We decided to choose Yen for Viet after reading the review below, and Im glad we did.
Illawarra road could easily be known as 'Little Hanoi' there are 4 or 5 Vietnamese restaurants on this strip, ( and one funky little cafe on the corner called 'Cornersmith' which I have also read about on Yelp)
The brighter and newer looking PHD, looked very busy, however I was determined to try Yen.
I booked a table, though when we arrived there seemed to be a few available. The staff were all really friendly and professional. After about 15 mins, the place filled up as passers by saw that it was actually quite a popular place. It just isn't as noticeable as the one up the road.
I tried the Bahn Xeo with Duck, as an entree. We like our food, so we ordered that as well as Prawn balls. When the Bahn arrived it was huge. And also delicious. My eyes just about popped.
Not realising how huge the servings were we kind of went hell for leather and ordered the two entree, and 2 mains and a combination fried rice. We couldn't fit it all on the table!
I ordered Caramelized pork belly in a clay pot. Anything pork is right up my alley, so of course it was a cracker. Quite salty but also sweet, finely chopped ribbons of pork belly that simply melts in your mouth.
We also ordered the Chicken and coconut cream curry. A favourite at other Vietnamese restaurants, we like to try it everywhere because it varies so much between chefs. It was earthy and you could tell the curry had been freshly made.
The combination special fried rice was awesome. with plump juicy little prawns mixed in. You could easily get away with just the rice and Bahn for teo people and still be stuffed.
I noticed some other people having the whole ginger fish, which looked like a great option for two people at about $35.
There is a Wine list, or you can BYO wine only.
This place would be great value for money for groups, the servings are large and the staff are really accommodating. read more