywhere I go. A guilty pleasure as an addition to a mostly healthy meal.
Bhan mi was the first real test, and it did not disappoint. It’s a sandwich of Crispy pork belly, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, fresh jalapeño and mayo inside a toasty baguette. Very good.
The most important part of Vietnamese cuisine is the noodle soup. I believe Pho is one of the most delightful culinary experiences in life. This time I chose beef brisket as the protein. The vegetable broth was … very good. Noodles were just right, and the other classic ingredients (bean sprouts, jalapeño, basil, cilantro, lime, onions and scallions) were as expected. The beef brisket was just fine.
Overall, this is a good, but not great option. That said, the surprising affordability is a plus, and I’m glad to have Vietnamese cuisine close to home. The best aspect is being able to buy pints of Pho broth to go for a mere three bucks. It would be a good visit if you’re on a budget.
I recommend you check it out, just don’t expect the epic meal of peasant food you’d find in a dirty strip mall in Atlanta.
