The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is excited to introduce Pho Xa, a new food concept specializing in pho and banh mi, now open in the Market Hall. Previously home to Chewie Bitez, the space has been transformed into a new dining experience featuring customizable menu options, classic favorites with unexpected twists, and counter seating where guests can sit and enjoy their meals.
Owned by Blon and Christine Hang, the same team behind Rák Thai, Pho Xa brings a fresh menu centered around two favorites. Guests can enjoy a warm bowl of pho, filled with slow-simmered, aromatic bone broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and their choice of meat, or a freshly prepared banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich served on a crisp baguette and layered with meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sauces.
At Pho Xa, guests can build their own bowl of pho, choosing from a variety of proteins including brisket, meatballs, shaved ribeye, tendon, and shank. For those looking to try a recommended combination, the menu also features signature bowls like The O.G. Bowl, made with brisket, meatballs, and shaved ribeye, and The Big Boss, which includes all five protein options.
The banh mi menu offers a similar mix of classic favorites and creative combinations. Guests can enjoy The O.G. Stack, featuring cold cuts, house-made pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, or try the Pho-rench Dip, made with thinly sliced brisket, bone marrow butter, and pho jus. Other offerings include crispy chicken skin, spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee, and Phoutine Fries, a unique take on poutine featuring pho gravy, brisket, and cheese curds.
“We’re really excited to introduce Pho Xa and share this new concept with the Downtown Market community,” said Blon Hang, co-owner of Pho Xa. “We wanted to create a place where guests could enjoy classic pho and banh mi, while also giving us room to experiment with unexpected flavors and put our own spin on a few dishes. We can’t wait for guests to try it.”
Beyond the new menu, Pho Xa features counter seating where guests can sit down and enjoy their meals within the Market Hall. The updated space offers a comfortable spot for a warm bowl of pho, a freshly prepared banh mi, or a quick bite while exploring the Downtown Market. Across the aisle there is also a retail space offering a variety of international snacks and treats.
As longtime Market Hall merchants, Blon and Christine Hang’s transition to Pho Xa is an example of how businesses can continue to evolve within the Downtown Market. The Market works alongside its merchants as they refine their concepts, introduce new offerings, and make changes that support the long-term growth of their businesses.
Pho Xa is now open in the Market Hall at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, located at 435 Ionia Ave SW. Guests can visit Monday through Friday from 11am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
For more information about Pho Xa and to view the full menu, visit downtownmarketgr.com/market-
