Freshen Up at Pho My Lien

Husband-and-wife dream team Tommy and Lien Dang serve up a fresh batch of Vietnamese fare every day at Pho My Lien, their Westridge Shopping Center restaurant. If there’s one person who can vouch for the authenticity of their cuisine, it’s longtime friend and business partner, Walter James.

“I’ve known Tommy for almost 30 years,” says James. “(Lien) was cooking for us and wanted to open a restaurant, and I said, ‘Fantastic idea.’ The food is good and it’s consistent,” he adds. “We’ve been at this for 10 years.”

James, along with a loyal base of customers, loves to indulge in Crispy Spring Rolls ($7.50), filled with pork, chicken, shrimp, shredded carrot, long rice and mushroom. “They’re very habit-forming,” says James. “If you eat one, you gotta have another.” The crisp, golden rolls are served with lettuce, mint leaves, rice noodles and Lien’s special sauce.

Regulars at the bustling eatery also love Hot Spicy Lemongrass Stir Fry ($7.95), with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu coated in a spicy, curry-like sauce.

And for a burst of freshness, James recommends Green Papaya Salad ($7.50), featuring shredded green papaya and shrimp mixed with mint leaves, peanuts and that unforgettable special sauce.

“It’s good home cooking, always has a good look and it’s fresh,” describes James. What more could you want?

Hot Spicy Lemongrass Stir Fry with Shrimp ($7.95)

Pho My Lien Vietnamese Restaurant