Pho. Whether you pronounce it “fo” or “fur” or “fa”, this Vietnamese noodle soup is one of the most flavoursome (and pun-tastic) delicacies to come out of South East Asia.
Made with a vegetarian or beef stock base mixed with spring onions and shallots, bean sprouts, basil, lemon, noodles and a choice of beef, chicken or tofu, my recent escape to Vietnam changed my taste buds and I am now obsessed.
One could say I’m constantly on the lookout for some of Canberra’s best pho spots to satisfy my cravings twenty pho seven.
Hopefully, some of these places will satisfy yours as well.
Asian Noodle House
Naturally, there are tons of different delights available at the Asian Noodle Houses across the city, and while it is primarily known for its laksa, the Noodle House packs a punch when it comes to its pho!
In Woden, Tuggeranong and the City (Editor’s note: while the Dickson Asian Noodle House is also a classic spot, it’s not owned by the same company as the three others) | noodlehouse.net.au
Bistro Nguyen
Nestled in Civic’s historic Melbourne Buildings, Bistro Nguyen is the perfect place if you are looking for a warm escape from the Canberra cold. With fast, delicious and authentic Vietnamese food on offer, the pho there has been hailed as some of the best in Canberra.
Heart-warming, friendly, and with walk-ins welcome, you won’t get pho mo here (get it?).
Bistro Nguyen | 78 – 80 Alinga Street, Canberra | 02 6262 6888
Vietnam House
If you are looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine you can’t go past Vietnam House. Situated at the top of Westfield Woden, their pho is served with the bean sprouts, chilli and lemon on a separate plate in true Vietnamese style.
Vietnam House | G92 Keltie Street, Phillip | 6282 0288
Au Lac Royal Vegetarian Cuisine
Au Lac is a modern Vietnamese style restaurant with a twist – it’s all vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The fake meat in the pho is absolutely spot on that you’ll think they’re made pho each other, and the rest of the broth is flavoursome and hearty. With two locations (in Dickson and Woden), you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more authentic yet vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant.
Au Lac Royal Vegetarian | G90A Corinna Street, Woden | 6281 2288
PHO PHU QUOC VIETNAMESE
Feel like something traditional, hearty and soul soothing? Then look no further than Dickson favourite, Pho Phu Quoc. Choose from classic staples of pho or opt for something a little more hearty such as the Beef, rice and egg noodle soup.
Pho Phu Quoc Vietnamese | 5 Badham Street, Dickson | 6249 6662
So what the pho are you waiting for?
Courtney Hope | Author 