Photo credit: Pho Hung
Recently I was perusing some reports from the city, and noticed one of them indicated that Pho Hung (the one on SE Powell Blvd) was going to have a presence at CORE. I wanted to know more so I reached out to CORE with some questions. I had a phone call with Hanry Ho, one of CORE’s owners, who explained what was going on.
The Permit in Question
Not all permits filed with the city are straightforward in revealing who is involved with a project, but in this case it was clear that Pho Hung is. Here’s the text:
“SINGLE PDF – NEW TI FOR PHO HUNG RESTAURANT: CONVERT HALF-WALL TO FULL HEIGHT WITH SERVICE WINDOW AND DOOR, INSTALL COUNTER AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, ADD 2 ELECTRICAL OUTLETS. NO CHANGES TO LIGHTING, PLUMBING, OR OCCUPANCY.”
The permit has been approved to issue.
But, it wasn’t totally clear to me where exactly at CORE this was taking place. Questions in my mind: How much of the indoor space is Pho Hung using? Are the food carts staying? Is CORE staying? So, I asked Hanry, “What’s going on?”
Pho Hung at CORE? The Reveal
“So basically, the [Pho Hung] family is coming into that spot,” explained Hanry. “They’re creating kind of a new thing. It’s going to be called … well, they’re not set on the name yet.” He did suggest that one of the options they are considering is “sȏi sȏi sȏi.” which he said means “hot, hot, hot” (from what I can tell it is rin eference to boiling water). Pho Hung has used that phrase on their merch for a while.
Recent Pho Hung merch with “sȏi sȏi sȏi” on it.
He’ll get back to me with more news on the official name once they decide what that will be.
The spot in question is where Sandy’s Myanmar Kitchen used to be, on the right after you walk in from the back parking lot. They’ll be rebuilding the front facade of that stall. They’ll be creating a serving window, closing up the space.
What Sandy’s Myanmar Kitchen’s stall looked like when they were at CORE.
“It’s going to be kind of a new concept for them,” said Hanry. “This is going to be kind of a food hall concept for them.” Hanry also mentioned that they might use a similiar logo to the one they have used but it might be differnet color.
Their goal is to open in November there at CORE. I’ll bring additional details here, and I look forward to checking it out when they do!
Pho Hung at CORE [projected opening November 2025]
3612 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland
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Bridgetown Bites is edited and published by Meg Cotner in Portland, Oregon. She loves avocados, fresh produce, NA drinks, and cats.
Dining and Cooking