"This restaurant has a pleasant, clean atmosphere with friendly staff and prompt service. However, I can't give it a full five stars because they don't offer MSG-free options. When I asked the waitress about MSG usage, she seemed taken aback and responded, rather dismissively, that they absolutely use it—just like all Vietnamese restaurants do. That's not accurate. Authentic Vietnamese pho is made with slightly charred ginger, onions, toasted star anise and cloves, along with fish sauce (which naturally contains some MSG and adds umami) and flavorful beef bones for that distinct taste. MSG is often used to mask a lack of real flavor. The soup here was just average, and the meat wasn't as tender as it should have been. On the bright side, the fresh spring rolls and their dipping sauce were quite good. If you're really hungry, this place is fine, but there are better options available."
