One Clementine - Kingsgrove - Sydney , Australia

One lady at work said that she went to a really good Vietnamese restaurant in Kingsgrove. In Kingsgrove I asked? A very random location given that there aren't many around that area of Sydney, with the exception of Marrickville. I love Vietnamese cuisine and even though my mum cooks it really well, I do enjoy eating it at restaurants as there is much more variety.

One Clementine is a Vietnamese restaurant located within a complex of new apartment blocks in Kingsgrove, on the first floor together with other stores. It's airy, modern and very spacious. Upon entry, we could smell the different aromas released from the cooking and it smelt amazing. We went during lunch hour on Sunday and it wasn't very busy, but I've read that it is much busier at night, sometimes with queues.

One Clementine serves authentic Vietnamese food but they have also ventured out with modern Vietnamese inspired dishes. They specialise in beef noodle soup, boiling beef bones for many hours to achieve the complex broth. They also have assorted baguettes and rice paper rolls. For those craving dumplings, selected dumplings are handmade on site, though it appears the prawn dumplings are not after confirming with the waitress. The prices are a bit higher than Bankstown or Cabramatta, but there isn't much competition around the area.

We start off with a 'Vietnamese Iced Black Coffee ($3.00)' which looks like how it is served in Vietnam, drip coffee over ice. Unfortunately, the coffee lacked the punch and hit that I'm used to. The taste of the coffee was faint and diluted by the excess water used to filter the grind coffee. I noticed that there was very minimal coffee put into that filter which may have deterred the overall taste. Won't be ordering this next time around.

The 'Pork and Chive Dumplings ($8.00)' are made fresh in-house. Even though it's not a typical Vietnamese dish, this extra addition to the menu is welcoming. The dumplings are filled with juicy meat and chives which may not be suited to those with sensitive noses, as these vegetables let off a pungent smell. A nice entrée with the sweet soya sauce on the side.

In a steaming bowl, the much awaited 'Pho Tai and Bo Vien ($14.00)' arrived at our table. It is essentially medium rare beef and beef meatballs in a beef broth. I asked for the beef to be fully cooked as I don't like eating rare meat. The beef tasted fresh and we could tell they didn't use the cheap cuts. The noodles were silky smooth to the palate.

I very much enjoyed the piping hot broth that had an amazing depth of flavour and the perfect balance, in terms of not being overly sweet nor too salty. It was just delicious and made me sweat buckets. However, they were missing one essential garnish, onions, which are found in most beef noodle soups I've had, as it gives it that extra sweetness.

The 'Pho Tai ($12.00)' is a medium-rare beef noodle soup. Cooked perfectly and like the one above, very tasty.

Fresh herbs and condiments to go with the Pho.

A great place that serves modern Vietnamese food at decent prices. Service is friendly and food comes out reasonably quick. The beef noodle soup is definitely worth having. We do miss the complimentary Chinese tea that we get at the traditional Vietnamese restaurants. Nevertheless, we will be returning to try other dishes in the near future. Thanks for the recommendation N!

Where?
Shop 1, The Pottery,
11 Mashman Ave,
Kingsgrove NSW 2208

Phone no: (02) 8060 7122

Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday
Lunch 11:00am - 4:00pm
Dinner: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Closed Tuesday

Website
www.oneclementine.com.au

Pho 24 - Ho Chi Minh City - South Vietnam, Vietnam

Pho 24

Pho is a staple dish in Vietnam and it can be eaten throughout the day.

Pho 24 is a Vietnamese noodle soup (Pho) restaurant, a popular chain and franchise, with a number of stores located throughout Vietnam and Asia. They are known for serving delicious and authentic Pho, using simple and fresh ingredients, at reasonable prices. The first outlet was open in 2003 and they have since expanded their operations and by 2012, there were 70 outlets.

We stayed at Palace Hotel located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. It's a great hotel with a central location, providing easy access to the tourist attractions. Do note that going around the City can be difficult as there aren't any trains in the area. Most of the time we took a taxi if it wasn't within walking distance. The taxis charge according to the meter and this turned out to be a cheap form of transportation to get around.

*Credits to Bu Binh

District 1 is the financial and commercial hub of the city and this is where most of the international visitors congregate. I felt safer in this area as opposed to another district we stayed at on arrival, which felt congested and not tourist friendly.

There are tourist attractions such as the Saigon Skydeck, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office and the City Hall. As such, there are many cafes and restaurants here to cater for the diverse market.  Here you'll also find international designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel. I wish we stayed here for more than one night as there is a lot to see but we just didn't have enough time. Even though this was my third time going back to Vietnam, I never knew about this area until this trip. My aunt, a lady in her 60's, who has lived in this City all her life, has never been to District 1 and she said many like her also haven't. I found that to be an interesting fact as I would have expected most locals to have been here but she said it's more of a place for the younger generation.

Pho 24 is a few steps down the road from the hotel. Conveniently open from 6am, so if you're hungry you know where to go. A lot of places aren't open till 10am with the exception of street stalls and a few restaurants as they tend to stay open later.

The restaurant interior is modern, clean and thankfully air conditioned. You could say you're paying a premium for this welcoming environment. The Pho can cost up to more than twice the price of local fare.

The front of the store is where all the action happens. That is where they cook the noodles and compile the ingredients together. When we were there, it looked to be mainly locals who were eating in so that was a good sign.

Since it's a franchise, you can expect the quality and consistency to be will be maintained. The menu is extensive and they offer set combos such as Pho with a drink or Pho with a drink and dessert. At the moment there is a promotion on where you can get a small bowl of Pho for VND 29,000.

Pho is available in either small or large size. We didn't mention small or large when our order was taken, neither did the waiter ask, and we ended up with a large bowl each. Their large bowl is really filling and for breakfast it was a struggle to finish.

Chicken Pho is a hard dish to get right as restaurants tend to focus more on the Beef Pho. Some restaurants end up making it tasteless and bland.The 'Pho Ga - Chicken Pho (Large)' is served in a big bowl. A nice steaming, hot bowl of noodle soup with good flavours. The broth was tasty but it doesn't compare to my all time favourite Chicken Pho from Pho An. It lacked that kick, which may be because of how it's cooked or the spices that are added in. The thin rice noodles used are fresh and not packaged.

The 'Pho Bo Dac Biet -  Beef Pho Special (Large)' contains a mix of beef, tendon, tripe and beef balls. Their beef just doesn't equate to Australian beef. It lacks that oomph  factor and as such the Pho wasn't overly great, as the beef makes a big difference to the dish. The broth, however, was seasoned perfectly, not too sweet and just right on the palate.

The obligatory side vegetables are washed and cut up nicely. The beansprouts have most of their yellow heads taken off which is something I've rarely seen, if ever, at a restaurant. I actually don't find any difference in taste between heads left on or taken off.

'Nuoc Mia - Sugarcane Drink' is available in a can. Now that's something I never tried before in Vietnam. Unfortunately, it failed in taste in comparison to the real thing and tasted artificial. It wasn't bad for a canned drink but it can't replace the freshly made sugarcane juice with no preservatives.

In terms of cleanliness, quality and affordability, you can't go wrong with Pho 24. The Pho is standard and mediocre, but this is coming from someone with high standards for Pho as I've eaten it so much. If you're after those qualities and want decent Pho, then this is the place to go.

Where?

17 Huỳnh Thúc Kháng

Bến Nghé,

Hồ Chí Minh City,

Vietnam

Phone no: +84 8 3914 2424

Opening Hours
7 Days a Week
6:00am - 10:00pm Daily

Website
http://www.pho24.com.vn 

PHD Vietnamese Restaurant - Marrickville - Sydney, Australia

PHD Vietnamese Restaurant

 

A few weekends ago, I needed to drop by Ikea Tempe to buy a few items. Considering how close it was to Marrickville, we decided to go have some Vietnamese food before heading to Ikea. I felt like something soupy and from the reviews I read, Pho Hai Duong or also known as PHD was the way to go, as some have even said it was the 'Best Pho in Sydney'.

Finding parking around the area is limited and can be frustrating at times. There is a small parking lot close by where cars do come and go regularly go but I'm not sure how it is in the later afternoon. Luckily we went early, so parking wasn't too bad at around 11am in the morning.

You can notice it from a mile away, with that red signboard and the words 'phd' on it. Initially, we were a bit hesitant to walk in as there were no diners and the wait staff seemed to have all disappeared but that is because it opens at 11am. I'm use to Vietnamese restaurants opening earlier like in Cabramatta, but here it is different. I had to call the people working in the kitchen a few times before someone came out.

 

 

The red colour is a prominent theme here as the walls are red, bowls are red and décor is vastly red. We were served table water at first but I requested for Chinese tea like how it should be, even though it was getting rather warm outside.

Fresh bean sprouts, mint, lemon wedges and chilli.

 

 

Can you see that steam? The 'Chicken Rice Noodle Soup - Pho Ga' was steaming hot and had loads of chicken thigh meat pieces. The noodles were smooth and cooked perfectly.  The soup was much sweeter than the broth I'm accustomed to and reminded me very much of the version made at 'Pho Tau Bay' in Cabramatta. I would say it had great flavours and was good, but not the best I've had.

 

 

'Special Beef Noodle Soup -Pho Dac Biet' is filled with an assortment of meat from rare beef, tripe to meat balls. Again, it is sweeter than how I usually like my Pho but it packed a whole lot of punch, infused with star anise and cinnamon.

Prices are decent and the portions are generous. The broth is full of flavour, packed with a whole heap of flavoursome herbs. A good place to go to if you're in the area as the food is authentically Vietnamese. They also serve dinner which I hopefully can try in the near future as the extensive menu offerings sound delicious.

It has also been mentioned in this year's SMH's, 'Good Food Guide under $30' as one of Sydney's best cheap eats.

Where?
308 Illawarra Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Australia

Phone no: 02 9559 5078

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday
11am - 9:30pm

Website
N/A
 

Photown - Hurstville - Sydney, Australia

Photown

A relatively new Vietnamese restaurant that just opened in Hurstville, further down towards the quieter end of Forest Road.

The internal decor is minimal but nice, clean and airy.

The food is authentic Vietnamese and cooked and served by Vietnamese people. There is a nice selection of different items on its menu from the popular 'Pho' to the more rare items you usually don't see in other restaurants like the 'Bo La Lot (Grilled Beef in Betal Leaf)'.

The 'Pho Bo Dac Biet (Special Beef Noodle Soup) ($12.00)' is a decent serving size and contains various cuts of meat like tendons, beef balls, beef slices, ox tail and tripe. The soup is not overly seasoned and just right in flavour. Ingredients are fresh so that's a positive.

'Pho Duoi Bo (Oxtail Noodle Soup) ($11.50)' is not a Pho I have seen before with the oxtail bones sitting on top of the noodles and soup. It has nice flavour and cooked well with the meat falling off the bone but it's missing beef slices? The Pho from Fat Noodle uses this type of bone to cook their Pho stock as well but with their version, there is beef slices on top. I find that the soup becomes gelatinous after sitting there for a while so it would have been better if the bones weren't added.

Decent authentic Vietnamese food in the south of Sydney but prices are a bit steep.

Where?
281-283 Forest Rd
Hurstville NSW 2220
Australia

Phone no: 02 8034 1573

Opening Hours
11am - 9pm
7 Days a Week

Website
http://www.photown.com.au/

Pho An - Bankstown - Sydney, Australia

Pho An

I know it's been a while since I last blogged but finding time after work is difficult. Work has been extremely busy and it has taken its toll on me. All I want to do when I get home is watch drama series or TV but I also have to study and write notes. Sad I know. But I will definitely find time to blog and try not to be so lazy.

On a brighter note, Bankstown is a place I frequent often for groceries and to eat pho. Located in the south-west part of Sydney, Bankstown is known to be known as Sydney's number two Vietnamese shopping and eating destination behind the very known Cabramatta. I find that it is easier to find parking on weekends and they have most things that Cabramatta has on offer.

Pho An has been open for a very long time from way back when I was a young girl. I never really got to try it until recent years because living near Cabramatta meant there were so many great tasting pho options on offer at affordable prices. It has been regarded by some as having the best Vietnamese beef noodle soup in Sydney. After personally tasting it myself, I find it to be one of the best I have tasted and I don't know what they put in there but it makes me crave to have more after a week or so.
 

 

As the name suggests, it only serves one type of dish and that is the 'pho' which is a rice noodle soup dish. There's two types of broth on offer, either the beef or the chicken. Most opt for the 'pho beef noodle soup' as that is their speciality. If you're game enough, you can get the base dish with additional toppings like giblets, intestines, chicken heart, eggs, etc.

The restaurant is large and spacious. There is a decent crowd on a Saturday during lunchtime. Upon entering, you are immediately show to your seat by one of the many staff members and if you know what you're having then you can order as well. Within a few minutes, the tea and vegetables to accompany the pho are brought out which includes mint, bean sprouts and lemon. Then the pho arrives shortly thereafter. Waiting time has never been more than 5 minute. Thats what I call efficient.

 

The 'Pho Bo Dac Biet Large ($13.00)'  is special pho combination. The broth is hot and steamy. This consists of rare beef, brisket, beef tendon and tripe. Even though you're paying slightly more than the average pho, its well worth it.



I have the 'Pho Ga Small ($12.00)' which is relatively smaller in portion size. The soup is hot and flavourful. This is my favourite pho and I always order this when I'm here.
 



We finish off our meals and dinner looks like it will be skipped tonight.

Where?

27 Greenfield Parade

Bankstown NSW 2200

Australia

Phone no: 02 9796 7826

Opening Hours

Open 7 days a Week

7am - 9pm Daily

Website

www.anrestaurant.com

Fat Noodle - The Star - Sydney, Australia

Fat Noodle

Fat Noodle is located within the main gaming area of The Star, serving a dynamic mix of Chinese, Thai, Malay and Vietnamese dishes in the open kitchen. The man behind this restaurant is Luke Nguyen, one of Australia's leading celebrity chefs.




The star dish is the 'Pho'. A 20 hour beef broth with thinly sliced Angus sirloin and brisket, bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, fresh chilli and rice noodles.

 

With a Vietnamese/Chinese background, I have very high expectations of Asian food and believe that you should get your moneys worth. Having been to Fat Noodle twice, I was rather disappointed with the food on both occasions. Priced much higher that the usual Vietnamese restaurant, the food is nice but not that great.




Upon seating, you are served complementary tea in a very heavy iron pot. I ordered the 'Lychee and Lemon Soda ($4.50) and it was basically lemonade with the addition of lychee from the can.




I have had the 'Fat Pho Noodles' on both occasions and it came out warm not hot. I like my soup based dishes be steaming hot as it tastes so much better. The stock had a subtle flavour but lacked the punch as I found it to be bland and lacked seasoning. I would say the rice noodles were one of the best I have tried; it wasn't too thin and had a bite to it  which I prefer over the usual noodles served at other pho restaurants. The Angus beef was soft and melted in the mouth. At $18 a dish, I guess your paying for the atmosphere more than the actual dish itself.




 
The 'Hainan Chicken' ($16) was dry and lacked the sweet chicken flavour. The soup tasted like it was mixed with fish sauce and had an odd taste to it. The condiments were bland and didn't have much kick. Having tried this dish in Singapore, it lacked that flavour that its suppose to have.




As an entree we had the 'Silken Tofu' ($9) but it came out last. I was expecting a light crunch but the tofu had a thin layer of flour that was barely fried. It lacked flavour once again  even though it had hints of chopped chilli on top. Needed a side dipping sauce.

It's a place worth trying if you're in the area for the sake of trying but it can be missed.

 

A public holiday surcharge of $2 applies per main dish.



Where?

Level 1, Casino

The Star,
80 Pyrmont Street,
Pyrmont NSW 2009

Guests must be over 18 years of age to enter.

Opening Hours

Sun-Thurs 11.30am – 2.30am,
Fri & Sat 11.30-6.00am

Website
http://www.star.com.au/dine/casual-dining/fat-noodle.html