Few things beat a steaming bowl of pho on a foggy San Francisco evening. At Perilla, our noodle soups are built around Vietnamese rice noodles in a savory beef broth, finished with sliced onions and fresh cilantro. Pick the protein you like, add a squeeze of lime and a little chili, and you have one of the most comforting dinners in the Lower Haight.
We serve two styles of noodle soup: classic pho in a clear beef broth, and our satay noodle soup, a spicier, richer bowl with a satay beef broth and a pile of fresh toppings. Both are available every night from 5:00pm to 9:30pm at 525 Haight St.
Pho is Vietnam's best-known noodle soup: flat rice noodles and thinly sliced meat in a clear, aromatic broth. A good pho broth is simmered for hours so it tastes deep and savory while still being light enough to drink to the last spoonful. The bowl is finished with onions and herbs, and diners adjust the flavor at the table with lime, chili and sauces.
Pho is usually pronounced closer to \"fuh\" than \"foe.\" However you say it, the goal is the same: a warm, balanced bowl that feels nourishing without being heavy.
Our classic pho starts with Vietnamese rice noodles in beef broth, topped with onions and cilantro. Choose from:
See current prices on the Perilla menu.
On Vietnamese menus, rare beef is often labeled tai and well-done cuts such as brisket are often labeled chin. Rare beef is sliced very thin and added raw, so it cooks gently in the hot broth and stays tender. Brisket is cooked in advance until soft, and it brings a deeper, beefier flavor. The beef combo gives you both in one bowl, which is why it is such a popular first order. If you prefer not to eat beef, Five Spice chicken, prawns or pork all work beautifully in the same broth.
If you like bold flavors, try our satay noodle soup. It combines Vietnamese rice noodles with a satay beef broth, then piles on lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, cucumber, peanuts, green onions and cilantro. The broth is marked spicy on our menu, and the fresh toppings keep every bite bright and crunchy.
Satay noodle soup can be ordered with rice noodles (pho) or with ramen noodles for a slightly chewier bowl. It comes with beef combo, rare beef, brisket, Five Spice chicken, prawns, pork, pork chops or mixed vegetables.
If this is your first visit, the choice between classic pho and satay noodle soup comes down to mood. Choose classic pho if you want something clean, soothing and easy to customize at the table. It is mild, fragrant and a great match for rare beef or the beef combo. Choose satay noodle soup if you want a bowl with more body, spice and texture. The satay beef broth is richer, and the lettuce, sprouts, mint, cucumber and peanuts on top turn every spoonful into a mix of hot and cool, soft and crunchy.
Still undecided? Order one of each and share. Many guests do exactly that, and it is a great way to discover your favorite before your next visit.
Pho is great on its own, but a few sides make it a feast. Start with crispy imperial rolls or a plate of fried chicken wings, or keep it light with fresh summer rolls from our Vietnamese rolls menu. Sharing with friends? Add a plate of garlic noodles with Five Spice chicken to the table so everyone gets a taste of our signature dish. Wash it all down with Vietnamese iced coffee, young coconut juice or a milk tea with boba.
You can enjoy Perilla pho at home too. Order online through DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats, or call (415) 872-6718 for pickup. For the best texture at home, make sure the broth is steaming hot before it meets the noodles, and eat soon after serving.
Yes. Order the mixed vegetables pho and ask for veggie broth, or try the curry mixed veggie with tofu if you like it spicy.
The satay noodle soup and the curry options are marked spicy. Classic pho is mild, and you can add chili to taste.
Visit Perilla at 525 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, open daily 5:00pm to 9:30pm. Directions are on our contact page.