"A bowl of Northern-style phở from this low-key Richmond spot will inspire you to pledge your allegiance to broth. This place looks like most other casual phở places in town: a simple dining room set-up, wide white bowls, and soup spoons stacked at the ready on every table. The soups here are either chicken- or beef-based, and they’re loaded with umami from your choice of meat. The rice noodles stay chewy, and slivers of ginger and green onions add a zippy crunch. And hoisin is deemed “Not Available” on the menu, so don’t even think about asking (not that you’ll need it). For some heat, round out your order with the bún chá, a saucy and spicy pork-fest that’ll make you break a little sweat on your upper lip. Food Rundown photo credit: Julia Chen Special Beef Phở If you’re here, you’re getting phở. We love the customizable beef version for its highly gulpable 24-hour bone broth—what meat cuts you opt for is up to you, but when in doubt, go for the thin slices of rare steak or springy beef balls. photo credit: Julia Chen Sensational Boon Feast Sensational, indeed. This easily shareable platter loaded with bún chá, vermicelli, greens, and your choice of vegetable or crab spring rolls makes a strong case for pork meatballs to be the official mascot of the Central Richmond. Crab Spring Rolls Even if you order the Sensational Boon Feast, doubling up on your crackly-edged spring rolls with nước chấm is always a great idea." - Julia Chen