With 10 locations from Everett to Lakewood, Than Brothers have a good Vietnamese thing going. Locations are comfortably casual with smiling staff and quick service. Classical music plays softly in the background as addictive appetizer cream puffs are delivered. Eight scant minutes later, steaming bowls of Than’s famous pho with all the accoutrements arrive.



Than Brothers specialize in “pho,” pronounced “fuh.” This Vietnamese soup was introduced to Americans in the 1970s by Vietnamese refugees. Pho consists roughly of broth, rice noodles and meat, and has gained in popularity to an almost cult-like status among people of all walks of life and ethnicity. T-shirts baring slogans like “What The Pho?” “Pho Shizzle,” and “Pho Real” have popped up on the backs of teens and adults alike. Many Washington residents swear the soup is a secret weapon against winter colds and flu. Vietnamese, Chinese and French cooking are blended together into two types of pho from Northern and Southern Vietnam. Northern is simpler with sliced ginger, minimal meat, green chilies and lime. Than Brothers serve the Southern type, an ingredient-heavy bowl of heaven. One-hundred percent vegetarian with tofu and mushrooms is available or with your choice of meat: chicken, fennel meatball, brisket, flank steak, tripe, soft tendon, eye-round steak.



Eating pho is as much about the ritual of preparing your bowl the exact way you like as it is about consuming it. Along with bowls of hot soup, comes a separate plate of cold raw ingredients: bean sprouts, Thai basil, green chilies, scallions or white onion, and juicy lime chunks. Add these to the soup as desired. Small dishes of red pepper, Hoisin or plum and Sriracha hot sauce can be used to control spiciness and further enhance flavor. It’s common to have a sweaty head and wet nose after eating a dazzling bowl of pho. Cool down with a glass of sweet young coconut water ($2.00), soy bean milk, fresh lemonade ($1.50) or French style creamed iced coffee ($1.95). Pho prices range from small bowls $4.35 to extra large $6.25, making this one of the most inexpensive and healthy ways to dine. — Jennifer Johnson



[Than Brothers, 10435 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.548.8886; 8515 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood, 253.582.5120]