The Pho Phenomenon: the healthiest Christmas menu with some of the biggest flavours in Manchester

Big flavours at Pho Manchester. Plus with Phojito cocktails and some serious spice, you can get festive at this Vietnamese restaurant.

Here’s a rarity and something to be celebrated – a festive feast your body will thank you for. Pho, the Vietnamese restaurant in The Corn Exchange, is doing Christmas with a difference with a menu that’s gluten free, healthy and damn tasty, too.

Christmas meals can quickly gain a reputation for being stodgy or repetitive but not at Pho. It’s ideal for group dinners with a difference; up to 3 courses of Vietnamese-influenced cuisine, loaded with fresh herbs, spices and authentic ingredients.

Book the Christmas menu for yourself or a group between 19 November and 23 December for and enjoy the East Asian inspired hospitality, special food and drinks in their relaxed, low-lit restaurant.

Starters include rolls like you’ve never seen them before – Gỏi cuốn, beautiful bundles of chicken or veggies under a layer of fresh rice paper – it’s the best kind of Christmas wrapping out there.

With other options such as Nem nướng: homemade pork & lemongrass meatballs and Mực chiên giòn (tender fried baby squid), it makes a change from tired old turkey

There are four different main course options. Pho, the national dish of Vietnam after which the restaurant is named, is a rice noodle soup which doubles up as the ultimate hangover cure. Or choose vermicelli noodles, wok-fried noodles or curry  with the opportunity to personalise, too. Want to add some flash fried steak to your soup? No problem. Prefer mushrooms and tofu? Sorted.

And it’s all gluten free. Pho use the most authentic products, beautiful rice noodles and offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options so you can be sure of big flavour without the bloat.

If you’re suffering from a festive season hangover, try some spring rolls, spicy phở and a fresh juice with ginger. You’ll be back to normal in no time.

For dessert what about a decadent banana fritter and honey ice cream? The drinks menu delivers an extra dash of Christmas spirit. Why not try the famous Phojito – clear rice spirit blended with mint, lime and soda. They are also other special drinks including the Rose Apple Bellini, Vietnamese Bloody Mary and plenty of fresh juices too.

Whether you want somewhere for a stylish date or are looking to impress your mates, Pho’s clean, fresh food and commitment to excellence make it perfect for all your festive celebrations. At 2 courses for £14.95 or 3 courses for £18.95, we think it’s brilliant value.

www.phocafe.co.uk/Manchester