Situated on the border with Mexico, it would not be a surprise to know that Laredo has a strong Mexican food culture and specialization. If you search “Mexican restaurant” at YellowPages.com, you would get a result of 134 listings. There are surprising restaurants in Laredo, though, that the general population may not be aware of. One of these restaurants is Phð 1 which, recently, I took the time to sample.
The restaurant is located 7511 McPherson Rd, south of the H.E.B. located at the intersection or McPherson and Del Mar Blvd. Located in a small shopping center next to a nail salon, this family run Vietnamese restaurant and has been open for around the last 4 years. Only a short bus ride from the Texas A&M International University campus to a bus stop on Del Mar Blvd and then a short 5 minute walk.
When you walk into the restaurant, you are hit with two immediate conclusions, the aroma of good food and the heat. The restaurant is small and quaint with only seven booths and six tables usually kept in pairs. There is an industrial look to the ceiling with the open duct ceiling.
The menu is varied though with traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including the restaurants namesake phð, a rice noodle soup. Some of the type of meats that can be ordered in the phð include chicken, shrimp, and beef. They also have traditional “Chinese” cuisine that can usually be found in Chinese buffet restaurants like General Tso’s chicken and fried rice.
The difference in the restaurant’s food, though, is that it is all made to order instead of food that has been sitting under a hot lamp. That does not take away from the expediency in which that they bring the food out—the service is quick and they apply great attention to their clients.
In my opinion, the restaurant is not entirely enticing and the continued high temperature inside does not induce a person to stay long, however, the food has good flavor, is served in large portions for a very reasonable price for those portions. The recommendation for this restaurant would be more for takeout rather than dine in but it does provide an option to the usual food in Laredo.