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.

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!