Banh Mi @ Pho Co Quan, Little Asia Market, Yoshizuka,Fukuoka

 

Despite living here for over 4 years, I only stepped into this side of the prefecture only once. However, as I was in need of some spices and supplies, fate has brought me again to the Little Asia Market. And since I was there, having lunch there needs little persuasion. 

Welcome to Little Asia!

Yoshizuka, is the side of Fukuoka city where somehow alot of South East Asians and south Asians conglomerate. It is definitely a more colourful side of the prefecture and the nexus that brings everyone together is the Little Asia Market. This market reminds me of a wet market back home, with shops selling different ingredients and supplies from all over the world, mainly from South East Asia. However, Vietnam seems to have a very strong representation here, as there is a significant Vietnamese population living in Fukuoka. It should be noted that these people tend to be in semi-skilled industries or menial labour. But honest work is good work right? 

I feel like I just entered someone's living room

Speaking of work, there are actually a variety of Vietnamese restaurants littered around the area. But as I was already very hungry to begin with, I went to the one that was the very front, Pho Co Quan. Despite not speaking any Vietnamese, the name already suggests that pho would be their main star of their menu. However, I already had noodles the day before so something else would be much better. And that is when the classic banh mi sandwich comes into play. 

Lunch is ready. 

After a couple of minutes, I decided on the grilled pork banh mi which stood at 700 yen. For a drink to accompany it, there is no better than iced Vietnamese coffee which stood at 500 yen. The sandwich was actually done very well and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Despite its modest appearance, this was actually packing a punch. 

What a cross section

The pork was grilled to perfection and the spices that marinade the meat envelop the entire package. The smell of lemongrass, lime and garlic was very evident, giving it a spicy yet refreshing edge to the overall sandwich. Those aromas complimented the meat which was also very tender yet had some resistance to it.  There was a bit of classic chilli sauce which I like.  Homemade pickles tucked deep inside gave it a nice crunch and extra zest and worked well. 

Liquid joy

The coffee, is well, what you expect from Vietnamese coffee. it was aromatic, strong, creamy, and quite sweet. The sugar level may be more that what I would usually accept, as I drink coffee usually black with nothing in it. However, it was extremely enjoyable and I do deserve a sweet treat once in a while. It does complement the sandwich somewhat well, strangely enough. 

A better angle of the entrance

A relatively simple and quick but still enjoyable lunch during a rainy Saturday afternoon. I am curious on the other things of the menu as they look very inviting, especially their name sake pho. Perhaps this place needs a revisit during one of the weekends when I have free time. So if you fancy grabbing a bite of a great sandwich or want to slurp on the pho before I do, then the address to Pho Co Quan is as follows:

1 Chome-17-5 Yoshizuka, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0041