7 Shocking Twists That Make Pho With Us The Hottest Vietnamese Spot In Texas (2025 Update)
Step into the vibrant culinary scene of Central Texas, and one name consistently dominates the conversation: Pho With Us. This Vietnamese restaurant, a local sensation with locations in Austin and the recently expanded Kyle, TX, has completely redefined what "traditional" means, blending authentic homestyle flavors with an audacious, modern flair that has captured the attention of food critics and casual diners alike. As of December 2025, the establishment continues to thrive, cementing its reputation not just as a place to grab a bowl of noodle soup, but as an innovative dining destination.
The success story of Pho With Us is rooted in a simple but powerful vision: honoring Vietnamese heritage while daring to innovate. Founded by a dynamic husband-and-wife team, this eatery has created a menu that is both deeply comforting and surprisingly adventurous, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the freshest, most unique Vietnamese-American fusion experience in the region. Their commitment to quality broth, tender meats, and boundary-pushing specialty dishes is what keeps the crowds coming back.
The Visionaries: Chef Paul Nguyen and Cheryl Pham’s Profile
Pho With Us is a testament to the power of a shared culinary dream, brought to life by its founders, Chef Paul Nguyen and Cheryl Pham. Their partnership is the heart and soul of the restaurant, combining deep respect for traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial spirit.
- Names: Paul Nguyen (Chef) and Cheryl Pham (Co-Founder/Visionary)
- Role: Co-Owners and Founders of Pho With Us
- Concept: Locally owned restaurant serving homestyle Vietnamese food with a "modern twist."
- Founding Location: Southpark Meadows Shopping Center, Austin, TX (Opened 2017)
- Expansion: Kyle, TX (Opened August 7th, 2024)
- Cuisine Style: Vietnamese-American Fusion, known for elevating classic dishes like Pho and Banh Mi with innovative ingredients and presentation.
- Philosophy: To bring comforting, family-style Vietnamese dishes to a wider audience while introducing playful, unexpected elements to the menu.
- Signature Contribution: The creation of unique specialty pho bowls and fusion appetizers that have become local legends.
Paul Nguyen, as the Chef, focuses on maintaining the integrity of the broth—the foundation of any great pho—while Cheryl Pham often drives the modern, customer-facing innovations. Together, they have successfully navigated the competitive Austin food scene and expanded their unique concept to the neighboring community of Kyle, TX, proving that authenticity and innovation can coexist seamlessly.
The 7 Revolutionary Menu Twists You Must Try
The true genius of Pho With Us lies in its ability to take the familiar and make it extraordinary. While they offer classic Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pho) and Vermicelli Bowls, it’s the specialty and fusion items that generate the most buzz. These dishes are the definition of their "modern twist," combining traditional Vietnamese ingredients with American comfort food staples.
1. The Legendary French Dip Pho Sandwich
Forget everything you know about the traditional Banh Mi. The French Dip Pho Sandwich is arguably the most famous example of the restaurant’s fusion philosophy. This dish takes the savory, slow-cooked beef and rich flavor profile of a classic French Dip and serves it on a Vietnamese baguette. The revolutionary part? It comes with a small, separate bowl of the restaurant's signature, aromatic pho broth for dipping. This ingenious pairing allows diners to experience the best of both worlds: the crunch of the sandwich and the deep, comforting warmth of the soup.
2. The Decadent Cheesy Brisket Fries
Appetizers at Pho With Us are far from standard spring rolls. The Cheesy Brisket Fries are a standout item that embodies the Texas spirit. This indulgent dish features crispy french fries loaded with tender, slow-cooked brisket—a nod to Central Texas BBQ culture—and smothered in a rich, savory cheese sauce. It's a perfect example of how they incorporate local flavors into their Vietnamese-American concept, creating a new level of comfort food.
3. The Extravagant Pho Lobster
Elevating the humble noodle soup to a luxury experience, the Pho Lobster is a must-try specialty bowl. Instead of traditional cuts of beef like Tái (rare steak) or Nạm (flank), this high-end version features succulent lobster meat. This dish appeals to adventurous foodies and proves that pho is versatile enough to carry premium seafood, offering a rich, sweet, and savory experience that is unlike any other bowl in the region.
4. The Hearty Pho Double Rib
For the meat lover, the Pho Double Rib is a spectacle. This specialty pho is piled high with two massive, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs that have been slow-cooked to perfection. The tender, flavorful meat infuses the already rich beef broth with an even deeper, more robust flavor. It’s a substantial, satisfying, and visually impressive dish that goes well beyond the typical pho experience.
5. The Spicy Kick of Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef & Pork Lemongrass Soup)
While not a fusion dish, the quality of their Spicy Beef & Pork Lemongrass Soup—known traditionally as Bún Bò Huế—is often cited by reviewers as a highlight. This spicy, complex soup is packed with flavor from lemongrass, chili oil, and a combination of beef and pork belly or pork hock. It showcases the kitchen’s mastery of authentic, regional Vietnamese cuisine, providing a fiery contrast to the milder traditional pho.
6. Creative Small Bites: Fried Cheese Wonton & Honey Glazed Shrimp
The small bites menu is where the modern and playful elements truly shine. The Fried Cheese Wonton offers a crispy, savory, and cheesy start to the meal, a clear nod to Americanized Asian cuisine. Meanwhile, the Honey Glazed Shrimp provides a sweet and tangy contrast, perfect for sharing. Other popular small bites include Garlic Edamame and the Salt & Pepper Series options.
7. The Thoughtful Vegan and Vegetarian Options
In a move toward inclusivity, Pho With Us ensures that its modern approach extends to dietary restrictions. They offer excellent vegan options and vegetarian dishes that go beyond simple tofu. Diners can find unique plant-based items like Garlic Eggplant and Fried Oyster Mushroom from the Salt & Pepper series, ensuring that everyone can partake in the modern Vietnamese experience. Tofu, bok choy, and mixed vegetables are also available as add-ons for their pho, demonstrating a commitment to serving the entire community.
The Secret to Their Success: Homestyle Quality and Community Focus
The foundation of Pho With Us’s popularity is the unwavering quality of their core product: the pho broth. While the toppings and fusion elements are flashy, the success ultimately rests on a deep, savory, and perfectly spiced broth that takes hours to prepare. This commitment to homestyle, high-quality cooking is the anchor for all their modern experiments.
The restaurant has become a local favorite in the Austin area, particularly the Southpark Meadows location, and its recent expansion to Kyle, TX, at 135 Kyle Crossing, signals a successful growth model. The community impact of a locally owned business like this, run by the dynamic duo of Paul Nguyen and Cheryl Pham, resonates deeply with Texans who appreciate authentic food served with a unique, welcoming twist. The positive reviews and high ratings on platforms like Uber Eats (4.7 stars) reflect a consistently excellent dining experience that blends tradition with trendsetting innovation.
Whether you're craving the deep comfort of a classic Pho Tái or the adventurous flavor of Cheesy Brisket Fries, Pho With Us offers a culinary journey that honors Vietnamese roots while boldly stepping into the future of American dining. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a modern Vietnamese experience.
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