Discover the Secret Pho Gem Inside This N.J. Café – Here’s Your Guide to Finding It!

Step into Pho Hanoi Corner, tucked inside Vera Caffe in Fort Lee, New Jersey. You might expect a cozy coffee but end up indulging in a steaming bowl of pho instead.

Vera Caffe, which opened in January 2024, offers a variety of coffee drinks, including their fun teddy bear matcha lattes. Owner Anna Nguyen decided to introduce a pho pop-up on weekends, inspired by the vibrant cafe culture in Vietnam.

Her daughter, Linh Vu, mentioned how similar spots in Vietnam blend both coffee and meals, letting you enjoy the best of both worlds. The pho menu is simple yet compelling: beef, chicken, seafood, and veggie options, along with spring rolls and herbal chicken soup.

I, too, faced the timeless question when I walked in: “Food or drink?” Naturally, I opted for both. During my visit, I discovered only chicken and beef pho were available, so I chose the pho with rare and well-done beef. This bowl came as a hearty delight, brimming with tender beef, rice noodles, and rich broth.

Pho from Hanoi stands out with its lighter, clearer broth compared to the richer southern styles. It boasts minimal garnishes—just green onions and cilantro—allowing the broth to shine. As I savored my first sip, I noticed the broth had subtle hints of clove and cardamom, setting it apart.

Alongside the pho, I tried an iced teddy strawberry matcha drink. It harmonized beautifully with the warm bowl of pho, providing a refreshing contrast.

While New Jersey has many pho spots, Pho Hanoi Corner’s unique approach and cozy setting make it a standout. What started as a weekend pop-up has become a beloved eatery, serving pho daily except for Mondays.

So, if you walk in looking for caffeine, be ready for a delightful bowl of pho that just might become your new favorite dish.

For more insights about New Jersey’s culinary scene, you can check out NJ.com.

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Lauren Musni, NJ Advance Media, Vera Caffe, Pho Hanoi Corner, Fort Lee, pho