Huong Tram

Came here the Sunday after the winterblizzard of Jonas ’16. I am a fan! The phở broth was good and so were the grilled pork summer rolls. I love that they have the option of having grilled pork on the side with your phở! The waiters were very nice but the one kept coming back and asking to make sure he had our order correct lol. I would definitely come back here again and it’s nice that they have this huge tv in the middle of the restaurant.

For some reason, I always turn to phở as my hangover cure and this place always delivers. The service is fast. The vietnamese iced coffee is strong. And the phở is always delicious. Alternatively, I love the vermicelli special with pork and spring rolls whenever I want a change from the phở. This place is super accommodating and great for larger groups!

Nice service, fast phở. The phở ga was actually very flavorful fresh and tasty — and same size as pretty much all the competing phở places. But the price, yikes! $ 10 for a bowl of phở. I had a great meal but this is a little too high for Phở in my opinion

The phở was so good here that I came twice during my four day stay during a conference in June 2015. Authentic, delicious, and giant giant bowls of soup. The service is alright, but the food. My God, the food. If you like phở, do yourself a favor and get you some.

When this place transitioned from the different phở place it was before, it was admittedly very clearly in transition/​start up phase. In the two times I’ve been back in the past month, however, I’ve been blown away at how nice it is.
Wait staff are really, super nice and friendly and speak spectacular English and Vietnamese as well, service is quick, the food is delicious, and prices are cheap ($ 7.50 for a huge bowl and a free pot of hot tea!). The rare steak is laid in the bowl exactly the way it should be (still pink in the middle for you to finish cooking in your broth).
I mostly love this place for how comfortable it feels. On any weekend morning, there are old couples, young couples, families, and single diners eating a warm meal alone (I’ve done this too). This place really is a hidden gem.

This is my second time here and we ordered the exact same dishes as the first time. We got the three delight and family dinner of fish casserole hot pot, country style beef cubes and subbed water spinach for soup which is amazing and a perfect amount of food for four people. Not to mention a great value. The ingredients are fresh and the dishes complement each other.

Fresh, authentic vietnamese food. Great value, highly reccomend the three delight and family dinner! Love the build your own summer rolls with vermicelli noodles, grape leaves, pork, and herbs.
The service and atmosphere are ok; however, you should definitely come for the quality of the meals.

The phở here is pretty great. The service was exception ally generous and looked after us as she was super happy that my friend and I ordered the Viet coffee. We went there with a group of six and was seated in a circular table, great for conversation. I had phở with beef balls and it was fantastic.
The place smelled like toile though, so that was no bueno.

This place is located directly across the street from my house and had gotten some good reviews from people, and when my fiancé and I needed a bite one evening, we walked over to grab some Phở.
I always get a little flustered when I am looking at a Vietnamese menu because I always have the intention to order something other than Phở, but I just cant ever seem to pull the trigger on it. This time was no exception, but I at least ordered something I hadnt tried before. I ordered the seafood Phở. The seafood broth was a little bit more bland than I am used to is when it comes to Phở, but that may have been intentional because of the seafood. It definitely was not as rich or flavorful as the beef broth I have had in the past, but it was still very good. It came piping hot as it always does and served with all the usual companions, bean sprouts, jalapenos, Thai basil and lime wedges. I add a bit of each to the soup as well as some sriracha and mix it all in to make a full flavored soup with some kick. The seafood was plentiful in the soup which made it great as well. There was plenty of shrimp, seafood balls and squid and if it hadnt been for the lack of flavor in the broth, it would have been a homerun.
I definitely would like to go back to try another style phở, or some of the other items on the menu if I can ever pull myself away from the Phở. Its very authentic stuff and just taking a look around and noticing all of the Vietnamese patrons really gives it a thumbs up to that aspect. Definitely worth a visit.

Location wise, they did themselves an injustice by hiding in that plaza. If I hadn’t stumble into the plaza on accident, I would’ve never discovered this place. The sign outside just blended in with the setting. The restaurant itself is quite spacious after the remodeling. It’s capable of hosting large parties. The service was efficient and the food came out pretty quickly.
I decided to go ethnic and ordered «Bun Mam», which is rice noodles in a fish paste broth. It’s super fishy and not something I would recommend to those who aren’t familiar with Vietnamese food. The broth itself was quite aromatic, but a bit too bland for my liking. They provided all the necessary vegetables needed and gave me plenty of fish. The portion was magnificent and the price not too bad, but this isn’t the best Bun Mam I’ve ever had. It was just okay.

New management.
Nothing that blows my mind completely away. Their smoothies are pretty darn good though.
Just wished there were more English speakers here for staff. Customer service is very big for me and I don’t believe these guys are the greatest at it. Lots of language barriers to face, regardless if I can speak Viet or not. Makes it hard for me to get my point across when it comes to picking dishes or getting recommendations.
However, the smoothies here definitely help me speak more foreign as I start to sound like I’m from a different country because of the brain freeze I get.

Service is extremely bad, had to order ice water 3x to finally get it and got it after I finish the meal. Servers has hearing problems, ask one waiter for a bowl and he told me to ask a different waiter for it. There is only three people at my table and I asked for a glass of ice water and he asked back you want 4 glasses of ice water. Extremely bad service, don’t recommend to come back again after this time.

Just steps from our home, it took us almost a year to find this hidden gem. The food was great, flavorful and well presented, about on par with other establishments price wise and service was good. We each had phô, flavorful broth, we also ordered pork and shrimp summer rolls served with peanut dipping sauce and the crêpe with shrimp and sprouts, both tasty; the crêpe is huge, crispy outside, and served with a large side of veggies maybe to assemble lettuce wraps. I def recommend the vinegar they serve with the crêpe, it really enhances the flavor.
We entered via 16^th street, it was the only open door on that side, and there were entrances from within the mall. The interior is clean and sharp liking with two giant flat screens, plenty of tables with space in between. The bathrooms are also well kept.
Now that we’ve found it, we’ll def be back!

What professional food critics have to say about the Asian restaurants along Washington Avenue have no value to me. I do not see what background newspaper critics have that enlightens their taste to what they may consider correct Asian food. For myself, I freely admit that as a European American I have no idea of what a Vietnamese family would think of the dishes they may find in the many restaurants in South Philadelphia. I think I can say with some certainty that the restaurants I enjoy along Washington Ave certainly have an Asian clientele. It would seem then, that these restaurants cannot be too far from acceptable Asian cooking. While I can be very happy at any number of the Vietnamese restaurants on Washington Avenue there is one that I find the most intriguing. In its first incarnations that restaurant was called Nam Son. (You can still read my review for the restaurant under that name.) Now the restaurant is called Huong Tram. Since the changeover we have visited twice.
On our first visit since the name change we saw upon entering a wonderful bubbling pot nested on a gas burner and accompanied by an enormous dish of greens and meats that clearly were intended for the volcanic stew. It took no convincing. We needed no menu. When the waiter approached we said «well have what that table has.» Since we were seated at a standard rectangular table, the waiter enthusiastically said, «then you must move. Come to the round table.» Suddenly all attention was on us. Servers seemed to arrive with great energy from unseen corners. While two servers cleared a space on our round table, another paraded into the dining room with a gas burn held high that he immediately set between us: central altar fire upon which we would soon experience one of the greatest delights of Huong Tram’s offerings. No sooner had the waiter lit the burner than a large cauldron arrived filled with an already fragrant broth. The cauldron’s contents, seated on the fire stove, began to bubble and heave. To the side of the cauldron the server placed an immense platter of heart stopping seafood: clams, mussels, scallops, tilapia, all enrobed in greens and aromatics. To the side of the fish platter another server gently placed a bowl of pre-​cooked noodles. Even before the fish touched the broth the heaving pot steamed with the incense of an intense fish stock.
The server, now more pleased than ever when he saw our delight, immediately offered his service. With practiced knowledge he added those fish which took the longest and finished with those that cook the quickest. Along the way he added the proper greens and vegetables.
With the sweeping gestures of and orchestra conductor he waved the chopsticks to bring the noodles to our bowls and then with equal aplomb ladled the soups to bath the noodles. Each bowl was then finished with yet another touch of bean sprouts, cilantro, basil and other condiments.
The moment now came for the tasting. The fish broth moved slowly from the porcelain spoon and miraculously transformed from a sweet somewhat gelatinous experience that spoke not only to the tongue and mouth but to that certain velvety quality experience by the lips. As the broth developed its sweet richness it transformed again to fill the desire for the savory. The solid but delicate flavors of the seafood ingredients punctuated the soup with a rich intensity. Venally the noodles moved like silken lace to complete the absolute delight.
As an addendum I would note that two weeks later we returned to Huong Tram for the sole purpose of trying the meat hot pot. Here again the service was superior. The staff was more than accommodating. The meat hot pot was a wonderful delight but I will say that I think I prefer the fish. The fish had that certain sweet gelatinous quality the offers a deeper richness. But, then, fish is a personal taste.
Certainly I am naïve on the topic of Southeast Asian cooking and despite my frequent visits to restaurants on Washington Avenue, I am still certainly uncultured to the refinements of Vietnamese cooking.
The hot pot dinner easily provides a dinner for four persons and gives a good size serving to take home. The cost for this dinner is around $ 30. Where else might you enjoy such an experience at such a price, with such service and with an excellently prepared dinner.

Had Nam Son on a recommended list but there are new owners of this location. Had lunch during the week at about 1:30+. Had quick attentive service and food delivery. A lot nicer than most Phở cafeterias. As often the custom, we did have to call the waiter over when we wanted to add some take-​out items to out order after we ate but the staff assisted w/​o hesitation and asked how we liked our food. The Phở Tai looked good and was liked by my sister-​in-​law and her sensitive prego digestive system. I had the Mi Bo Kho and it was very good — beefy with a lot of melt in your mouth beef chunks (which you often have to chew a bit but this you didn’t) and egg noodle was perfectly al dente as was the stock, rich and seasoned well. A great bowl for helping boost your iron levels or nursing your hangover.

The area is a little… sketchy. We actually had to walk into the Asian mall-​like, to get inside the restauarunt (it also has a café connected to it that sells bahn mi — I know this because I asked the waiter why there wasn’t bahn mi on the menu lol).
Anyways!
We were greeted automatically by one of the servers and sat in the dining area. Not that many guests for dinner but then it started to get busy. Guess we were at the right spot (I actually Unilocaled this place!).
Started off with hot tea and water. Order phở tai, summer rolls which had shrimp and pork, papaya salad, and this egg crêpe thing that my boyfriend ordered lol. Our food came out all at once. Didn’t realize how much we ordered because the portions were so much! The crêpe was HUGE. Definitely great for sharing with 2 – 3 persons. Phở tai had great broth and meat. We shared that as well. The summer rolls were okay… believe I’ve had better but not bad! As for the Papaya salad, it was deliciousssssss!!! Just add a little sirracha and you’re good to go if you spicy.
The bill came out to be about $ 40! Wow! Felt like the food was actually worth more than that. surprising, the service was actually great!!! The server made sure we were okay along with the other servers. Attentive but not annoying. Lol
Overall, This place was delicious. I’ll definately come back again! It’s always the hidden gems that come out to be the best!

We walked in as a group of six and were seated right away without reservations. Another four or so people walked in and joined our table and they were very accommodating (which is really nice because a lot of restaurants don’t really do that.)
As soon as I entered I noticed it was fairly empty. This may have been mostly due to the odd day we were coming in (a random Sunday) or due to the fact that it’s tucked behind a grocery store, either way it wasn’t crowded at all– but that worked in our favor since we required a fairly large space that can accommodate large groups with no notice.
The menu was very extensive with descriptions of ingredients under each item. The only issue was because I’m fairly new to new to the Vietnamese cuisine scene, I wasn’t 100% what the differences in taste or texture would be if I ordered the number 25 versus of the 26. Most of the table ordered different bowls of phở and they all seemed similar. They had sriracha and hoisin sauce available at the table and the centerpieces already come stocked with soup spoons, chopsticks, and side bowls.
I’ve definitely had more fragrant phở in my life, but overall I had an enjoyable experience. My meal wasn’t more than 10 dollars and the portions were gigantic. The servers were really friendly (and again accommodating) It’s a really casual place if you are in the mood for Vietnamese.
Two things to note– it’s BYO and there is a minimum on card purchases (10 or 15 dollars– i can’t remember) so just bring some cash and maybe some wine.

I looked at the
city food safety database. They did better on their inspections than most places, even fancy Le Viet. I went there once awhile ago with a friend. We were both pleased. I was going to award 4 stars (wish I could award 4.25 or a little more) but the previous 2 star review is so skewed that I think I will compensate a little with 5 stars, for now, and readjust on my second visit.

A bit over a month ago, Nam Son on Washington Avenue changed owners and became Huong Tram. The menu is still Vietnamese, though slightly downsized from the seemingly infinite selection of the former menu. The space is a bit remodeled but you can still enter from either 16^th Street or through the shopping plaza on Washington. The adjacent bakery is still under the Nam Son name.
The classic phở with brisket was fine, but not as dynamic as some other places in the area. It needed a lot of sprucing up with condiments.
The phở ga on the other hand, made with chicken instead of beef broth, was soothing and complicated. As a red meat lover, it is hard to acquiesce and admit the white meat has won, but I have to tell it like it is. Either way, the soup bowls are still huge and the prices are low.
The chicken wing appetizer here is also very good. Other perks: there is a whole lot available for parking and an easy grocery trip (though it may be the smelliest grocery store in Philly) next door.

Apparently having taken over Nam Son’s lease perhaps after the surprised visit from the health dept that closed it down one Sunday several months back, Huong Tram is nothing to write home about.
A smaller menu squarely aimed at a non Vietnamese clientele recycled from the new owner’s other NJ based restaurants lacks the dishes that Nam Son was so very good at and brought customers back even with it’s much deserved reputation for bad service.
The «Special» phở was just passable and lacked any deep beef flavor and the whole fried fish was fried ably but lacked taste and seasoning.
I witnessed several diner’s confusion at the so called remodel and name change with some actually leaving after reading the menu.
The once excellent bakery still carries the Nam Son name but the crew is totally different and was deserted at lunch and does not accept charge or debit cards.
I am saddened to say I’m done with this location as even with it’s flaws Nam Son was a gem now gone… Oh Well, time to seek out another gem on Washington Ave. Stay tuned…