Chinese

Pride in her Vietnamese cuisine is evident when you meet the owner of Noodles “Pho” U, food industry veteran Thuy Mai.

“We are a Vietnamese noodle house, which is kind of unique in the area,” she says, noting the restaurant also offers a selection of the most popular dishes from other Asian countries, including Korea, Thailand and China.

In a play on words, Pho doubles as part of the restaurant’s name. The Vietnamese specialty is growing in popularity as Americans become more adventurous, she says. An array of Pho accompaniments lets diners customize it for their palate. It starts with a slow-cooked soup broth containing rice noodles and choice of meats. You can mix in such additions as bean sprouts, basil leaves, jalapeño and lime, plus dipping sauces from spicy to sweet.

Owner and chef Thuy Mai of Noodles "Pho" U in Lombard prepares rice noodles for the slow-cooked, spicy beef soup Bun Bo Hue. The restaurant serves Vietnamese and pan-Asian specialties. STAFF PHOTOS BY ERICA BENSON