I have ordered takeaway a few times from here, and initially thought it was great, but after a few more times have decided that I need a new Marrickville Viet takeaway place.
Reasons for this are, I normally order the vermicelli. The grilled pork is usually ok, not that tasty but ok. The spring rolls were ok the first time, but the 2nd time they were absolutely dried. Tasted like they were stale, and not re-fried long enough. The middle of them was like the consistency of cardboard.
The last time I decided to try the special beef pho. Very very tasty broth, quite delicious. However, the soup tasted rather oily. I drank some of it and left the rest in the takeaway container, and came back to it a few hrs later to find about 1/2 cm of congealed fat on the surface, so, I don't think I'll be back.
At first wary of the high caucasian to asian diner ratio for the early lunch sitting, it turned out our fears were unwarranted. All our prayers for our latest vietnamese food adventure were answered at this unpretentious yet ordered establishment.
The food was fresh, yummy, abundant and authentic. I struggled to finish the pancake but was so enjoying the crispy texture, the fresh lettuce and mint and the chili hit (from both the sauce and the extra red chillies requested) that I couldn't stop till it was all gone. Husband dug into his beef vermicelli salad in a frenzy and declared it one of the best ever due to its well proportioned ingredients and the same magic sauce as the pancake.
This feast was under $20, what more can you ask. Can see this one will be a keeper for our weekend lunch jaunts, and we gotta try the pho as well (though hubby will be hard to push off the vermicelli).
Booked here in advance, table for two, made sure they take Visa, was told no problem of course we do. Showed up, had to speak to four different people to get our message through about our booking (of course, there was no table put aside, let alone a system to record our booking), got put on a table for four, then had to repeatedly explain that we were not waiting on two others, our booking was for two!
This certainly caused a heap of consternation behind the scenes, with lots of arms flying about in animated discussion, deciding where they could shift us. Very wary by now, whilst gradually taking in the 'ambience', we decided to double check that they did in fact accept Visa, was told no, 'mistake, people who take the bookings do not speak English'. Look, I'm sure the food is wonderful here, just perfect for a 10 buck (cash of course) walk-in lunch off the street, keeping in mind the majority of the menu is braised 'Chinesy' dishes, we just decided this wasn't for us.
Best beef noodle soup in marrickville, try their home made spring rolls, delicious, this is a definite favorite, not to be missed. Laminate tables, simply decor, a place to enjoy a good authentic pho soup base outside of cabramatta. A business run by a diligent family man who works hard for his family, giving food of good quality with home spun ambience.
Fantastic food, even better value. Don't come here if you're looking for trendy decor or a romantic atmosphere. It is plastic tables, very basic, with a "get em in, fed and out quickly" feel. Still, if you are looking for speedy (although not particularly effusive) service, and delicious and fresh Vietnamese food at bargain prices, this is the place for you. No fuss, good value, and great food. The salt and pepper squid, and fresh spring rolls are marvellous.
My favourite Vietnamese place. I especially like the "bi" part of their com tam bi suon cha (combination broken rice). It is so much better than most other places. I like to order the spring roll vermicelli (dry). This dish has lots of "bi" in it.... yum!
The Beef Pho (vietnamese beef noodles) is the amongst the best I've tasted in Sydney. The broth has a complex and intense flavour and the bean sprouts and mint leaves are very fresh.
Great food at low prices, Love their duck with Chinese herbs noodle soup, their pho is also always great. Pho Bac is one of my fave restaurants in Sydney!!!