Bún cá — the Northern Vietnamese fish noodle soup with tangy tomato broth and crispy fish cakes — is a specialty that not every Sacramento pho house bothers with. The places that do it right understand that the broth should be bright and sour, the fish cakes should hold their crunch, and the herbs should be piled high.
Co Do Restaurant top-pick
Mon-Sun 10AM-9PM
Co Do turns out a solid fish noodle soup with well-seasoned tomato broth and crispy fish cakes that maintain their texture. The broth has depth without overwhelming the delicate fish flavors.
Pho Bac Hoa Viet best-value
Mon-Sun 9AM-9PM
The Pocket-area location means you dont have to trek to Stockton Blvd. Generously sized fish cakes and a pleasant tomato tang make this a solid option for southwest Sacramento.
Pho Xe Lua hidden-gem
Mon-Sun 9AM-9:30PM
A straightforward and satisfying fish noodle soup on the deep menu of one of Stockton Blvds most popular Vietnamese restaurants. Clean tomato broth, tender fish, fresh herbs.