Review of Sip Pho: Real Vietnamese Flavors at Affordable Prices

Vietnamese cuisine has always been one of my favorites. It’s comforting, hearty, and has a flavor profile that is very different from what non-Vietnamese Americans are accustomed to.

Located just minutes away from the University of Texas on 29th Street, Sip Pho shows love to the Longhorns through an exclusive UT student discount, which you can redeem at their checkout desk with a valid student ID.

Whether you’re a long time fan of Vietnamese food or a newcomer looking for a reliable spot to try something new, Sip Pho is the place for you. From steamed bao buns to pho, their prices and portions ensure that you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile on your face.

Appetizers

Starters on the menu include steamed bun mini sandwiches, crab Rangoons, egg rolls, and spring rolls. My favorite is definitely the crab Rangoons. They’re the perfect appetizer that crushes your initial hunger but still leaves room for dinner. You’ll need it, because the appetizers here will leave you craving more and more!

Aside from the Rangoons, I like to order the bao buns on occasion. If I’m getting a soup or bowl, I love the satisfaction I get from the bread. But if I’m ordering a banh mi, I don’t prefer to order two types of sandwich. Keep that in mind next time you order at Sip Pho!

Food

Sip Pho shines through their soups, and most entrees feature some combination of broth, noodles, and toppings.

For fans of spice, try the spicy lemongrass bun bo hue. The spicy broth is complimented by the citrusy lemongrass and tender short ribs, creating a truly one of a kind dish that Sip Pho has absolutely perfected.

If you’re looking for a more mild option, their pho is the way to go. The soup is savory rather than spicy but still contains the bright notes of lemongrass in the bun no hue.

The pho comes with standard toppings like cilantro, bean sprouts, red onions, and lime. They have many options for protein such as chicken, short ribs, wagyu beef, and even tofu. Regardless of what protein you’re craving, each and every one is prepared with the utmost care and attention, ensuring a tender and tasty bite.

If you like the fixings of pho but aren’t a fan of the broth, Sip Pho also offers vermicelli noodle bowls that are overflowing with toppings. They also come with a fried egg.

Regardless of how much I may like pho, my favorite thing to devour when I come to Sip Pho is their banh mi. Whenever I order this around someone who has never had one, they’re skeptical about ordering a sandwich from a Vietnamese restaurant, but I have successfully turned countless people into die hard fans.

One thing that I particularly love about this restaurant is their self-serve toppings bar, which allows you to add extra of all of your favorites into your dish. Toppings at this bar include onions, sambal, vinegar, bean sprouts, and jalapenos—everything you need to make your pho extra delicious!

Sip Pho’s banh mi is massive, but their soft, crusty bread, juicy pork, and crunchy vegetable toppings make it easy to finish in one sitting.

Try it, you might find a new favorite!

Drinks

If you’ve never had a Vietnamese coffee, this is your sign from the universe that you need to. It’s not for fans of ultra sweet and milky coffee, which can be delicious, but the Vietnamese variant packs a strong punch of espresso countered by creamy sweetness from a drizzle of condensed milk.

I love ordering a Vietnamese coffee with my meal at Sip Pho, the coffee flavor resets your palette between each bite and gives you the energy you’ll need to beat the urge to take a nap that always happens to come with eating a large, heartwarming meal.

Their boba tea is a fan favorite. You can choose from flavors like Thai tea, taro milk tea, passion fruit green tea, and brown sugar boba milk. Into the drink, you can add one topping such as tapioca balls for free!

Their fountain drinks are all health-conscious options, most of which contain 100% cane sugar.

Though I love coming to Sip Pho and sipping on a coffee or boba drink, I’ve always been more of a fan of water when I’m eating out. Water fans like me know that all the best restaurants have water pitchers on the table rather than relying on servers to keep your glass full, which is the situation at Sip Pho!

I love the self-serve elements of this restaurant. They create an experience that feels interactive and deeply personal. Your taste buds, your toppings, in whatever amount you want! It feels like the initial meal is a base they give you to create your own ideal pho, ensuring that you’ll love your food.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a delicious Vietnamese meal with authentic flavors at an agreeable price, look no further than Sip Pho. This North Campus restaurant checks all the boxes one of those days that you just wake up craving Vietnamese food, and the huge portions make it easy to enjoy it all again later, share with friends and family, or fill you up for hours in one sitting.

Whether you order a banh mi, spicy bun bo hue, or just a boba tea, this restaurant delivers delicious flavors with fantastic quality and service.

Give it a try next time you’re around campus!