KATHMANDU: A new branch of ‘Pho 99 Restaurant’ has recently opened in the Lazimpat area of Kathmandu, offering delectable Vietnamese cuisine to discerning diners. The restaurant was inaugurated on Thursday by Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, the Honorary Consul of Vietnam for Nepal.

During the event, Consul Shrestha expressed his belief that the arrival of “Pho 99” has enriched Nepal’s thriving food culture. He stated that this newly opened restaurant would successfully provide a taste of Vietnam to tourists visiting Nepal while catering to health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Navin Saru, the owner of the restaurant, explained that Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh herbs like cilantro, ginger, lemongrass, mint, and basil. The dishes are typically served with fish sauce, prawn paste, or soy sauce. Due to its minimal use of oil, limited spices, and emphasis on fresh ingredients, Vietnamese cuisine is widely regarded as one of the healthiest in the world.

Pho 99, established by the young entrepreneur Saru in 2011, has previously delighted customers with Vietnamese flavors in Boudhanath and Jhamsikhel areas of Kathmandu. Vietnamese cuisine’s global popularity stems from its mild spiciness.

Saru, the owner, mentioned that the decision to open a new branch was prompted by the increasing number of Vietnamese visitors to Nepal and the growing preference for Vietnamese food among Nepalese consumers. “When we first started in 2011, we were the first fully Vietnamese restaurant in Nepal,” Saru highlighted. Over the past decade, more Vietnamese people have been visiting Nepal, and many Nepalis have developed an appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

Pho 99 is particularly known for its ‘Vietnamese Grilled Fish with Lemongrass,’ a favorite among food enthusiasts. Vietnamese noodles are also highly regarded. In addition to Vietnamese iced tea and hot coffee, customers can enjoy the refreshing taste of coconut juice at the restaurant.