Tan Thanh Loi

Tan Thanh Loi is a sweet little restaurant near Little Saigon market.  It had never caught my eye until one day, when my father and I strolled past and saw a mini production line of plates of Com Tam being crowned with delectable pork chops.

For the longest time, I eschewed Com Tam as it seemed too boring.  I was having a serious love affair with Bun - warm rice vermicelli noodle salads, with shredded vegies and all manner of grilled meats.  Who wants a pork chop and a boring old egg, and what is "broken rice" anyway?

Com Tam Bi Suon Cha Trung, $9.00

More the fool me.  This particular Com Tam was divine.  The bi (shredded pork skin) was so fresh, garlicky and pleasantly chewy.  The chop, redolent with lemongrass, was perfect - tender and bursting with flavour.  It came with an interesting eggy prawn meatloaf and a fried egg.  The accompanying seasoned fish sauce was not required, so tasty was each individual component.

A bowl of perfectly clear chicken broth is a Zen moment for me.  Like a perfect bonsai or a Japanese stone garden, it makes me pause and reflect, no matter how busy I am.  This comes with your Com Tam.

I totally dig the pictures, and Tan Thanh Loi have been kind enough to mark which meals contain which particular common allergens, such as gluten, peanuts, and egg.  I want to try Banh Cuon Cha Lua (steamed rice rolls with pork loaf) and Bo Luc Lac (fried beef, so-called for the way you shake the wok when you cook it).

I'm glad I have finally discovered Com Tam.  Sometimes in our quest for the new and exciting, we forget that simple is often best.

Tan Thanh Loi
73 Nicholson St, Footscray (map)
9687 4886 
Hours:  Mon - Sat 9.00am - 7.00pm (Fri til 9.00pm), Sun 9.00pm - 5.00pm