Overview
As we fly head first into the warmer months you're more likely to want to seek out food that is light, refreshing and satisfying. And here in Brisbane, we are lucky to have a strong Vietnamese influence bringing us the delicious and utterly satisfying flavours of south-east Asia.
For some brilliant meals to refresh you on a hot day, or some steamy soup to help rid a summer cold, we give you Concrete Playground’s top five Vietnamese restaurants in Brisbane.
Trang
Hardgrave Road in West End has several Vietnamese restaurants in contention and everyone has their preferred favourite. This one is ours, and probably many other people’s because there is so often a line waiting out the door to be seated. At Trang we like to keep it simple, opting for the roll-your-own rice paper wraps with pork balls. This is either the perfect entrée to share, or is a meal in itself. Simple, fresh and tasty – it will satisfy your hunger without causing an uncomfortable food baby at the end.
2/59 Hardgrave Road, West End; 07 3255 1610
Mints
While summertime is usually reserved for wave frolicking and backyard cricket, sometimes we are unlucky to enough to get the dreaded summer cold that comes around. A bowl of Mints’ crispy skin chicken noodle soup will not only cheer you up with its deliciousness, but it will also help you sweat out that cruel cold so that you can get back outside and enjoy life again. Mints is located in the Rosalie precinct and is incredibly popular with the locals, so be prepared to wait in line, or book yourself a table.
Shop 4/12 Nash Street, Paddington; 07 3367 8868
The Vietnamese
For a debauched evening out on the town, The Vietnamese is the perfect place to kick off your evening. You and your friends can enjoy their incredibly reasonably priced food that does not disappoint. Any meal that starts off with amazing rice paper spring rolls and salt and pepper quail is going to be a people pleaser. Followed up with some Vietnamese chicken salad and Viet-style spare ribs, everyone will be wholly satisfied and food-drunk.
194 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3252 4112
AJ’s Vietnamese
Whether you work in the city or are popping in for a spot of shopping, AJ’s Vietnamese is the ideal spot for a quick bite to eat. Not only are their meals reasonably-priced, they are also very satisfying. Their vermicelli salads are a winner. If you’re feeling a little bit naughty you can go for the spring roll salad (spring rolls in salad? Genius!) The spicy beef noodle soup is also a little bowl of slurping goodness and great for clearing out the sinuses as well.
70 Charlotte Street, Brisbane; 07 3229 2128
Libertine
At the pricier end of the dining scale, Libertine at the Barracks is a great place to do some double dating. The share menu has too many desirable options for just two of you to try, so you need to make up the numbers to ensure that you get a taste of everything. Their pork rice paper rolls with green chilli sauce are a great way to start off your meal, followed by the succulent, chilli-caramel pork belly. The wagyu beef will melt in your mouth and the lime tart and coconut sorbet will cause mouth explosions that will have you walking out on a sugar high. Don’t forget to match your meal with the beautiful Beaujolais or the Vietnamese Bag cocktail, served authentically in a plastic bag!
No. 5 The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 3353; www.libertine.net.au