We're not sure if it's the piping hot, flavorful broth, the lightning speed service, or the satisfaction of soup after a long day and night, but there's something about phở that just hits different.

But, we do know that our great 408 boasts a large Vietnamese food scene with plenty of phở spots — so here are four of San Jose's best.

A community mainstay

Pho Kim Long | 📍 2082 N. Capitol Ave.

Just on the border of Milpitas is one of the oldest phở restaurants in the area — established nearly 35 years ago. Its broth has a clean and rich flavor, and the menu offers plenty of options for gluten-free and low-fat diets. As a popular spot, be prepared for a line out the door on weekend nights.

Most variety

Pho Ha Noi | 📍 969 Story Rd., Ste. 6048
Tucked in the back of Grand Century Plaza is this gem, which snagged Metro Silicon Valley's Readers' Choice Award last December. Along with its rich broth cooked in 500 lbs of shank bones, it offers Vietnamese specialties like sticky rice, fried chicken wings, duck salad, various spring rolls, and more.

Would you like a beef rib with your pho? | Photo via @viethamming

Best meats

Pho Papa | 📍 1611 E. Capitol Expy.
This spot serves generous portions of tender meat, and for only $5 extra, you can get a side beef bone that's fall-off-the-bone good. Pro tip: Don't miss out on ordering fresh noodles, which are thicker than you're average phở noodles.

Budget friendly

Pho Y #1 | 📍 1660 E. Capitol Expy.

Established in 1997 by two brothers who immigrated from Vietnam, this no-frills restaurant offers heaping bowls of noodles starting at $12. Note that this spot mainly specializes in phở, so there's limited side dishes to choose from. Pro tip: It's cash only.

Do you have another phở gem to share? Let us know.