Ming Ming's Kitchen — Restaurant in Brisbane City

We headed here in early February before the corona shutdown, to try their soft menu. Who doesn't love a spring roll? These were quite large, so it was fairly generous, even though there were only two. I found the pastry a wee bit doughy and the filling a bit bland, but they were still fresh and tasty, and a generous size. We would have them again. (And we did the next time.) Hubby went for the stir-fried veggies, which were sadly like rocks. I don't mind firm veg, but these were very hard, and undercooked. Not a winner, I'm afraid. He liked the sauce that came with the dish though, and would have liked a bit more of it. My grilled chicken thigh fillet was pleasant enough, if not terribly exciting. The chicken was tender, and the rice was a nicely fluffy accompaniment. But the veggies were a bit too crunchy for me, and I felt it needed more flavour. I could happily eat this another time, but I'd like to try other dishes before this one. Hubby went for the special steamed pancakes the next time we went for dinner (just before they went to takeaway and delivery only). They were crispy, they were herby and porky; and the mushrooms added good flavour. (Don't ask me what the translucent squid-like objects were though). Oh yes, hubby tells me they were rice paper sheets, not squid:-) He enjoyed this dish, but he wishes there had been another sauce to go with this, as well as the dipping sauce. I have to say I found this dish a bit confusing. Why were there rice paper sheets on the bottom? Why were the steamed pancakes apparently fried? A conundrum, my friends, a veritable conundrum. I really loved the Special tempura prawns, with pickles and wasabi mayo. The prawns were crunchy-coated, tender inside, delicious mouthfuls. I loved it, and have had this dish a couple of times since. I believe this will be on their full menu when the time is right - post-virus. Overall impression: fabulous and friendly service. The food doesn't always hit the mark, for our fussy and fusty palates. But on the whole, the food is tasty and enjoyable. We have enjoyed their meals via takeaway a couple of times since, so they must be doing...

TLDR: great atmosphere, good service, ok food.

Found this place on recommendation of various reels on Insta. On entry shortly after opening we were greeted and seated. The menu options sounded great, and I always appreciate little bits of information regarding their food - in particular their pho.

The atmosphere is pleasant, with a modern vibe that treads the lines between minimalist, simple and homely.

The service was fine enough, and food was quick to come. Given that it had just opened for the day that was nice.

I ordered the Hanoi Rare Beef Pho, my wife had the Lemongrass Dry Pho, and I paired it with a Vietnamese Coffee on ice.

The coffee came first and it was everything I hope for in a Viet Coffee. Strong, bold, sweet. As a coffee snob I appreciated that it wasn't bitter.

However, this might have ruined my Pho experience. With such strong flavours on my palate it made the Pho an underwhelming experience. Hanoi Pho is traditionally more light and simple, and this bowl fit the bill perfectly. It's just the coffee overwhelmed the senses and it took around half a bowl eaten before I felt like I could begin to notice the subtle complexities of this style of Pho.

My wife's dry pho with lemongrass was unfortunately on the salty side. Granted the amount of sauce poured on the noodles is self-directed, my wife didn't realise and poured it all in - hence the overly sweet and salty mixture.

So, I don't doubt the reviews from others, but my personal experience...

Over priced and underwhelming Ordered Rare Beef Pho and friend ordered Beef Stew. Both were tasteless and lacked substance. The waiter said this Pho was from the North which is different to Southern Pho. Had to repeatedly ask for condiments to make it edible. Another couple at a different table had the same problem. Service was below average. Music was too loud. Restaurant was nice enough.

Edit response to owner: we asked for extra chilli when ordering the pho. The waiter forgot it. Then he gave chilli sauce in a bottle so we asked for the same type of chilli as in the pho (fresh) or chilli oil. When we kindly mentioned the pho lacked taste, that’s when he said north/ south pho are different. We thought more coriander and lime (same as in the pho) might make a difference. The blood from the rare beef was the strongest flavour in the Rare Beef Pho (I couldn’t eat it like that). At the same time asked, maybe some sprouts (as we were trying to make it better but still stay true to the dish). I didn’t order or receive basil. I think you’ll find the other table ordered extra condiments also including chilli as they had the same problem with their pho. I am open minded to different tastes and there is more I could add but I think my...