SHEX Reviews: Fred Kan is Pho Real

Fred Kan is the owner of two Pho Real locations, and one Be Real location in Shanghai. L.A. born, Fred grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With one new location already in the works and plans for two to four more next year, this Master Chef shows no signs of slowing. For the past ten years he's called Shanghai home and what a home it has been.

A Japanese restaurant and the management of two bars gave way to appearances on two ICS programs – Smart Cook and Independent Inspector. Fred also played the part of an Emperor in two National Geographic documentaries, ran an organic soup delivery business and a deli in Carrefour. Originally trained as an Italian Chef, he's lent those talents to Southeast Asian cuisine for the past two years in Pho Real and Be Real. Authentic Vietnamese, yes, but it's no surprise with all these influences this man is a fan of fusion.

Let's Eat Pho Real!

Under a ceiling of woven Vietnamese baskets surrounding lights, the smiling staff carry a feast. This meal could easily feed three or four people and would only cost the group about 300 RMB. The mingling aromas of seafood, lemongrass and stir fried vegetables create a monsoon in the mouth. Pull up a chair. Time to dig in:

Photo by Eric Berndt

Pig Cheek and Dragon Bean in Shrimp Sauce. You may be thinking 'Pig cheek…no thank you'. Well think again. This bouncy, succulent piece of meat is paired perfectly with the thick and juicy dragon bean.

Photo by Eric Berndt

Homemade Lemongrass and Fish Cake Stir Fry. The evident freshness of this dish may change your mind about fish cake forever. Nothing like those fishy processed balls, it's delicious with red and green pepper accompaniment.

Photo by Eric Berndt

Classic Spring Roll. Can you every go wrong with a spring roll? These stout little guys have a perfect crunch without having that over fried feeling.

Photo by Eric Berndt

Tomato and Brisket Stew with Noodles. Fred mentioned that he hasn't had a single complaint about this dish and it is clear why. Tender beef brisket falls apart in your mouth in a sea of stewed tomato.

Photo by Eric Berndt

Simple Tomato and Tofu Stir Fry. This dish has delighted Shanghai's vegan community. While the tofu taste was a bit over powering for this palate, most will enjoy it.

Photo by Eric Berndt

Vietnamese Broken Rice with Chinese Sausage. Just unreal. As a major global exporter of rice, Vietnam ships the best and gives its people the rest. Today, Vietnamese broken rice is world famous. Very difficult to come across in China, Pho Real fuses Chinese sausage with this classic dish.

Photo by Eric Berndt

Shrimp and Clams Stewed in Coconut Milk and Fish Sauce. This is really special. The sweet and salty combination with the sea food will make it difficult to refrain from lapping up the juice on the spot. Do try though. Spread over the broken rice for a nice treat.

Photo by Eric Berndt

As I said, all this for approximately 300RMB, and it could feed a small family. Enjoy it all with a beer and allow Saigon's street vendors to be transported into a posh Shanghai setting. If you've got any room left, Pho Real's Vietnamese coffee claims to be the best in the city. These dishes are only offered at the second Pho Real location, so if you're interest has been piqued check out the Pho Real on Fuxing Zhong Lu.

Pho Real and Be Real Locations

Pho Real - 2
1465 Fuxingzhong Lu, Xu Hui District, Shanghai
复兴中路1465号近淮海中路
6437-2222

Pho Real - 1
166 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu
富民路166号， 近长乐路
5403-8110

Be Real
185 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu
富民路185号 近长乐路
3419-0220

Colin Cayer is the official Pho Real Correspondent for ShanghaiExpat. He loves Pig Cheek. If you have any questions or comments about this article, please send an email to: colin.cayer@gmail.com.