Pho—the Vietnamese dish of rice noodles, broth, herbs and meat—is spectacularly popular among the American hipsters who spend more time arguing about the soup’s proper pronunciation than they do eating it. It’s “fuh,” by the way. Thus, hipsters and hipster-adjacent populations are reaping the benefits of the Great Pho Rush, in which no fewer than three pho restaurants serve Park City’s 8,300-ish residents. It’s a welcome development for a town that doesn’t earn high marks for culturally-diverse cuisine. Few things are more comforting than huddling over hot pho on a cold day, so pick your spot and slide up to a bowl.
Bald Mountain Pho The term “slope side dining” tends to conjure bleak images of $16, overcooked, a-la-carte hamburgers with a hefty surcharge for soggy fries. But this ain’t some run-of-the-mill drafty cafeteria. We’re talking legendary Deer Valley quality and luxury in Silver Lake Lodge. I’d go out on a limb and say the pho at Bald Mountain is even better than the resort’s famous turkey chili. For $13.50 you get your choice of beef or ginger-mushroom broth as well as decadent slices of wagyu beef or tofu with shiitake mushrooms. No matter what you choose, your dish comes with the standard rice noodles, bean sprouts, sliced chilis and fresh Thai basil. Best eaten while refueling on a powder day. 7600 Royal St., Park City,
435-649-1000
PC Pho PC Pho’s a hole in the wall shop in Prospector. The intimate atmosphere with an open kitchen gives PC Pho a community feel that’s rare in the more tourist-heavy parts of town. Stop in on a snowy evening when Main Street is packed, or have some hot grub brought right to your residence by Mountain Express delivery. Best shared with new friends you made on the chairlift. 1890 Bonanza Dr., Park City, 435-214-7027, mountainexpresssdelivery.com
Kuchu Shabu Tucked in an unassuming Kimball Junction parking lot, Kuchu Shabu returns an old pho hotspot to its former glory. Kuchu Shabu opened last summer with new management sporting an updated interior and menu, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the incredible pho. Kuchu Shabu serves up more than just an excellent selection of pho—including an assortment of ramen options and the flagship menu item, Japanese hot pot specialty shabu shabu—so you can accommodate a group with diverse palates while getting your fix. I’m partial to the $17 beef brisket and meatball pho. Best enjoyed after finishing the errands that kept you from enjoying a powder day. 1612 W. Ute Blvd., Park City, 435-658-9829,
kuchushabu.com
