Few dishes are as loved as a steaming bowl of phở. Rich, aromatic broth, silky rice noodles, fresh herbs and tender slices of beef have made this Vietnamese classic one of Melbourne's favourite comfort foods.

And when it comes to authentic pho, there is no better place to explore than Victoria Street Richmond.

Known as Melbourne's Vietnamese food capital, Victoria Street has been serving generations of locals, visitors and food lovers since Vietnamese families began establishing businesses in the area during the late 1970s and 1980s. Today, the street remains one of Australia's most celebrated destinations for Vietnamese cuisine.

Image by Otao Kitchen

Why Victoria Street?

What makes Victoria Street special is the concentration of family-owned restaurants, each with its own unique broth recipe and style.

Some restaurants simmer their broth for more than 12 hours. Others focus on traditional Southern Vietnamese flavours, while some specialise in lighter Northern-style pho. Every bowl tells a story of family, migration and culinary tradition.

Whether you prefer:

• Phở Tái (rare beef)
• Phở Đặc Biệt (combination beef)
• Phở Gà (chicken pho)
• Vegetarian pho

you'll find plenty of options along Victoria Street.

Local Favourites

Victoria Street is home to several long-standing restaurants that have built loyal followings over many years.

Some of the names regularly recommended by locals and visitors include:

Pho Hung Vuong Saigon

One of the best-known pho destinations on the street, famous for generous portions and a rich beef broth.

I Love Pho 264

Popular with younger diners and families looking for a modern take on Vietnamese classics.

Pho Chu The

Known for authentic flavours and a loyal local customer base.

Pho Nho

A Victoria Street institution serving Vietnamese pho loved by many Richmond locals.

The Great Pho Debate

Ask ten locals where to find the best pho and you'll probably get ten different answers.

That's part of the fun.

The best way to experience Victoria Street is to explore, compare broths and discover your own favourite. Some people love a clear and delicate broth, while others prefer something richer and more robust.

There is no wrong answer.

More Than Just Pho

While pho is often the star attraction, Victoria Street also offers:

• Crispy bánh mì
• Bún bò Huế
• Broken rice dishes
• Fresh rice paper rolls
• Vietnamese desserts
• Vietnamese coffee
• Asian grocery shopping

Many visitors spend an entire afternoon exploring the restaurants, cafés and specialty stores that make the precinct unique.

Plan Your Visit

Located just minutes from Melbourne's CBD, Victoria Street Richmond is easily accessible by tram, train, bicycle or car.

Whether you're a pho enthusiast or trying Vietnamese food for the first time, Victoria Street offers one of Australia's most authentic Vietnamese dining experiences.

Come hungry, bring friends and discover why Victoria Street remains Melbourne's home of pho.

Have a Favourite?

Tell us which restaurant serves your favourite bowl of pho and help others discover the flavours that make Victoria Street one of Melbourne's great food destinations.

19 February

For many years, Victoria Street Richmond faced significant challenges. Despite its rich multicultural heritage, renowned food culture and strategic location close to Melbourne's CBD, the precinct struggled with public safety concerns, declining confidence, vacant shops and fragmented responses from different levels of government.

Today, Victoria Street is demonstrating that decline is not inevitable. Through collaboration between traders, community organisations, the City of Yarra, the Victorian Government and Victoria Police, the precinct is beginning a new chapter focused on safety, investment and revitalisation.

Safety First

One of the most important lessons from Victoria Street's experience is that safety is the foundation of economic recovery.

Improved police visibility, targeted enforcement, better lighting, CCTV investment and stronger coordination between agencies have helped improve confidence for traders, residents and visitors. When people feel safe, they are more likely to visit, shop, dine and spend time in the precinct.

Investing in Place

Revitalisation is about more than addressing challenges. It is also about creating reasons for people to return.

Recent and proposed improvements include streetscape upgrades, greening projects, public space improvements, better pedestrian connections, community facilities and support for new investment. These initiatives help reinforce Victoria Street as a destination for dining, shopping, culture and community life.

Bringing People Back

Events, festivals and community activations have played a critical role in rebuilding foot traffic and strengthening local identity.

From the Lunar Festival and Moon Lantern Festival to trader promotions, cultural events and community projects, Victoria Street continues to celebrate the multicultural character that has made it one of Melbourne's most unique shopping and dining precincts.

Strong Leadership Matters

Successful revitalisation requires clear leadership and ongoing collaboration.

The Victoria Street Business Association continues to work with traders, residents, Council, government agencies and community partners to advocate for practical solutions that improve safety, support businesses and enhance the visitor experience.

Looking Ahead

Victoria Street's experience shows that recovery happens when safety, investment, activation and leadership work together.

The precinct is far from finished, but positive progress is being made. With continued collaboration and commitment, Victoria Street can continue evolving into a safer, greener and more vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

As we look to the next fifty years, Victoria Street remains a powerful example of how multicultural communities, local businesses and government can work together to create lasting change.

The Victoria Street Business Association strongly supports the City of Yarra's Victoria Street Revitalisation Project and the long-term vision to strengthen one of Melbourne's most important multicultural precincts.

The revitalisation strategy recognises what traders, residents and visitors have known for years: Victoria Street has enormous potential. It is a culturally significant destination, home to generations of migrant-owned businesses, a thriving food culture and an important gateway between Richmond, Abbotsford and Melbourne's inner north.

We support Council's commitment to improving public spaces, encouraging investment, attracting visitors and creating a more vibrant and welcoming street.

However, revitalisation must be measured not only by plans and consultation, but by visible outcomes that people can see and feel.

Safety Must Be the First Priority

The business community consistently identifies safety and public amenity as the most significant barriers to growth and investment.

Customers need to feel safe visiting the precinct. Staff need to feel safe travelling to and from work. Traders need confidence to invest, extend trading hours and grow their businesses.

Without a visible improvement in safety, many of the benefits of revitalisation will be difficult to achieve.

This requires a coordinated response involving:

• Victoria Police
• City of Yarra
• Victorian Government
• Health and social service providers
• Local businesses and community organisations

A cleaner, safer and better-managed public environment will encourage visitation, support local businesses and build community confidence.

Supporting Local Business Growth

The Victoria Street revitalisation vision aligns closely with what local traders have been advocating for:

• More visitors and foot traffic
• Better public spaces and streetscapes
• Improved lighting and cleanliness
• Stronger support for multicultural businesses
• Events and cultural activations
• Investment attraction and business growth

Victoria Street businesses are already investing in the future of the precinct. What is needed now is ongoing support that helps traders succeed and encourages new businesses to establish themselves in the area.

A Precinct Worth Investing In

Victoria Street is not simply a shopping strip. It is one of Victoria's most recognised multicultural destinations and an important economic and cultural asset.

With the right support, Victoria Street can become:

• A leading multicultural dining destination
• A vibrant community and tourism precinct
• A place for new investment and jobs
• A welcoming gateway to Richmond and Abbotsford
• A model for main street revitalisation across Melbourne

Working Together

The Victoria Street Business Association is committed to working with the City of Yarra, Victorian Government, traders, residents and community partners to help deliver this vision.

We support the revitalisation project and welcome the investment already committed.

At the same time, we encourage all levels of government to continue prioritising safety, public amenity and visible improvements on the ground.

When people can see cleaner streets, safer public spaces, thriving businesses and more visitors, confidence returns.

Victoria Street's future is bright. Together we can ensure revitalisation delivers lasting benefits for businesses, residents, visitors and the broader community.

Together We Thrive.

No Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration is complete without Bánh Chưng, the traditional sticky rice cake that has been enjoyed for generations. Wrapped in banana leaves and filled with glutinous rice, mung beans and pork, Bánh Chưng is more than just a festive dish — it is a symbol of family, gratitude and Vietnamese heritage.

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The Story Behind Bánh Chưng

According to Vietnamese legend, Bánh Chưng was created to represent the earth, while Bánh Dày represented the sky. The square shape reflects harmony, prosperity and respect for ancestors, making it a centrepiece of Tết celebrations across Vietnam.

Families often gather before Lunar New Year to prepare and cook Bánh Chưng together, passing down traditions and stories from one generation to the next.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 3 cups glutinous rice
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the Pork Filling

• 500g pork belly, sliced
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 5 shallots, sliced

For the Mung Bean Filling

• 1 cup split mung beans
• 1¼ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 6 shallots, sliced

To Assemble

• Banana leaves
• Cooking string
• Square mould (optional)

Preparation

1. Soak Overnight

Wash and soak the glutinous rice and mung beans separately overnight.

Marinate the pork belly with fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper and shallots, then refrigerate overnight.

2. Prepare the Filling

Cook the mung beans until soft, then mash them. Sauté shallots until golden and mix through the mung beans with seasoning.

3. Assemble the Cake

Line a square mould with banana leaves.

Layer:

• Sticky rice
• Mung bean mixture
• Pork belly
• Mung bean mixture
• Sticky rice

Fold the banana leaves tightly around the filling and secure with string.

4. Cook

Place the cakes into a large pot and cover completely with water.

Simmer gently for approximately 6–8 hours, topping up with hot water as required.

5. Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool before slicing.

Traditionally, Bánh Chưng is served with:

• Chả lụa (Vietnamese pork roll)
• Pickled vegetables
• Dưa món
• Vietnamese tea

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to one week.
• Freeze for up to three months.

Leftover Bánh Chưng

One of the best ways to enjoy leftover Bánh Chưng is to pan-fry slices until golden and crispy on both sides. The crunchy exterior and soft savoury filling make it a favourite Tết snack.

Celebrate Tết on Victoria Street

Every Lunar New Year, Victoria Street Richmond comes alive with food, culture and community celebrations. Whether you're enjoying traditional Bánh Chưng at home or discovering Vietnamese cuisine for the first time, this iconic dish remains a delicious reminder of family, heritage and the spirit of Tết.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới — Happy Lunar New Year!

The Victoria Street Business Association worked with traders, property owners and the City of Yarra to support local businesses during the COVID-19 recovery period.

A temporary activation was proposed for the car park at 218–220 Victoria Street, while another privately owned site at the corner of Victoria and Nicholson Streets explored a "Summer Pop-Up" concept inspired by Melbourne's popular Welcome to Thornbury venue.

The project aimed to create new trading opportunities, activate underutilised spaces and encourage visitors back to Victoria Street. Traders were encouraged to participate through outdoor dining, pop-up retail and community activities while complying with COVIDSafe requirements and Council permits.

These initiatives formed part of broader efforts to support local businesses, revitalise the precinct and strengthen community connections during a challenging period.

We are looking to working with you.

Victoria Street Committee 

Every year, Victoria Street Richmond comes alive with colour, culture and celebration as thousands of people gather for the Victoria Street Lunar Festival. As one of Melbourne's longest-running multicultural festivals, the event celebrates Lunar New Year and the rich cultural traditions of the Vietnamese, Chinese and broader Asian communities that have helped shape Victoria Street into one of Australia's most recognised dining and cultural destinations.

For one day, Victoria Street transforms into a vibrant festival precinct filled with authentic street food, multicultural performances, lion dancing, family-friendly activities, market stalls and community celebrations.

Visitors can explore the flavours of Asia, discover local businesses, enjoy live entertainment and experience the welcoming spirit that has made Victoria Street famous for generations.

A Festival for Everyone

Whether you come for the food, the performances, the cultural experiences or simply to spend time with family and friends, the Victoria Street Lunar Festival offers something for all ages.

Festival highlights often include:

• Traditional lion and dragon dancing
• Cultural performances and live music
• Asian street food and local restaurants
• Family activities and children's entertainment
• Community displays and market stalls
• Special offers from local traders

Celebrating Victoria Street

More than a festival, Lunar New Year is a celebration of the people, businesses and cultures that make Victoria Street unique.

It is an opportunity to support local traders, learn about different traditions and experience one of Melbourne's most vibrant multicultural precincts.

Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, we invite you to join us and discover why Victoria Street Lunar Festival remains one of Melbourne's most loved community celebrations.

Plan Your Visit

Victoria Street Richmond is easily accessible by tram, train, bicycle and car, making it a great day out for locals and visitors alike.

Come hungry, bring your family and friends, and experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Lunar New Year on Victoria Street.

Victoria Street Business Association Inc

Together We Thrive.

12 November 2025

The Victoria Street Business Association Inc (VSBA) welcomes Council’s motion regarding the Medically Supervised Injecting Room and calls for stronger, coordinated action to restore safety, confidence and pride across Victoria Street and North Richmond.

Victoria Street traders recognise the importance of health and support services for vulnerable people. However, local businesses, residents and visitors continue to experience serious public safety and amenity issues, including open drug use, street dealing, theft, antisocial behaviour and people sleeping rough in highly visible public areas.

VSBA President Ha Nguyen said the community needs practical action that balances health responses with safety, business confidence and neighbourhood renewal.

“Our community deserves safety, pride and a real chance to revive Victoria Street,” Ms Nguyen said.

“The injecting room may support some people, but the wider street environment has become increasingly difficult for traders, residents and visitors. Safety must come first for everyone.”

VSBA said the revitalisation of Victoria Street cannot succeed without a coordinated response from Council, the Victorian Government, Victoria Police, health services and community organisations.

“We are all committed to reviving the street, but we cannot take one step forward and two steps back,” Ms Nguyen said.

“Investment in the precinct must be supported by visible safety measures, better outreach, cleaner streets and stronger accountability.”

VSBA is calling for a practical precinct response that includes:

• A visible, community-focused police presence to deter crime and antisocial behaviour
• Targeted support for vulnerable people, including outreach, housing pathways, treatment and mental health services
• Improved street cleaning, lighting, wayfinding and public maintenance
• Stronger trader and resident engagement
• Transparent reporting so the community can track progress and outcomes

Victoria Street traders remain proud of the precinct and optimistic about its future. With clear leadership and coordinated action, VSBA believes Victoria Street can once again be a safe, vibrant and respected main street for everyone who lives, works, visits and invests in the area.