Hidden Gem in Kansas City’s River Market: Nguyen Pho & Grill

News Summary

Nguyen Pho & Grill is a must-visit spot in Kansas City’s River Market for delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its affordable and flavorful dishes, this family-owned restaurant offers a warm atmosphere perfect for a meal with friends or a quick bite. With accolades such as a runner-up for Best Pho, it features an impressive menu, allowing customers to customize their pho. The restaurant enhances the dining experience with its cozy environment, making it a highlight in the local food scene. Don’t forget to explore nearby eateries for even more Vietnamese delights!

Discover a Hidden Gem in Kansas City’s River Market: Nguyen Pho & Grill

If you’re wandering through Kansas City’s River Market and craving some **delicious Vietnamese cuisine**, there is a spot that you definitely shouldn’t miss: Nguyen Pho & Grill. Nestled at 500 Grand Blvd., this family-owned restaurant has established itself as a go-to destination for those on the hunt for affordable yet flavorful Vietnamese dishes.

A Cozy Atmosphere

As you step inside Nguyen Pho & Grill, you may notice that the decor is a bit sparse. The minimalistic design makes for a casual setting, allowing the focus to be on the fantastic food. This isn’t a place where you’ll get lost in extravagant artwork; it’s all about enjoying a hot bowl of pho in a warm atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

Recognition and Acclaim

Nguyen Pho & Grill truly caught the attention of the local food scene when it became the runner-up for the **Best Pho** award in the 2024 Pitch Best of KC. Alongside that, it gained a bit of fame from an interview with the talented **James Beard Award** semifinalist Helen Jo Leach in 2021. This sort of recognition surely places this restaurant on the culinary map of Kansas City.

Affordable Eats

The menu features a **$12.95 combo**, which is an incredible deal for lunch. It allows diners to choose their favorite pho along with one appetizer. Talk about a winning combination! And let me tell you, the chicken pho (phở gà) is a must-try. On a recent visit, this dish was celebrated for its **thin, savory broth** and generous portions of rice noodles. Topped with **tender chicken pieces** and fresh veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that will warm your heart.

Customize Your Pho!

One of the best parts of dining at Nguyen Pho & Grill is the chance to customize your pho. You can mix and match ingredients like **mung bean sprouts**, **Thai basil**, **lime**, and **jalapenos** to suit your taste. On this trip, more jalapeno slices would have made it even more delightful, especially when tossing them in the spicy broth. And let’s not forget dipping those lovely vegetarian eggrolls into **sweet and sour sauce**—their crispy texture is simply heavenly!

More Than Just Pho

If you think the experience ends with pho, think again! The reviewer made sure to order another round of those fabulous vegetarian eggrolls to go. Each bite is worth every penny, and they’ll make a perfect snack later on. Plus, the pots of **jasmine tea** served during the meal add an extra touch of warmth to the dining experience.

Exploring Nearby Eateries

The River Market area is buzzing with other Vietnamese cuisine options, too. For instance, just a stone’s throw away is **Pho Lan**, known for its off-the-menu **bánh mì** for just $5! It’s made with fresh baguettes that are picked up daily. Then there’s **Broken Rice** with its “special sandwich” priced at $7, featuring an array of Vietnamese meats. For those whose hearts (and stomachs) lean towards meatballs, **San’s Sandwiches** serves a delightful xui mai bánh mì for $6. Not to mention, **Pho Sai Gon** brings forth robust sandwich options like grilled pork tenderloin at $7.

Price Range and Variety

When it comes to bánh mì prices in the area, they vary between **$5 to $8**, showcasing a delightful mix of traditional flavors alongside innovative takes on this classic sandwich. Whether you’re looking for caramelized pork belly or an assortment of pork products, you’ll find something that resonates with your taste buds at spotlights such as **Bun Mee Phan**.

Health Considerations

It’s important to note that Nguyen Pho & Grill was recently mentioned regarding some health code inspections. On February 12, they were cited for seven critical violations. While this may raise eyebrows, it’s also an opportunity for the restaurant to improve and continue serving delicious dishes to loyal patrons.

Final Thoughts

Nguyen Pho & Grill is undoubtedly a hidden gem in Kansas City, offering not just a meal but a delightful dining experience filled with flavors and warmth. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure you stop by this delightful eatery for some of the best Vietnamese fare in town!

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Additional Resources

• The Pitch: Chicken Pho and Egg Rolls at Nguyen Pho Grill
• Kansas City Mag: Best Banh Mi in KC
• Kansas City Star: Cityscape on Local Eats
• Wikipedia: Vietnamese Cuisine
• Google Search: Kansas City Vietnamese Restaurants