You’ll see a lot of noodz at Phat Phuc.
Let’s clear one thing up before we get started: Phat Phuc does sound pretty rude. However, far from being an offensive term, it actually translates from the Vietnamese as ‘Happy Buddha’, and you pronounce it “fet fook”. Good to get that out of the way early, because what we’re interested in here is the authentic cuisine that lands Phat Phuc on any self-respecting foodie’s must-visit list.
I never expected to eat some of the best Vietnamese food in the city inside what is essentially a tent off of the King’s Road, but then again, London is full of surprises. You’ll find this brilliant noodle shack hiding in a courtyard, waiting for those in the know – which now includes you! Phat Phuc specialise in pho, with chicken, beef, duck, and vegetable varieties forming the core of their menu. They make the stock from scratch, infusing it with flavour over the course of several hours, and the result is both delicious and wonderfully warming on a chilly autumn day.
Aside from pho, Phat Phuc make a mean range of noodle salads, along with laksa and stir fries. Lighter bites come in the form of spring rolls, chicken dumplings, and duck pancakes, and dessert is a sticky rice and mango pudding. Best of all, no dish on the menu tops £8, making it a neat little place if you’re on a budget.
That will come in particularly handy when you spot Phat Phuc’s range of merchandise, which encompasses t-shirts and hats. Handily, they come adorned with a picture of the happy buddha, letting you avoid any pronunciation faux pas that might arise…
Location: The Courtyard, 151 Sydney Street, Chelsea, SW3 6NT. Nearest stations are South Kensington and Sloane Square. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: 11am-6pm daily.
Price: starters begin at £4, mains are £8, and dessert is £6.
More information: on their website.
Featured image: @molly.bi