Cần Thơ? Too far; can’t go.
Hải Phòng? Flight there’s too long.
Hà Nội? Not conveniently located.
Ợh bỡy. It seems there’s a downside to living in Eden Prairie after all. It’s nowhere near any Vietnamese cities, and therefore no nearer to authentic Vietnamese cuisine…
…until 2023, that is. With the grand opening of Pho Mai at Asia Mall, delish Viet treats no longer lie heart-rendingly far from our border. It is the second of restaurateur Michael Bui’s three Pho Mai locations, and unarguably the best one because you live right by it.
“It means so much to me, opening a Pho Mai right here in my hometown,” said Michael. “My wife Mai and I settled here in 2001, the same year our first son was born. We’ve had three more kids since then, and we raised them all just like our parents raised us: by having them pitch in at the family restaurant. The only difference? They get paid!
“I’m much better at eating than I am at cooking. That’s why I’m grateful for my wife’s culinary talents, among many other things. Her menu showcases the absolute best that Vietnamese cuisine has to offer. Banh mi packed with juicy pork, on freshly baked rolls from Keefer Court. Pho, and other noodle soups made with nuanced broths and fresh, fresh vegetables. DIY spring rolls! We bring the fixings; you add the talent. (Don’t worry – we’ll show you how.)”
ASK YOURSELF THIS:
Are you tired of feeling like a big, greasy, dim-witted creature for a while after eating Asian food?
“Vietnamese cuisine is nothing like that!” assures Michael. “It revolves around freshness and liveliness, and makes you energized – never lethargic. That’s why Mai and I are able to work as hard as we do. And though we do serve lo mein, sesame chicken, and many other Americanized-Asian classics, even they are prepared to considerably higher standards than buffet steamer tray glop. Eating at Pho Mai feels good.”
ASK YOURSELF THIS ALSO:
Do you like dessert?
Then stick around Asia Mall after lunch or dinner. There you’ll find the Buis’ other businesses: Bober Tea, whose beverages are cold and sweet, unlike you who are warm and sweet; Keefer Court, serving fluffy deliciousness such as Michael’s mom’s special pandan cake; and Mochi Donuts. Donuts. Mochi Donuts serves donuts.