Every bite tells a story | Pho Viet: Stirring up Hanoi flavours

By Jan Phillips

May 9, 2024

Feasting with friends: Jan Phillips, Paul Phillips, Peter Quinn and Debbie Quinn. Photo by Contributed

Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.

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If you mention dining at Pho Viet to anyone, they’ll immediately rave about how great it is and recommend trying its Hanoi spring rolls, among the many fantastic authentic Vietnamese dishes on offer. We’re fortunate to have such a variety of international cuisines available in Shepparton, and Pho Viet stands out as an awesome spot. Having been to Vietnam myself, I can easily envision this wonderful restaurant on the streets of Hanoi.

In the past, humble Chinese restaurants were our first taste of exotic cuisines, with dishes such as sweet and sour pork and chow mein. Memories flood back of taking our own pots and pans to the ‘Taiwan Restaurant’ on Maude St, enjoying the iconic Chuck family’s meals either in the restaurant or to take home, and the delightful Chinese dishes from New China, served with great hospitality by the Alex and Colleen Chung family.

As immigration patterns shifted and global connections grew stronger, Australia’s culinary landscape changed dramatically. While Chinese cuisine remains special, a wide range of Asian culinary delights from other parts of the continent now deeply influence our palates.

Japanese sushi bars, Korean barbecue joints, Thai restaurants, Vietnamese eateries and Indian curry houses have become staples in our cities and towns, enriching our food culture and reflecting the vibrant multiculturalism of modern Australia. This diverse tapestry of Asian cuisines not only expands our options but also deepens our understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

Australian chefs draw inspiration from these traditions, resulting in a fusion of flavours that celebrates the rich and delicious diversity of Asian cuisines in Australia, all stemming from the simple beginnings of Chinese restaurants.

Pho Viet is a prime example of this shift to new and interesting cuisines. This Vietnamese restaurant is our local go-to place for a quick and delicious meal.

The service is lively; they can magically create space when needed. You might arrive with a booking for four and find the place bustling, but suddenly, voilà, there’s a table for you.

To quote our dinner guest Peter Quinn, the place is “beautifully shambolic”, but it all works. The staff are kind and considerate, and the food is simply fantastic; and best of all, it’s very affordable.

Peter and Debbie Quinn joined us for our meal, along with friends at another table, Kevin and Donna Preece, and Darryn and Robin Hall. We all discussed the awesomeness of this local Vietnamese restaurant and exchanged our preferences for plates, such as Hanoi spring rolls, prawn dumplings, sweet and sour king prawns, salt and pepper chicken spareribs, diced Wagyu beef with Szechuan sauce, complemented with steamed and special fried rice with barbecue pork.

The menu is interesting and has something for everyone.