Song Heng – Paris (75003) en

An excellent Pho in a central location.  You might wonder why it’s only now that I’m writing about it. The fact is that the systematic long lines and its small quarters didn’t make it the spot to try, like it was said here and there.Except that this time, by going in with fresh eyes, a day when the waiting time was minimal, I decided I had to mention it because the soup is really good, and not expensive.

It was created in 1990 by the father of the one who takes care of it today. It’s a tiny little room, and it’s tight. When you’re in a good mood and not looking for an intimate setting, it has a lot of charm.  When you’re a bit tired, it’s a different story.                    Let’s draw attention to the fact that the building above, the one in the picture, was considered for a long time like the oldest house in Paris, but we now know, since the 70s that she actually dates to 1644. The oldest house is at 51 Montmorency St. and dates to 1407.

I was welcomed by a nice individual and the woman in cook-wear who was bringing the dishes from the kitchen was also quite nice. I want to mention however that because the place is so small, they both have to tell people to move, and sometimes do it in a very direct manner, if you’re not warned it can be a little disconcerting, but it’s not a big deal. However, I wasn’t very happy with the guy that didn’t understand the order, and started to tell the clients that it was them who go it wrong, finally the two women came to “rescue” the clients, it was over quickly but still.

The soup                                                                                                                                                                                   The big one is at 8,30 euros, it’s very good. It’s interesting- at least for me- they cut the sage in little pieces in the soup, it’s not presented whole with the mint like it is in other places.                                                                                                                                                           A lot of people come for the bobun                                                                                                                                                                                               It’s true that in ideal circumstances, eating a very good pho at 8,30 euros in the heart of the Arts et Métiers, in a room full of diverse people, is very charming.