Spice level warning — Pho is not what I expected

I underestimated Pho. The fresh with citrus and mint description didn't prepare me for the reality. star anise broth brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Vietnamese cuisine shows French colonial influence alongside traditional Southeast Asian techniques. The a street banh mi counter setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. Vietnamese iced coffee cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.