With two Austin-area locations now in operation, Kim Phung Restaurant’s owners are continuing to share their passion for providing Asian cuisine to Cedar Park diners.

Dishes include meats with no hormones or antibiotics and recipes that contain no MSG, co-owner Phuong Tran said.

“We want the food to have natural flavor,” said Tran, who moved to the United States from Vietnam when she was in high school. “We use different ingredients to enhance taste, not some artificial chemical[s].”

The restaurant opened on Bell Boulevard in June 2015 and serves pho—a type of Vietnamese noodle soup—and other traditional Vietnamese dishes, including banh mi with housemade kimchi, or pickled vegetables. The menu also includes Chinese and Thai dishes.

Tran owns the restaurant with her husband, Jun Liu, who grew up in China. Liu said many customers are more familiar with the Chinese entrees.

The restaurant’s founder, Kim Phung, opened the original location in 1993 on North Lamar Boulevard. in Austin. When Liu and Tran bought the business from her in 2007, they decided to keep the name.

Customer Neil O’Malley said he eats the pho lunch special about twice a week.

“The flavor is perfect,” O’Malley said. “After you’ve had lots of pho [at other places], you just know which ones are good.”

How to eat an order of pho [pronounced “fuh”]

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. In Vietnam, it is eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Basic components: Broth is made by simmering beef bones and herbs for many hours, and it is served very hot. Vegetarian broth is available upon request. Rice noodles, which are naturally gluten-free, are included in the dish.

Choice of meat or vegetarian option: Freshly cut steak, brisket, tendon, tripe, beef meatballs, chicken, shrimp, tofu or vegetables are options to choose from.

Garnishes served on the side: Fresh bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, jalapeno and lime wedges can be added for taste.

Condiments: Hoisin, sriracha, fish sauce and soy sauce can be used for dipping or added to the broth.

Utensils: Diners may use chopsticks or a fork to pick up noodles and meat, and a spoon for drinking the broth.

Source: Kim Phung Restaurant/Community Impact Newspaper

315 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park 512-584-8064 www.kimphungcedarpark.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m.