Houakhong - Merced

After more than 20 years knowing this place its still one of the best pho I ever had but today it was very disappointed. I ordered 2 combination Pho to go and the broth was very disappointed can't taste anything else but salt only like Very salty 10x just salt water I had to poured the broth out and make my own broth at home for the noodle.

I don't know how this place slips under the radar. The food is very good and different than your standard fare. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy Thai

Convenient location near 99 entrance ramps in a building that could be mistaken for a residence. Fast service, extremely generous portion (i got a $12.95 noodle soup that lasted 5 meals! . A busy restaurant, most patrons seem to be Thai and spoke their language with the staff. I take this as a sure sign of good authentic food. The atmosphere is basic, no frills, lo-heeled, 1980s wood paneling and linoleum wood grain tables (which seat 4 and floors. The cook came out of the kitchen to ask how I liked my soup. It was perfectly on the spicy side. If you want your food mild you should ask for it that way in advance. The menu is relatively simple with ingredient descriptions of the dishes. It was easy for me to choose exactly what I was in the mood to eat.

PLANT BASED OPINION: VERY CLEAN restaurant. Easy pastking. I came for veggie PHO but its not available. End up getting beef broth with veggies ad veggie spring rolls. Tasty but not many options. The broccoli was delicious. A little upset that the Pho didn't come with Basil or mint after I specifically asked but maybe it was a miscommunication. Vegetarian options: Only veggie option is spring roll

I love this hole in the wall place. Been around since I was a kid. I hope they stay in business forever!