+61 3 9663 3288
Located in the heart of Melbourne at 241 Swanston Street, Pho Bo Ga Mekong Vietnam offers a delightful dive into authentic Vietnamese cuisine that invites both locals and visitors to savor traditional flavors with a twist. Specializing in pho—the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup—this restaurant serves up offerings that are both comforting and richly layered, sure to satisfy any craving for genuine, hearty Vietnamese fare.
Step inside, and you’re immediately greeted by a retro vibe that feels nostalgic yet welcoming, as noted by patrons who love the clean, inviting space and the convenience of ordering right from your table. The atmosphere here perfectly complements the food, making it an ideal spot to warm up on those cold, rainy Melbourne days.
The menu at Pho Bo Ga Mekong Vietnam is a celebration of carefully crafted traditional dishes. Standouts include the Liver Pho U and Tripe Pho U, both rich with tender, slow-cooked meats and fragrant broths simmered to perfection. For those who prefer a lighter or more grilled approach, the Grilled Chicken Pho and Bún Chả Giò & Gà Nướng offer vibrant, smoky flavors balanced by fresh herbs and herbal vegetables that add a refreshing complexity.
Beyond pho, the springrolls here are a true delight. The Prawn + Chicken Springrolls arrive crisp and golden, served alongside fresh lettuce and a perfectly tangy dipping sauce that enhances every bite. Vegetarians will appreciate the Vegetable Springrolls, equally satisfying with their crisp veggies encased in delicate rice paper. The vermicelli salad dishes, such as the Chargrilled Chicken Vermicelli and Chargrilled Pork Chop Vermicelli, bring a fresh and textural contrast—light rice noodles tossed with crunchy vegetables and juicy, smoky grilled meats.
For added indulgence, the extra servings like Fried Tofu, Fried Chicken Ribs, and Bowl Of Fish Balls punctuate the meal with delightful bursts of flavor and texture, allowing diners to customize their experience exactly how they like it.
Complementing the food is a comforting cup of hot tea or a refreshing Hanoi Beer, as many guests recommend pairing their meal this way to round out the senses. It’s little touches like these that elevate the overall dining experience.
Reviewers notably appreciate the generous portions and fast, attentive service—even during busy hours. The clever use of lemon as a souring agent in pho, instead of the traditional lime, offers a subtle yet distinctive twist that sets the dishes apart. Customers have described their meals as “delicious” and “filling,” highlighting the ample meat portions and the delicate balance of flavors that keep them coming back.
If you’re searching for an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience in Melbourne, where the traditional meets the comforting, and service is both efficient and friendly, Pho Bo Ga Mekong Vietnam promises a satisfying journey of tastes and textures that will leave you pleasantly satiated and eager to return.
The vibe here feels very retro and has a nostalgic quality. The restaurant is clean and you can order from the table. I ordered beef and beef ball pho with a side of 2 Chinese donuts. The food was good and filling. I enjoyed the hot tea that was also provided with the meal. The food was priced at what I would expect. I would return, definitely a nice pace to eat at on a cold and rainy day.
We came just about 45 mins before its closing time but the place is still packed and busy. Pretty standard Vietnamese menu: pho, rice vermicelli, rice with meat options. Ordered a few pho and it was delicious, lots of meat, portion was big. Service was very fast and efficient. Interesting that they used lemon instead of lime. You can ask for cut chilli if you want a bit of heat.