Chu The Pho Bo Ga

270 Victoria Street, Richmond. (03) 9427 7749
Score: 32/40
I’ve never been to Vietnam. And I’ve never been to a specialty pho restaurant. But next time I have a hankering for a noodle soup, only one of these options will do.

Chu The is slightly further away from the Punt Road end of Victoria Street. It is small and dirty and dingy and absolutely packed to the rafters with pho punters of every shape and size.

We ordered a serving of spring rolls – they were stunning fresh and crunchy and served with all the usual trimmings on the side. That was only the distraction munch while we checked out the extensive options for our pho.

You can have whatever meaty options out want, or combination of options. There is something for everyone: brisket, ox tail, tripe, chicken giblets and liver. A pho will cost you around $10 and they are bowls of joy and happiness, served with holy basil and bean shoots and all the best crunchiness.

The soup is flavoursome and has little pearls of beautiful fat pearling on the surface. The noodles are springy and have lovely texture and all variations we tried (brisket, oxtail and beef) were great.

And in the very best Vietnamese traditions, a list of 15 drinks made having a cold beverage, or dessert, or dessert and beverage in one, yummy.

I also want to make special note of the staff, who were helpful, smiling and charming through the whole experience. That makes for a nice change from some of the restaurants in this area. And I found it just in time for winter, when noodle slurping is almost compulsory.

Atmosphere: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Value for money: 10/10
Food: 8/10