Phu Vinh - Footscray

I was first taken to Phu Vinh by some of my Vietnamese students (I am a retired ESL teacher) about 25 years ago when I was teaching in Maribyrnong. The cost of Pho then was $5, although the Vietnamese could get it for $4! Not...a lot has changed since then and I still drop in now and again for a bowl of Mi Tom Thit. Mi are egg noodles as opposed to Hieu Tieu Mi which are rice noodles. The large bowl comes before you've had time to finish your first cup of tea. I suspect the flavouful broth is chicken rather than beef. A crisp wafer and fresh coriander are the usual garnishes. The decor is similar to lots of other Vietnamese eateries, with a large screen TV playing Vietnamese music shows and a small Buddhist shrine in the corner. This is not a place to linger and you can be in and out of there in 45 minutes without rushing. Tea and a meal for $10. Say no more.

Nearly 2 pm when I arrived on Friday and few diners remained so service was good. I stuck to the daily specials and got the Thai Prawns with steamed rice and pot of tea. The meal came sizzling hot and had eight large prawns with...the veges and sauce, and almost too much to eat. I will return, prices reasonable, staff pleasant, place was clean, service prompt. Loved the flavours and the prawns fresh and crisp, bursting in the mouth. Right alongside the Footscray market and close to the railway station.

I would rate this restaurant 3.25 out of 5. We were seated in front of a lively night party. I opted to swap meat for fried tofu and added vegetables, while my companion had the salt and pepper calamari. The dishes were decent, but we have had better food in Footscray.

This restaurant serves the freshest and most delicious soups, although they are more in Cantonese style rather than traditional Vietnamese. The table service is not up to par.

Get the number 25 the best bowl ever. everything else is good, but this is just consistently excellent.