Best Pho in Footscray

Footscray is supposedly the Capital of the West.

When I first mentioned Footscray to a friend from the eastern suburbs, he was shaking his head and said that it was too dangerous a place to venture into.  Heroin you know.

I am glad I did not heed his advice and went anyway. Today, this friend is a frequent Footscray patron after I introduced him and his family to the yummy food there.

Me and my two children started our Footscray adventure with a project. The terms of reference was to try out three dishes and one drink in as many Vietnamese restaurants in the main shopping area as possible within one month. These are a bowl of rare beef pho, a plate of pork chop and combination rice, a bowl of vermicelli and a jackfruit smoothie. We started with Saigo Pho along Nicholson and ended with Pho Chu The along Hopkins Street.

And our verdict?

Best Pho - Pho Hung Vuong, No. 128 Hopkins Street and Pho Chu The, 92 Hopkins Street
Best Pork Chop and Combination - Hao Phong, No, 136, Hopkins Street
Best Jackfruit Smoothie - Hao Phong and Saigon Pho, 73 Nicholson Street
Vermicelli - no conclusion

While searching for some pho pictures on the web, I chanced upon a foodie blog by Nicolas Tan of Melbourne. He also recommended "128" for pho (Pho Hung Vuong).  Below is a picture of the pho from "128". I like to call Pho Hung Vuong simply "128" as it is easy to remember and save me the challenge of getting the Vietnamese pronunciation right.

 "128" is a very good start as you will likely feel comfortable there. They have menus to read and offer more varieties such as spring rolls and rice rolls. But if you just want a bowl of hot and flavourful pho, you really should drop by "92" (Chu The). It is a pure pho place - offering both chicken and beef pho only.  For $7.50, I get a fully-satisfying bowl of pho and a flask of hot tea.  The seating is basic and the service quick.  Most of the customers are viets - which means that it is loved by its own. They also have another outlet in Richmond which was recommended by the Age's GW last Saturday.

In some later post, we shall talk desserts after pho :)