u/Equivalent_Song_9627

I tried a bowl from Saiga Eatery recently and the broth leaned lighter and cleaner than I expected. Not bad, just different from the richer, deeper broth I usually imagine when I think of pho.

It made me curious how people here tell the difference between a lighter broth that’s intentional and one that just feels weak. Is it mostly aroma, beefiness, sweetness, spice balance, or something else?

Full disclosure, I help with Saiga Eatery in Irvine. One thing we’ve been experimenting with is serving crispy pork belly with pho without losing all the crunch once it hits the broth. Keeping a few pieces on the side seems to work better, but I’m curious how people here would prefer it served. All in the bowl, or added one piece at a time?