In Vietnamese cuisine, Pho is a meal sized soup, served hot with noodles and various meats. During these cold winter months, nothing warms you up quite like these offerings at Lihn’s Bistro at 5532 Airway Road in the Page Manor Plaza. The location is new, but they still serve the same great Vietnamese specialties. The Food Adventures Crew have been fans of owners Hoa and Phan Nguyen ever since they opened the Asian Palace restaurant in Beavercreek in the 1980’s. Today, their sole endeavor is the bustling Linh’s Bistro, which is one spot you’ll have to visit for a fantastic Food Adventure.
Upon entering Linh’s, you notice the huge open dining area bustling with patrons. The atmosphere is very nice, mixing modern style with a traditional Asian feel. The staff is friendly and inviting, and promptly serve you some Vietnamese tea at your table. Start out with a trademark house drink, the Vietnamese Iced Coffee which is excellent. We browsed the familiar menu items. The restaurant’s menu has two parts, a Vietnamese section and a Chinese section. Being aware that the owners were from Vietnam, we always stick with the hometown experts and order Vietnamese dishes at Linh’s Bistro.
Our Favorite Appetizer: Soft Shrimp Rolls
For openers, we would suggest a house specialty appetizer called the Shrimp Golden Crepe. The crepe is huge and a Food Adventurer’s dream. It is filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp and a light sauce. Served with a side of fresh cilantro and lettuce, we were told to take pieces of the crepe and manually make our own lettuce wraps. Definitely one of the most unique appetizers we have ever eaten. The Big Ragu loves the Vegetarian Fried Spring Rolls at Linh’s which are light and flaky. However, we both agree on a favorite appetizer, the Soft Spring Roll. This delicacy is an egg roll, but the wrapper is a see-through, soft rice paper, which resembles a clear burrito wrapper. The rolls are filled with cilantro, vermicelli noodles, pork and shrimp. They are served with an absolutely incredible peanut sauce for dunking. The Soft Rolls taste so fresh, that you realize you could have ordered a few of these for your meal.
Many Noodles, Shrimp and Flavors Lurk Below the Pork in this Pho (Meal Sized Soup)
The entree menu is extensive, but we have some house specialties that we would recommend. First the Pho (meal sized soups), and our favorite is #23 which is Shrimp and Pork Soup with Clear Rice Noodles. This steaming hot bowl is served with a heaping side of bean sprouts, jalapenos, and cilantro for adding to the soup per your taste. Make sure when you eat this you use the both chopsticks and a spoon for a slurping good time. The Pho Soups are so flavorful and fresh, that no matter what combination of meats and noodles you choose, it is impossible to go wrong.
Another entree fave is the #76 The Traditional Boneless Catfish in Clay Pot. This dinner is very old school. It is served in a primitive looking traditional Vietnamese cooking pot with a closed lid. As the lid is opened, it reveals lightly breaded fish, soaking in a wonderfully aromatic brown sauce. As the steam rises, spices and pepper are visible covering the the fish pieces. The saucy catfish is best spooned over white rice, for a mouth watering meal that you won’t soon forget.
Lemongrass Shrimp Vermicelli Salad – with sauces added
Lastly, may we recommend the #43 Lemongrass Shrimp with Vermicelli Salad. This entree is served with a side of vinegar sauce and julienne carrots. The traditional way to eat this dish is to pour the vinegar sauce over the huge bowl of Vermicelli, sauteed onions and shrimp. Next, mix the ingredients thoroughly, exposing the lettuce and bean sprouts hidden at the bottom of the bowl. The final step is to grab some chopsticks and dig in! This is super filling meal and a great value at only $7.25. In fact, most of the menu is value priced, making Linh’s Bistro an affordable gourmet dining experience.
Linh’s has an incredible menu with page after page of tremendous dishes. You could come here dozens of times and still not tap the extensive choices offered. The key here is to explore, try new things and be a Food Adventurer. It is a perfect place to experience the many tastes of the Vietnamese culture. A trip to Linh’s Bistro will have you coming back Pho more !
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