Vietnamese cuisine satisfies year-round. In the summer, drop your body temperature a few degrees with a plate of delicate spring rolls in chilled rice wrappers, and a brain-freezing fruit slush with coconut jelly or tapioca balls. In the winter, cozy up to a steaming bowl of pho or mi; both of these broth-based soups are perfume-like in their delicacy and complexity. The Mi Ga Ca (No. 37) with catfish fillet, chicken and egg noodles is a standout variation on Mom's chicken-noodle soup. The Miss Saigon special beef noodle soup (No. 24) has rare broiled beef slices, tendon, tripe, meatballs and rice noodles. Stop making that face, and try the tendon! Its silky texture and rich flavor will seduce you.
Runners up:
2. Pho 88
2744 N. Campbell Ave.
881-8883
3. Ha Long Bay
6304 E. Broadway Blvd.
571-1338
