Mr Bill's Vietnamese Canteen — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Mr Bill’s Vietnamese Canteen looks like a place where you’d find acceptable smoko food and a cold can of coke. Instead what you find is friendly service and some of the best Vietnamese food in Brisbane at a very fair price. If you’d like to find out more, please read on.

I visited Mr Bill’s twice for the purpose of writing this review, once on Saturday the 29th of August 2020 and again on the 31st of August 2020. I arrived at 11:30am on the Saturday, just before the 12pm Lunch rush when it does start to get quite busy. On the 31st I went just before closing time in the afternoon.

The canteen is easy to find, located at the bend of Ingleston road. There is a red A-frame sign on the street and the storefront also has a red sign above it reading “Mr Bill’s”. There is free parking in front of the venue, parking on the street and there a no issues finding a place to park. Please don’t let the fact that Mr Bill’s is located in an industrial estate put you off, I was dubious about trying it for this exact reason, but I promise you that the food is worth it.

When you first arrive and step inside the canteen you will probably hear Mr Bill cracking a joke or having a yarn with a regular. You might also hear the crackle of dim sims as they drop into the fryer. Overall the vibe is casual and comfortable, Mr Bill and his family provide friendly, good-natured service and make you feel welcome. Mr Bill is always happy to explain menu items and suggest options for you to try but only if you ask!

The canteen smells fragrant, often giving off wafts of Thai basil and braised meats. There is ample seating and the store presents as clean and serviceable. Inside a small fridge are goods such as rice paper rolls and chocolate bars and a warmer with pies and sausage rolls. I assume that these cater for the nearby workers who might need something quick for smoko. However, my advice would be, you’ve come this far, double down and go for the more interesting Vietnamese options.

On the Saturday I ordered a Crispy Pork Bahn Mi with a Vietnamese Iced Coffee. I have eaten many Bahn Mi but this was in a league of its own. Juicy pork with crunchy, fatty crackling, ample pâté, fresh shredded carrot, cool cucumber and just the right amount of chilli (they ask if you want the chilli when you order). I want to know where Mr Bill gets his baguettes, because all of these beautiful fillings are stuffed into the lightest, crispiest and freshest baguette I have ever eaten, simply divine! If you like Iced Coffee, I’d definitely recommend trying the Viet version. I’ve had it in Vietnam and it’s perfectly replicated here: strong, sweet and ice cold. All told, a Bahn Mi and Viet Iced Coffee cost me $13 ($8.20 – $9.50 for the Bahn Mi, depending on the filling and $3.50 for the iced coffee) what a bargain!

On the Monday I got the Braised Beef with Rice. This meal was slightly pricier, costing $25 for the Beef with the Viet Iced Coffee. I think it was worth the price. There was plenty of beef and it was perfectly cooked, literally falling apart in a slightly sweet, slightly savoury broth. The rice was perfectly cooked, a touch glutinous and sticky but super fluffy at the same time. The fresh Thai basil on top really capped off what was a hearty, filling and rich meal, with delicate flavours and a home-made attention to detail and quality. Food from the heart in a takeaway tray.

In conclusion, Mr Bill’s provides friendly and good-natured service within a functional dining space, in an unassuming location. From this humble setting Mr Bill and his family serve up some of the best Vietnamese in Brisbane. Fair prices, super authentic, flavoursome and fresh. Mr Bill’s is a shinning gem in an area that sorely lacks good cuisine. If you live in the Wynnum/Manly/Wakerley area or even travel down to the Manly foreshore from further afield, you should really consider stopping by. You can’t go wrong with a Bahn Mi and if you go for a more adventurous option you won’t be disappointed. Keep up the good work Mr Bill, a big thanks to you and...

There are eateries that one stumbles upon, and then there are hidden culinary gems like this one, nestled clandestinely yet offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. Today, we had the pleasure of indulging in not one, but three Bahn mi's that unequivocally redefine the flavor profiles of this traditional Vietnamese sandwich.

From the "Three Little Pigs" to the toothsome combination of pork and beef, each variant of Bahn mi bore testimony to the freshness and authenticity of ingredients used. Every bite carried the zesty echoes of Vietnam, the crusty baguette harmonizing with the rich, succulent fillings, and the pickled vegetables providing that irresistible tang and crunch. These sandwiches were more than just food, they were an experience - an incredible intertwining of flavors and cultures that is so characteristic of Bahn mi.

But it's not just the food that makes this place a hit. There's something undeniably charming about its secretive allure. Tucked away from the hubbub, it offers an intimate, yet welcoming ambiance. It's almost as if it's quietly confident about its culinary prowess, knowing that its quality will draw the discerning gourmands.

In summary, this is more than an eatery, it's a culinary voyage worth undertaking. This gastronomic adventure left us content yet craving more. To say it's worth a visit would be an understatement, and rest assured, we will definitely make a return to continue our exploration of its delicious offerings. So, here's to many more Bahn mi's and memorable...

Saw all the positive reviews. So was in the area, though I’d try it out. Was surprised and a little intimidated that was a touch screen to order food. I wasn’t sure if I could order face to face, no one else was and the male staff member was bust running in and out of the kitchen delivering food. Thought I’d ordered roast pork banh mi x 2 with no chillies. But when I got my food there was no salad at all. Just pork on a bun, take away. I found everything confusing. The male person was walking around confused calling out names or order numbers. Communication was limited and seemed a little unfriendly. Add to this a 25 minute wait for two plain roast pork rolls. Not happy. Add to this limited parking as bowls was on. Limited seating as bowlers were also sitting at tables. I don’t think...