A recent trip to Vietnam had me searching for the best pho in the country. After consuming steaming bowls of pho for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the trip, I can put my hand on my heart and say Brisbane's Vietnamese community dishes up comparable pho to satisfy our yearnings.
Finding the best pho in Brisbane
My family, friends and I are often hunting for the most satisfying bowl of pho in Brisbane. The question of who makes the best pho in Brisbane is a contentious one and does come down to individual taste.
For people who are new to pho, the pho menu usually offers a variety of options from rare beef to chicken. A traditionalist when it comes to pho, I always order the rare beef (pho tai) option, but tripe, tendon, beef balls and brisket are popular additions to this remarkably comforting noodle soup.
Pho is served fast and piping hot. An accompanying dish of bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint and a wedge of lemon lets you flavour your soup to your liking.
After slurping down bowl after bowl all over Brisbane, here are my top picks for a consistently good bowl of pho.
Pho Sai Gon You don't come here for the décor or atmosphere. Sunnybank Hills locals (and suburb hoppers) come here to hoover down big bowls (a smaller size is also available) of rice noodles swimming in a hearty beef broth topped with lashings of sliced rare beef or other toppings of your choice. While pho tai appears to be the most popular option on the menu, pho ga (chicken noodle soup) is also available. The limited menu of this unassuming diner definitely proves that less is more. The owner specialises in a few dishes and does them very well.
Where: Shop 9, Pacific Centre, 223 Calam Rd, Sunnybank Hills
Thanh QuyenIt is common knowledge among Brisbanites that the search for good Vietnamese cuisine will lead you to Darra which is where you will find Thanh Quyen. This hidden, no-frills gem is a slice of Vietnam in Brisbane's westside. The beef broth is tasty, fragrant and the rice noodles are cooked to perfection. Authentic Viet dishes, a cheap menu and friendly service keeps regulars coming back.
Where: 136 Darra Station Rd, Darra
Quan ThanhQuan Thanh is definitely a key player in the Vietnamese restaurant saturated suburb of West End. Don't let this Vietnamese and Chinese fusion restaurant fool you. This diner is one of the most reputable restaurants and has been around for as long as I can remember. It serves up nourishingly flavoursome pho with the perfect balance of flavours.
Where: 75 Hardgrave Rd, West End
That Viet Place
Across the road from the bustling Market Square in Sunnybank is That Viet Place, a newcomer to the Vietnamese dining scene. The pho here suits those who love a hearty, beefy broth, packed full of flavour. What's particularly impressive is the generous amount of herbs they throw in the pho too.
Where: 342 Mccullough St, Sunnybank
The best pho in Brisbane is 'pho' sure debatable. What is your favourite pho joint? Or are you like me and have a few favourites?
