International 2
Chinese/Vietnamese fare
When I think of International in Kearny Mesa, my taste buds begin to 
salivate. Very slight rumblings emanate from the origins of my belly. Then, hunger pangs typically ensue.
Albeit, one would say International is a rather modest dining establishment and has the comforting feel of a gathering at grandma’s house, where the unpretentious décor and inviting familial attendees pull one into its interiors. International is, unequivocally, one of my default dining destinations.
Here, consistency, quality, and price are key. Order anything from the menu, and it can be guaranteed that each item will be delicious with every single visit, just as it was sampled yesterday, last week, last month. The quality of the dishes served is superb, fresh, and consistent. And the prices- modest and reasonable. Appetizers range from $3-5 and entrees range from $5-10. A dinner for two- with an appetizer, two entrees, two waters, and tip, will usually bring the total to under $20. My favorite part about this restaurant experience is the complimentary dessert at the end of the meal.
Today, I ordered the spring rolls and pho (pho noodle soup with thinly sliced pieces of rare steak cooked in the soup broth as the bowl sits in front of you). My friend ordered the vermicelli noodles (vermicelli rice noodles topped with mint, grated carrots, bbq pork, deep-fried eggrolls, and chili fish sauce). Be sure to ask for the appetizer to be served first, because, sometimes, the appetizer item will be brought out at the end of the meal.
Within 10 minutes of placing the order, the spring rolls appeared on the table. The spring rolls were a refreshing combination of thinly sliced meatloaf, romaine lettuce, blanched white vermicelli noodles, all tightly wrapped in rice paper, and served with a delectable hoisin-peanut sauce combination topped with grated carrots and crushed peanuts.
Shortly thereafter, the pho appeared. And the vermicelli noodles. The pho was delicious!! I've had pho at other restaurants in the past and have always come back to International. The pho noodles were a perfect al dente, slices of steak melted to the taste buds, and the onions added a good crunchy texture. I sampled the vermicelli noodles, also very tasty, making sure to leave room for dessert.
The complimentary dessert du jour was a warm, syrupy, concoction of sweet, yellow mung beans and soft, gummy tapioca steeped in hot coconut milk. I was glad I saved room for dessert.
This restaurant is highly recommended for cravings for a good home-cooked Chinese or Vietnamese meal.
