We spotted a red fluttering gold star red flag in Shimoishidate, Kofu city! Oh, there's a new restaurant in a place like this...!? We immediately headed to PHO 18, a Vietnamese restaurant that opened on December 6, 2025.

Vietnamese restaurant "PHO 18" is opening in Kofu on December 6th, 2025. I pass by it quite often, but I hadn't noticed it until now! Apparently you can park in front of the restaurant or in the parking lot next door.

Vietnamese is spoken everywhere in the restaurant, and most of the customers are Vietnamese, so it may seem a little intimidating. But once you get used to it, you'll enjoy the atmosphere of a local restaurant, and feel like you're on a little trip.

The menu is centered around pho and banh mi, but also has a wide variety of other dishes, such as fried bread, steamed shrimp, fried chicken, and Hue ham. Many of the staff barely understand Japanese, so it's best to just order from the menu without asking too much.

When it comes to Vietnamese food, it has to be "Beef Pho"! Vegetables come on a separate plate.

First, take a sip of the soup. Made with beef bone stock, it has a rich, deep, authentic flavor. It has a clear, refined flavor with a refreshing aftertaste.

Add the vegetables and slurp up the noodles. The flat rice flour noodles are chewy yet smooth and easy to eat. The beef is also tender. Squeeze some lime to add a tartness to the rich soup, enjoying a refreshing change of flavor.

My top recommendation is the banh mi! It has just the right amount of unique flavor that only banh mi can offer, and it's absolutely delicious!

Today I chose the Mixed Banh Mi. Crispy, light bread with plenty of vegetables. The savory flavor of Vietnamese ham and sweet and spicy minced meat bring out a unique richness, creating a deep flavor. Banh Mi is available for takeout, so it might be nice to eat outside on a nice day.