ASAP Phorage

Nestled inside an unassuming convenience store in the quiet beach neighborhood of Playa Del Rey, ASAP Phorage is the kind of discovery that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. This isn’t a place trying to be hidden for clout—it just happens to share space with toilet paper and beef jerky. The spot serves as the quick-service sibling to the beloved West LA restaurant Phorage, and while the setup is modest, the food is anything but.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Washugyu beef pho. The wagyu arrives rare in the bowl and slowly cooks in the aromatic broth right before your eyes—it’s mesmerizing and absolutely delicious. The beef curry banh mi is another standout that you won’t find elsewhere; it brings just enough kick and becomes transcendent when you dip it into your pho. Don’t skip the green papaya salad either—it’s bright and refreshing without being overly spicy.

With only a handful of tiny tables inside and a few spots on the sidewalk, ASAP Phorage has the charm of a neighborhood hangout. Expect to rub elbows with local characters and overhear colorful conversations while you slurp your noodles. If you’re an early riser, the breakfast banh mi burrito served Wednesday through Sunday starting at 6:30am is a revelation worth setting your alarm for.

Whether you’re grabbing pho to-go after work or fueling up with sandwiches before hitting the beach, ASAP Phorage delivers remarkable Vietnamese food in the most unexpected of settings. The convenience store camouflage just makes finding it all the more rewarding.