Yi Shen

Great food

In a previous review, I stated that I did not know if they are open during the dinner hour.

I can assure you they are and the food is just as excellent!

Bella!

On previous visits, I had gone out of my way to avoid ordering the pho at Yi Shen, but it was a wintry, late December noon, and the wind was blowing in from all directions... I broke down. (Good choice, E.)

I was surprised to find that the broth (basicallyyyy the most important component in pho) was rich, clear & redolent of charred spices & beef bones. It was totally drinkable & it made my noon. I ordered a bowl floated with paper-thin strips of beef and chewy tendon, and topped it off with basil leaves, bean sprouts, lime juice & a dollop of Sriracha. =9 And for a few moments, I was transported back to the small Viet noodle shops I frequented in the Bay.

I'm used to bigger portions & fresher ingredients (the bean sprouts were wilting, and the 'fresh' beef was very likely freezer variety) but Yi Shen's pho will do in a pinch if/when you are in dire need of Asian food in Eugene. Heck, it'll do even if you aren't in dire need of Asian food, THAT'S HOW DECENT IT (the broth) IS.

Other do's and dont's: Do order the stir-fried rice noodle plates, which feature well-cooked veggies & an even, hearty distribution of meat over perfectly chewy noodles. Don't order the rice plates, which feature low quality rice that is simultaneously dry yet greasy. Inspect the roasted pork belly! It can be hit or miss. Sometimes the meat is juicy and the skin has just the right crisp... and sometimes it's roasted ten minutes past redemption.

I like the family that works there, but holy crap they charge a lot for groceries. I suppose a good portion of that serves as a friendliness tax- the uncle (a Vietnamese national who is Cantonese by birth & speaks Chinese, plus a bunch of other languages- someday I'll ask how he ended up in Eugene) is really nice. If you start up a conversation or ask him a grocery question, he'll talk your ear out as he helps you identify & locate what you need.

Bottom Line: *Grudgingly hands over a gold star sticker*