Mai Pham, a darling of the Sacramento food world, created Lemon Grass Noodle Bar to showcase the street foods, from pho to spicy curry dishes, of Vietnam. The counter-style restaurant, tucked inside La Bou Bakery on Howe Ave, is a busy lunch spot, always packed with a crowd busily slurping noodle soup or a stir-fried noodle bowl. At Lemon Grass, pho (pronounced fuh) is made with a ginger and star anise infused broth, rice noodles, bean sprouts, lime and chilies for a tasty soup. Lemon Grass also makes kao soi noodle soup (spicy coconut curry broth, Napa cabbage, roasted chilies and pickled greens) for a flavorful and spicy meal. Try the salad roll (in pork or tofu) a ginger salad or a curry and rice entrée, such as the grilled Bangkok chicken (yellow curry, chicken, steamed rice. But if you’re seeking an authentic street food experience, there’s nothing like working a pair of chopsticks and trying to keep a handle on a slippery noodle. Cindy Arora

Reservations: Not Needed

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Beer and wine

Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.