Not to be confused with its SGV counterpart, Pho 79's Little Saigon location has the longevity and pedigree, plus it's still got the bowl of aromatic goods to back it up. Star anise-infused steam billows out from bowls of robust brown broth at this Little Saigon institution that's seemingly always packed. The fatty beef brisket adds another dimension of richness for a noodle soup that's truly one-of-a-kind in Westminster. For those inclined to the extra spice, this might be the best in Little Saigon.

Disregard the salty Yelp reviews, where Pho Kim Quy holds a 3-star average. This family-run institution has been around for decades and has withstood the test of time by serving one of the best bowls in OC. Dig into your favorite beef cut and ask for xi quach on the side: Blanched beef rib bones that are used for making the pho broth, with meat on, for less than $5. Reunite the meat with the broth to add a little extra meaty heft to your noodle soup.

For chicken pho (or pho ga), it's always Pho Dakao. The inconspicuous chicken pho institution claims to use organic birds in their chicken stock and meat, and the resultant broth livens up the usual green onion-cilantro mixture. It also gives the usually beef-based soup a slightly saltier and altogether more refreshing flavor profile.

This spartan pho shop off Bolsa Ave has a little something for everyone, including an excellent chicken pho with options like adding gizzard and liver for those so inclined. If you're feeling extra bold, Pho Nguyen Hue has something for you: Pho Pin Xe Lua. The beef broth comes with all of the usual beef noodle soup trappings: noodles, flank, tripe, tendon, and a nicely seasoned savory broth that's plenty up to the task of adding flavor to the final ingredient: bull penis. As one would expect, bull's penis has varying textures, from tough and cartilage-like to meltingly soft. What it sort of doesn't have is a ton of flavor. Don't let the stunt-like name of the dish fool you, though — Pho Nguyen Hue puts out excellently seasoned, delicious bowls of pho on its own merits, carnivorous esoterica notwithstanding.