Pho Hoa's Chicken Noodle Soup and Fresh Spring Rolls

A few years ago, my son and I were renting a studio apartment at Santolan, Pasig near Marikina. It was a hot summer, and unfortunately, I was having a bad fever.

What to eat when you have fever? When I was a kid, my mom serves Knorr Chicken Noodle Soup, a delicious, homey instant noodle soup. I also love to drink Royal Tru Orange, a carbonated orange-flavored soft drink . I understand that too much soft drink is bad for the health but Royal gives me that cool, refreshing feeling after eating a hot soup. Just one of the guilty pleasures that I had to admit :)

I informed my business partner & bestfriend that I was in bad shape and my fever was getting worse. He asked me what I needed to feel better and offered to deliver "good food" since he knows that I am a food addict. At that time, I thought he was joking, and I was surprised that food was already on its way. He texted me the name and number of the Grab driver; and with pleasure and excitement, what happens next is a joyful soup celebration ( or rather fever relief or sudden healing ).

Chicken Noodle Soup or Pho Ga is my number one favorite soup at Pho Hoa. The Pho's magic comes from the chicken broth infused with distinct Vietnamese flavors. Your palate would be awakened with the clear taste of chicken broth, charred onion and ginger, and savory spices. Before swishing the chopsticks into the bowl, I added some beansprouts, basil leaves, and a slice of lemon to add more zest. People have different ways in eating a soup. Some people eat slowly while others explicitly attack the soup and finish it in a few seconds. As a foodie, I always take the time to inhale the smell of the light, fresh herbs before gradually sipping the broth.

My business partner & bestfriend is certainly generous to me that he ordered more food. Oooh lala to these Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp & Pork! At Pho Hoa, they call it Goi Cuon.

Dip a spring roll to the creamy Peanut Sauce and surely you will be herbly enchanted to want more! Imagine the freshness of the veggies and the soft, meaty shrimp, that contrasts the crunchiness of the fried pork. It is simply and deliciously WOW! These spring rolls would definitely put you in a roll.

Diane Duane once said, "A little science. A little magic. A little chicken soup." So after the comforting, Vietnamese feast, I had to say - "Goodbye bad fever!"