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Yesterday, I visited Hanoi Pho in Richmond, a quaint Vietnamese restaurant, for lunch. I decided to try the Flavourful combo from their Chef’s Combo menu, which consisted of Stir-fried Beef Pho, 3 Spring Rolls, and an Iced Coffee. Unfortunately, they were out of spring rolls, which was initially disappointing, but the staff quickly offered to replace them with 3 pieces of Quay (fried dough sticks). While it wasn’t what I originally had in mind, the substitution turned out to be a nice alternative and paired surprisingly well with the pho.
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Let’s start with the pho. The portion size was very generous, which was great considering the combo was quite affordable. The stir-fried beef in the pho was tender and flavorful, and the noodles were cooked just right, maintaining a pleasant, chewy texture. However, as I started eating, I noticed a faint but distinct burnt smell and taste in the broth. I couldn’t quite pinpoint whether it came from the broth preparation or some other ingredient, but it was noticeable enough to affect my overall enjoyment of the dish. While it didn’t make the pho inedible, it was slightly off-putting and left me wishing for a cleaner, more traditional flavor profile. That said, I was quite hungry, so I ate up everything in the bowl.
The substitution of Quay for the missing spring rolls ended up being a pleasant surprise. Quay isn’t something I’d typically expect to have with pho, but it turned out to be a great addition. The fried dough sticks were light, airy, and crispy, providing a nice contrast to the warm and savory broth. They also soaked up the flavors of the broth nicely without becoming too soggy. While I would have liked to try the spring rolls, I appreciated the effort the staff made to ensure I still got a complete combo meal.
The Iced Coffee was one of the highlights of the meal. It was strong, sweet, and creamy, just as you’d expect from a classic Vietnamese iced coffee. The balance of flavors was spot on, and it provided a refreshing finish to the meal. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese coffee, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
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One thing that really stood out about Hanoi Pho is how affordable it is. This is easily one of the cheapest Vietnamese restaurants I’ve been to in the area, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget. Despite the affordability, the portion sizes are generous, and the combo meals offer good variety.
The restaurant itself has a beautiful ambiance. It’s a casual spot that feels welcoming, but it’s not the kind of place you’d go for a fancy dining experience (one can try to, though).The service was friendly and accommodating, and I appreciated the effort the staff made to ensure my meal was still enjoyable despite the spring roll substitution.
Overall, my experience at Hanoi Pho was a mix of highs and lows. The generous portions, affordability, and delicious iced coffee were definite positives. However, the burnt flavor in the pho broth was a bit of a letdown, and it slightly detracted from my enjoyment of the meal. That said, I’m still open to visiting again and trying some of their other menu options.
🍜 Pho: 6.5/10 (generous portion, but slightly burnt flavor) 🥖 Quay: 8/10 (tasty and unexpected substitution) ☕ Iced Coffee: 9/10 (rich and refreshing!) 💰 Value for money: Excellent 🏠 Ambiance: Simple and casual
Hanoi Pho is a solid option for a quick, affordable Vietnamese meal, but there’s room for improvement in their food preparation. If you’re in the area and looking for budget-friendly Vietnamese food, it’s worth a visit, especially if you’re craving a satisfying bowl of pho or a good...
Read moreUpdate - this is not a fake account. The group has a game going on.
When will this restaurant close? Majority says before Xmas. I said they were wrong. It will be after X max but before Easter.
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An Unpleasant Dining Experience at Hanoi Pho on Victoria Street Richmond
I recently had the unfortunate opportunity to dine at Hanoi Pho on Victoria Street Richmond, and I must say that the experience was far from satisfactory. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, it was clear that this was going to be an unpleasant dining experience.
To start with, the quality of the food was shockingly poor. The centerpiece of any Vietnamese restaurant is its pho, and it was truly offensive to be served with the abysmal level of pho that was presented to me. The broth lacked depth and flavor, leaving me wondering if it had been hastily thrown together without any care for authenticity. The noodles were clumped together and overcooked, making them almost inedible. But what truly left a lasting impression was the meat. It was tough, chewy, and tasted as if it had been sitting around for far too long. It was evident that the food was not prepared by someone with a professional understanding of Vietnamese cuisine.
Moreover, the staff at Hanoi Pho seemed to be severely understaffed. Throughout my meal, I observed them rushing around the restaurant, attempting to rectify various issues. This chaotic atmosphere did nothing to enhance the dining experience. In fact, it made me feel like I was an inconvenience rather than a paying guest. The lack of attention from the staff further contributed to the overall negative ambiance of the restaurant.
Adding to the disappointment was the requirement to pay upfront for the meal. This practice felt like a preemptive measure to ensure that diners wouldn't have the chance to reconsider after seeing the poor quality of the food. It's a tactic that reeks of insecurity in the establishment's offerings. If the food had been served before payment, I can only imagine how many patrons would have walked out without a second thought.
The ambiance within the restaurant was sorely lacking. There was no sense of authenticity or cultural atmosphere that one might expect from a Vietnamese eatery. The décor felt generic and uninspired, failing to transport diners to the vibrant streets of Hanoi that the restaurant's name implies. The lack of attention to detail in both the interior and the food presentation was palpable, further dampening any hope of salvaging the dining experience.
Based on my visit to Hanoi Pho, I can confidently predict that this restaurant will not survive until Christmas. With such subpar food quality, a chaotic staff, and a complete absence of any positive ambiance, it's hard to imagine anyone returning for a second visit, let alone recommending it to others. This establishment seems to lack the dedication and passion required to succeed in the competitive restaurant industry.
In conclusion, my visit to Hanoi Pho on Victoria Street Richmond was nothing short of disappointing. The food's poor quality and lack of professionalism, combined with the evident understaffing and absence of ambiance, created an experience that was truly offensive to any diner. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable Vietnamese dining experience. It is my sincere hope that establishments like Hanoi Pho strive to improve their offerings and provide a level of service that their...
Read moreAuthentic Vietnamese food in Melbourne @hanoi.pho.au specialises in delicious, classic Vietnamese dishes like pho, pho rolls and pho salads.
I visited their North Richmond location for a sumptuous Vietnamese dinner last night and had a great time here and would definitely wanna be back here again.
What we had: Rare beef pho with egg, Chicken and young eggs pho with quay, Stir fried beef pho salad, Pho rolls, Mango smoothie, Lychee tea
The experience of this Vietnamese meal was quite unique especially we were taught by the manager on how to eat the egg and the quay with the pho broth. And I personally loved the broth of both the pho dishes as the flavours were very light and refreshing, which is perfect for summer. Also generous servings of beef and chicken in the pho. Highly recommend both the pho dishes.
The pho rolls was my favourite, so chewy yet so fresh to eat, must try. The pho salad was another tasty dish that is also a summer must have here.
The service is super prompt and attentive, and the staff are all very friendly, welcoming and helpful folks. The prices are reasonable and the vibe here is very charming with a...
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