Annam Noodle Bar, Eastwood Libis

I recently had a diner at Annam Noodle Bar in Eastwood Libis to check out what this newly opened restaurant has to offer. I was under the impression that it was an entirely new concept until I learned that this is actually a Philippine incarnate of Namnam Noodle Bar, a famous Vietnamese restaurant chain in Singapore albeit named differently.

Pho and Bahn Mi are the main dishes that made this restaurant popular to its diners. Having experienced the on-set of rainy season this year, I figured Annam's opening hits a perfect timing.

 

I honestly cannot remember the last time I had a great bowl of Pho since Vietnamese restaurants aren't easy to come by where I live. So this particular visit to Annam was a welcome respite from the usual dinner I get to enjoy these past few months.

For someone who is a sucker for interior design, Annam's aesthetics is impressive. From its Indo-Chine inspired decors down to its slightly warm lighting at night - the restaurant's ambiance is very easy to love. 

We secured a cozy spot a little early before dinner service and the place was already half-filled. Half an hour into our dinner, the place was jam packed with hungry diners eager to have their share of what Annam offers.

Annam Noodle bar prided itself with the fact that 95% of the items on their menu contains no MSG, which is a good news for those who are very particular with health matters concerning the use of Monosodium Glutamate. Although MSG is known as a flavor-enhancing ingredient, I find the food which I have tried in Annam flavorful enough even without using the condiments provided.

Condiments are readily available in every table for easy access. Some of these items are also being sold just in case diners are interested to have a stash of it back in their home. The only time that you would be wary of MSG is when you add condiments to your food as I was told.

I could easily ditched everything and go straight for the pho and bahn mi but the strong recommendation to try the Crispy Imperial Roll (Php200) was something I couldn't bend my conscience quite enough to ignore.

This one may appear like your usual fried spring roll, but if you are into detail like I am, you will notice that its covering is spiderweb-like intricately woven foil that houses a delicious meaty filling. It is so crisp that it breaks in slightest nudge. Definitely an elevated spring roll that's perfect to whet the appetite.

We had the Lemongrass Pork with Cream Cheese Bahn Mi (Php250) simply because it is a combination of two things I love. The distinct taste of lemongrass was strong enough to enhanced the flavor of the pork but it does not overwhelm as the creamy composure of the cheese temper its flavor. It was a perfect combination in my opinion. 

I also love that the bread was perfectly crisp and crusty outside but warm and soft inside. The level of spice was perfect enough for me but for those who prefer their bahn mi without the kick, they may always kindly request to omit the chilies.

For the pho I chose the Pho Australian Beef Combination (Php350) which is essentially made of rice noodles, intense broth boiled over for 24 hours and band of delicious toppings such as medium rare beef steak slices, beef balls, tendon, and honeycomb tripe. 

It was a hearty bowl especially for someone who loves beef which flavor made the broth more intense and satisfying. There is another one that features Australian Wagyu Beef which can be a good option but Wagyu Beef is too sacred for me to let it sit in a bowl of broth so I had this one instead. No regrets.

We also had the Pho Chicken (Php290) made with the same rice noodle (although there is an option for instant noodle for those who favors it) and the same intense broth. The difference lies in the ingredients it is served with, for this one comes with sliced chicken, soft broiled egg, liver, and gizzard.

Surprisingly, I ended up liking this one much more than the beef pho considering I always prefer beef over chicken. I guess the innards which by the way can be removed if the diners prefer to, lend a depth of flavor you cannot get by using just chicken meat. This one won my heart.

We also tried their Iced Viet Coffee with Condensed Milk (Php120) which I find perfect to my liking. I appreciate that diners can ask for an extra serving of the condensed milk should they feel that the one they had on their coffee a bit lacking. 

Now I believe that diners should be given a heads up that they do not serve service water at Annam. However, bottled water is available for Php50 which in my opinion is a bit pricey. 

All in all the experience I had at Annam was good. I love everything I was able to try and I can see myself coming back again to try other dishes especially the pho. The service was quick and friendly while the prices, reasonable. 

Annam Noodle Bar
G/F 1880 Building
Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City
Libis, Quezon City
Contact No.: 0918-3441234
Website: annamnoodlebar.com.ph/
Facebook: /annamnoodlebar
Instagram: @annamnoodlebar