Pho Vietnam K&W
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O n t h e M enu
Sahar’s Kitchen
Mark’s Caribbean Kitchen Sahar’s Kitchen
Mark’s Caribbean Kitchen
Pho Vietnam K&W
| 83 King Street E.
| 20 King Street E.
| 4-28 Cedar Street S.
Take a break from classics like butter chicken or samosas and ask the husband and wife duo at Sahar’s Kitchen about their off-menu specials. If you’re more adventurous, try the exceptional goat curry, braised and coated in a lusciously spiced gravy, served best alongside saffron rice and an order of lachha paratha — a flakier, chewier version of naan.
Mark moved to Kitchener 40 years ago to study and work, but only opened his Caribbean establishment about a year ago. Despite the restaurant’s relative youth, it’s clear Mark’s been working on his craft behind the scenes, as he has completely mastered his jerk chicken recipe. Well-balanced, moist and not too spicy, he combines it with expertly caramelized plantain and a lightly vinegared slaw to round it all out.
Tucked away on Cedar Street between King and Charles, Pho Vietnam K&W serves up an extensive menu of classic Vietnamese fare. The pho is fantastic, but don’t let it stop you from trying other outstanding dishes.
Other standouts are the oxtail stew, braised in a deep and mouth-watering jus, and the succulent shrimp curry which can be ordered as a warm pocket of joy inside a roti. Most dishes are served with either rice and peas (but actually beans), fries or roti.
A Spice Tour o f D ownt own
Vegetarians can try the North Indian dish of baingan bharta comprised of roasted and stewed eggplant, tomato, aromatics and a medley of earthy spices. At lunch, they have affordable thali combos with your choice of protein, paired with basmati, naan and salad. Complete your meal with a cool mango lassi, a yogurty shake that’ll subdue the tingling on your tongue.
If you want more of a kick in your noodle soup, try bo kho — rice noodles served in an aromatic, lemongrass broth topped with tender stewed beef and carrots. Or if you’re craving something fresh and bright, you can’t go wrong with any of the vermicelli bowls served with nuoc cham — an essential Vietnamese sauce made of fish sauce and lime. Enjoy with a traditional iced coffee served with condensed milk or one of their many refreshing fruit-shakes and you’ll be transported right to Saigon.