Top Southeast Asian Restaurant in Apple Valley
Pho Belwood
21520 Bear Valley Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92308, United States
Was craving pho while I was in the area, so I stopped by for a late lunch. I wasnt expecting too much for pho in Apple Valley, but considering the high reviews for an unclaimed restaurant, I thought the food would be decent. There are two Pho Belwood locations - one in Victorville and one in Apple Valley. They specialize mainly in pho, but also sell specialized dishes and drinks. The place was pretty empty when we arrived, but it quickly got busy - even around 2-3PM which was surprising.Storefront is pretty big with a lot of tables and booths. The workers dont bother you much after you order, which is nice if you want to sit and chat or bring something to study - especially when business is a bit slower. There are a ton of powder/syrups lining the counter, so you know the drinks here are not authentic and artificial.I decide to order #15 - which pretty much has a little of everything (flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, beef balls, rare steak). Medium is priced at $8.99, which isnt too bad at all (large is $2 more). Pho came with a ton of onions on top along with a plate of bean sprouts, lemon, mint leaves, and jalapenos. The broth was actually really good - I was surprised by how much flavor it had while not having too much oil or tasting of MSG. They gave a good amount of meat in the bowl as well - felt like I was able to keep eating meat until I finished the noodles. For $8.99, that was definitely a good bowl of pho - especially in the High Desert.My friend decided to be spontaneous and order something that wasnt pho. I had a feeling the dish wouldnt be good - youre eating at a pho restaurant in an area that doesnt specialize in pho. And you decide to go off the menu ... what can you expect? He ordered the special pot fried rice (#26) for $11.99, expecting it to taste similar to the fried rice dishes we normally get at Thai places. Yea, no. This was probably the worst rice dish Ive ever eaten - and Ive eaten at a ton of Chinese restaurants. Not sure what rice was used or how they cooked it, but it lacked flavor and tasted dry. The toppings were random seafood and Chinese ingredients piled together and maybe stir-fried with the same sauce? Either way, it tasted really unappetizing. He barely finished the toppings and we actually just left the rice. It was that bad.After you finish, you pay at the counter. Its cash only unless you dont mind a credit card service fee. The workers were nice, but super slow with the credit card machine.tl;dr - Pho here was really good. But the rice dish was really bad. Have to give this place 3 stars despite us both enjoying the pho. I wouldnt mind returning, but wed only order from the pho options.