Oh Ricey Pho Bo (instant pho)

I am a pho fanatic (who refuses to say “pho-natic”) so was interested in the run down of instant pho packets in the latest Lucky Peach. Fortunately their top rated choice, Oh Ricey, was available at my Asian Supermarket so I brought some home.

This is a definitely notch above instant ramen. Rice noodles are cushioned in a little tray and you get a packet of solid palm oil (which I’m sure is deadly) along with the veggies and seasonings. Prep couldn’t be easier: boil water, pour over all ingredients, cover and wait three minutes.

The verdict? It doesn’t really taste like pho (lacking the star anise and roasted bone flavors) but is pretty good for what it is. I’d buy again. It comes in a modest 250 calories but packs most of your day’s allotment of salt in, much of that in the form of MSG which gave me a nice tingle.

If you can’t find it locally, Oh Rice Pho Bo is available on Amazon. (That link is for a case of 24 which offers the best unit price; smaller quantities are available as well if you search.)