I love pho. Who doesn't? The tender slices of beef cooking in that rich and pungent broth whilst the bean sprouts soften and the Thai basil and jalapeno meld in the soup. Squeeze the lime to wake up the medley of flavours already existent in the broth.
I've been going to Pho 75 with such regularity that the manager actually recognises my order. But, to be fair, I think it's because my roommate's particularity. i.e. no onions, cilantro, etc., that causes the manager to remember.
And that is where I first heard "Same same. But different." I think the phrase first came about because we ordered the same thing, but for, as my roommate likes to say, "the pesky cilantro and onions." Same same; but different.
I love this spot and clearly I'm not the only one who thinks that way, as there is a perpetual line, especially during the weekends (hangover cure amirite?) and on chilly days. This place only serves pho and is cash only. Don't be me when I asked for spring rolls and was curtly told, "No spring rolls. Only pho." This is truly no-frills and the tables are communal. But if you take me here on a date, you have just risen in my esteem.
The one thing I absolutely love is that they only serve pho, despite the fact I asked for spring rolls like a n00b, which I suppose I was. It reminds me of places in Asia where they make one product and they make that product well, I know Pho 75 will be one place I miss when I leave DC.
Pho 75
1721 Wilson Blvd,
Arlington, VA 22209
