Phuong Trang, Convoy Asian District, San Diego

 

Phuong Trang serves great food -  simple statement, but true.  I had the char-grilled ground shrimp with rice wrappers.  They came with a mound of lettuce, cilantro, mint, basil, pineapple chunks, cucumber slices and carrot sticks.  This is a DIY meal.  You dip the rice wrappers in warm water to soften them.  They turn pliable and transparent.  Then, you quickly load on the greens of your choice and a spear of the ground shrimp.  There is a dipping sauce.  You dip your wrap and chow down.  This was delicious!  The fresh herbs are wonderful contrast to the slightly sweet, rich grilled shrimp.  I had enough left-over for dinner later.  My friend had the grilled chicken with rice.  The chicken was full of flavor.

Phuong Trang is a Vietnamese restaurant with a big menu that includes many vegetarian dishes.  It is located in a small strip mall, so there is plenty of parking.  Vietnamese cuisine uses a touch of sugar in many dishes to balance the savory elements.  It is flavorful, rather than spicy, but packets of sambal oelek, (a chili paste) are on the table, so you can hot it up.  

It was a great experience and the service is very friendly and quick.