Pho Hien Vuong Pasteur

Is there a food more versatile than pho?  Supremely refreshing in hot weather yet warming in cold, much beloved for breakfast (or at least brunch), lunch or dinner.  We are spoilt in Footscray with so many fabulous pho options, so much so that the "busiest is the best" rule doesn't strictly apply.

Hien Vuong Pasteur is right in the Hopkins Street main drag but could easily escape your attention.  It seems rather dark from the outside and is never packed, yet multiple friends have recommended this sleeper cell of pho to me.

This is one old school pho joint.  Daggy conference centre chairs, tiles, the hall of mirrors and the menu on the wall complete with mismatched stick-on fonts.  I love Hung Vuong's neat and simple stainless steel but there's something comforting about this type of decor - like an old, stretched-out pair of trackies that are the daggiest yet comfiest thing to wear.

Fabulous pho!  Some bowls tip the scales towards the aromatics, the scent of star anise or cassia predominating.  Here, the rich, almost caramel beef flavour took centre stage.  The meat was of excellent quality, arriving just pink and quickly transmogrifying to brown in the hot soup.  The broth was simple yet deep in flavour and quite divine.  When you can't handle the crush at Hung Vuong, Hien Vuong Pasteur will surely satisfy.

Hien Vuong Pasteur

146 Hopkins Street, Footscray (map)
Phone:  9687 9698

Hours:  7 days 

Not wheelchair accessible