People have very differing views, the old-timers who have been around the city tell me that it’s not as good anymore. I always get a sharp twinge of sadness when I hear this sort of thing……
Located in the bustling heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this long-standing Vietnamese restaurant has been warming the hearts and bellies of both locals and tourists alike. One of the most storied restaurants on Swanston Street, Mekong is an institution, an unassuming giant; simply some of the best pho in Melbourne.
Slices of raw beef, beef brisket, beef balls, tendon, tripe, sausage, bone marrow. What a beefy bowl over here, generously filled with ingredients.
Special mention has to go to that intense broth the springy noodles were soaked in as it has been evidently boiled for very long hours just so that the fragrant meaty flavour could be assimilated into the broth, making it into an addictive bowl. That explains why Clinton had two bowls, as the sign on the entrance claimed.
Packed so tightly with vermicelli and huge prawns, these rice rolls were best eaten with the savoury nutty dip at the side.
For those allergic to crustaceans and shellfish, there is a pork or chicken version. I ordered the grilled pork, the pork loin was still tender and juicy even when it was packed in with the vermicelli.
Over the years, there are many other (better) pho noodle shops that have popped up in Australia. So Mekong was more a nostalgic place when things were simpler and a bowl of pho was really comforting. And if you want a really good range of Vietnamese choices, head over to the Richmond area as that seems to be the legitimate Little Vietnam in Melbourne.
Pho Bo Ga Mekong Vietnam
241 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel : +61 3 9663 3288
Visited Jul 2023
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