Monsoon

I like their food, only one thing is the lady is not very good service as she only hide herself at her desk and watch iPhone?! not to check other consumer see if they like it or need help. I have been here before, that time has the guy, he is doing better than this lady!

Just got the chicken Bahn Mi. Really really solid. Almost too big, tbh. I kind of like them on the smaller side but it's the right price given how big it is and how fresh the vegetables. I just got my sandwich to go but the inside seemed quite nice and they had some great looking plated meals.

Came here for lunch one day and everything we ordered was delicious. -bun Bo hue -chicken pho -pork vermicelli bowl -pork spring rolls On the pricier end but they give good portions! Great service! I loved my bun Bo hue broth, better than most other places in Oakland that I've had, just wish they used actual bun Bo hue noodles and not pho noodles. Will definitely be back :)

Gee, I didn't know Xyclo closed. I tried it years ago and was a bit underwhelmed by their chicken pho, but I noticed the recent change in name and found out it indeed reflected a change in ownership. New chef/owner has shifted the focus of the Vietnamese cuisine from the North to the South. I'm not nearly enough of a pho connoisseur to know the difference. What I do know was that the $16 Chicken Noodle Soup was more freshly executed than the pho I had before and consequently a lot tastier. Interestingly it was not referred to as pho, and I wasn't sure whether it was not technically pho or it was a concession to the decidedly non-Vietnamese clientele to be found on Piedmont Avenue. It really didn't matter, it was good (photo: https://bit.ly/3JtU3YN). They use poached chicken that reminded me more of Hainan chicken especially since they served a tasty helping of ginger garlic sauce on the side (photo: https://bit.ly/3CK5W90). All the other requisite elements were present - thin rice noodles, fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, chopped scallions, sliced peppers, and light chicken broth - along with some unexpected items like red onions and fried onion bits. It was quite satisfying and kept me full. However, I felt I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage of a Yelp check-in coupon that gave me a complimentary $5 Vietnamese Iced Coffee (photo: https://bit.ly/46klqhH). I haven't had one in such a long time that it was quite a treat. They offer the expected rice and noodle plates, so chances are pretty good that I'll return for more of Chao's homestyle dishes. FOOD - 4 stars...a tasty chicken pho with fresh ingredients AMBIANCE - 4 stars...pretty spacious, not overly decorative SERVICE - 4 stars...quietly attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...this is a Monsoon worth weathering RELATED - Exploring Piedmont Avenue? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2I0RAHj