Va Va Voom is clean, hip and tasty but I can't say the RMB 58 kuai pricetag for a not-so-hearty serving of pho inspires me to return.

Located on the 4th Floor of that maze called the Village, Va Va Voom has minamalist decor, tasteful Ikea furnishings and tableware, and an extensive menu selection.

The coconut and lime soda (RMB 28) was refreshing as was the coconut milkshake (RMB 30); the fresh shrimp spring rolls and the more-Chinese-than-Vietnamese radish cake were both delicious starters.

But their pho -- what many consider to be the signature dish in Vietnamese cooking -- was bland (though artfully served). To me the key flavors in Vietnamese cooking are basil and lime (and lots of 'em) ... this bowl of pho was served without a wedge of lime and a miserly sprig or two of mint (not basil) ... am I missing something or does no Chinese restaurateur make a distinction between mint and basil? The basil I've had in phos in southern Vietnam and in the US tastes (and if fact looks) nothing like mint.

All in all another OK choice if you are in Sanlitun -- especially if you aren't concerned with your budget (to be fair, it's not out of line with the prices of nearby Element Fresh, Blue Frog and Union Bar & Grille) -- but pho fans are not going to be overjoyed.