The concept of “To Eat and To Be” conjured up by Pho Lan Restaurant injects authentic Vietnamese culture into their food and overall dining experience. It is a combination of restaurant, art gallery and shop, for guests get to appreciate and perhaps even purchase pieces of art while savouring the delicacies of authentic Vietnam . With a selection of oil and rice paper paintings, embroidery and lacquer pieces, silk lanterns and conical hats, Pho Lan is brimming over with visual stimulation.

• The Vibe
  Taking the frontal shop-house architecture as their guide, Pho Lan constructs its restaurant like a home. Decorated with wooden furnishings and unique pieces of art, alfresco dining takes on a simple, relaxed evening atmosphere while a cosier interior on the second storey reveals an art gallery's worth of paintings, silk lanterns and table ornaments. With soothing melodies performed by an in-house pianist, Pho Lan spells “home” to those who seek solace in this quaint shop-house setting.

• The Food
  The all-famous spring rolls of Vietnam can be found in the Combo Platter ($8) featuring rice paper rolls, fried spring rolls and shrimp paste on sugar-cane. Firmly rolled and compact in size, the crunch of fresh greens hits the senses. Accompanying bean paste sauce (for rice paper rolls) and fish sauce (for fried spring rolls) serve to further enhance the taste of these appetizers.

  Vege-lovers will love Pho Lan's signature Four Seasons Salad ($20 or single servings at $6), four portions of different salads: mango, pomelo, chicken and King's voice vegetable mixed with pork, prawns, dried shrimps, peanut and fish sauce. The platter of ingredients combined in different blends presents a vast range of tastes, textures and sensations. Even so for a large plate of vege-surprise, the price may be a little too steep for a starter dish.

  Better yet, there is the classic Pho Bo, Beef Noodle Soup ($8) made both spicy and non-spicy. Its clear broth paired with springy flat noodles is both delicious yet light on the palate. Boiled for 12 hours, this soup has a distinct refreshing herb flavour, which one will not hesitate to slurp up the entire bowl of. For a stronger and sweeter taste, one may also try the Hanoi-style Vermicelli Noodle ($10), with vermicelli, spring rolls and greens served separately from fish sauce with BBQ pork, carrots and young papaya. This dish focuses on its sweet and sour fish sauce, made extremely tantalizing to the senses; there is simply no hesitation in pouring more sauce to mix with vermicelli. Strips of BBQ pork marinated with honey linger upon the tongue while tender meat springs apart when bitten on.

  For a perfect conclusion to such simple pleasures, home-made Banana Fritters ($4) served with vanilla ice-cream will be an ideal selection. Strips of banana dipped in flour fried golden brown and crisp topped with cold and creamy vanilla ice-cream seem to almost melt in the mouth after the first delightful crunch. Savour them slowly, whereupon there are other equally honey-sweet alternatives like Banana Sago ($2.50) and Sweet Corn with Glutinous Rice and Coconut ($3) to indulge one's sweet tooth in.

  Vietnamese Coffee or Latte ($3.50, $4) are available, though be warned – they are strong in caffeine content and are the best options for late nights. Brewed fresh with a drip filter, this aromatic blend never fails to perk the senses up for a fresh start to the day. Coffee lovers can also purchase Vietnamese coffee powder as well as a drip filter from Pho Lan to enjoy a cuppa right in the comforts of their homes.

• The Service
  Mainly served by Vietnamese themselves, Pho Lan brings to guests true Vietnamese culture. Food is served piping hot and fresh - with an authentic Vietnamese flavour - even during busier periods. Pho Lan presents a casual and relaxed setting with simple services; guests may even help themselves like dining back home should they feel like doing so.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Pho Lan Restaurant & Art Gallery
Pho Lan provides the perfect setting to sit and relax the evening away with a shop-house setting tucked away at Prinsep Street . Away from the busy main road yet close enough to the city area; it is easy to idle away time in cosy armchairs while sipping at aromatic coffee. Home-styled Vietnamese food is also a refreshing change to the palate by reverting back to basic and fresh greens.