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Business & Tech

Song Ngu - It's a Family Affair

Yelp's top-rated Pho restaurant in Milpitas offers a warm and friendly family environment with delicious food, and welcomes children.

Around 15 months ago, a dream became reality for Tram La, her brother Khanh La, and his wife, Betty Vo.

That's when they became the new owners of Song Ngu Restaurant. 

Song Ngu has a sleek, modern decor. There is a 50-inch LCD screen on the wall that scrolls through photos of up to 20 different dishes on the menu. The items are displayed in vibrant color for the customers to see, complete with the names of each dish. Pandora Radio can be heard coming through the speakers, playing what owner Khanh La refers to as "chill, down-tempo" music. 

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PATCH: How did the idea to open a restaurant come about?

Tram La: It's always been a dream of ours to open a family restaurant.

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PATCH: What makes Song Ngu different from other restaurants that offer Pho?

Tram La: Our attention to detail, and extra emphasis on presentation. We offer a warm and welcoming environment.

Khanh La is not only one of the owners, but he will probably be the person taking your order, too. He greets every customer with an infectious smile. He can often be found walking around the restaurant, engaging in conversations with customers. 

PATCH: What did you do prior to opening a restaurant?

Tram La: I traveled. My brother was an auto tech.

PATCH: What is the most popular item on the menu?

Tram La: Number 26! Hu Tieu Thap Cam, the Seafood Special Noodle Soup. It's a seafood medley (consisting of crab, squid, prawns & fish balls) served with white rice noodles in a seafood- and chicken-base broth that's been simmered for eight hours.

Song Ngu is a cozy restaurant, which seats roughly 50 people at any given time. The music playing in the background and the upbeat atmosphere created by the owners make Song Ngu a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day at work. 

PATCH: What do you enjoy most about running a restaurant?

Tram La: Being my own boss! I also enjoy the creative freedom it affords me. I enjoy the customers and the sense of community they bring into the restaurant. 

PATCH: Is there anything else you want to tell Milpitas Patch readers?

Khanh La: Yes! We are family-friendly; kids are always welcome here. We can always accommodate kids! 

is located at 1203 E. Calaveras Blvd. Call 408-946-5747 or visit www.songngurestaurant.com.

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