Canberra has copped its fair share of criticism over the years - some it more justified than others. For me, its not a bad place overall but it's always lacked good, cheap, authentic Asian food. Sure, you could trek out to Dickson or Belconnen but when you work in Civic, it's just not practical. Some people might tell you that Asian Noodle House fills this need. To them I would say that the Laksa is crap, and that any place marketing itself as "Asian" is a relic from the 70s and deserves to die on principle.
Against this backdrop, iPho is a game changer for Canberra.
Set in Garema place, on the ground floor below the crappy Japanese place and Flavours of India, iPho is exactly what Canberra is missing: a cheap, quality, authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Don't go the looking for Laksa or Pad Thai cos that's not Vietnamese food and therefore it's not on the menu (other Asian restaurants in Canberra, take note). Instead, the good folks at iPho serve a select menu of Vietnamese favourites. On this occasion, we starterd with a serve of their caramelised chicken wings ($6.80) which were perhaps a little overlooked but very tasty. With three people in our party, we decided to try three different dishes: the rare beef pho ($12), the pho with beef balls ($12) and the Hue style spicy beef noodle soup ($13). Our twelve year old waiter (dressed in iPho emblazoned t-shirt, so ubiquitous in Vietnamese markets) brought out the customary plate of fresh bean sprouts, Vietnamese basil, fresh chilli and lime wedges. With three people we needed to ask for a little more Vietnamese basil.
The mains were very solid.The soup was fragrant with star anise and the beef was rare. The serving size was generous and the meat to noodle ratio was good. My dining companion found his spicy soup required a bit more kick but was able to add extra chilli and there were squeeze bottle condiments on the table if one so desired.
The drinks menu was also comprehensive and authentically Vietnamese. I ordered a lemon soda (lemon juice, sugar, ice and soda water) which came with lime instead of lemon and noticed that the menu also included Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. One of our party ordered a fresh coconut juice that never made it to the table but we were too full to complain. Note to Coke fans - this is a Pepsi only establishment.
With dinner coming to less than $50 for three, we couldn't have been happier and will be back soon.
Thanks iPho. read more