Those who know me well would tell you that I'm a major family girl and I'm extremely close with my parents and my extended family, particularly my mum's side - most of whom, resides in the rather indie state of Melbourne. Melbourne is where I will be spending my New Years.
Since I was little, coming to Melbourne always included to a trip (or ten) to Mekong, located in Melbourne's most famous street, Swanston Street. If you know me then you would know that Vietnamese Pho holds a special place in my heart and Mekong is the place that ignited that obsession, so I can't possibly come to Melbourne without visiting Mekong!
If you walked past Mekong (barring the inevitable long line of people awaiting for a seat - usually trailing out the door) you probably would just keep walking and not give it a second thought. The interior and exterior of the restaurant isn't particularly impressive, in fact, it's not impressive at all but Mekong is one of those restaurants which truly heralds the statement "don't judge a book by its cover".
The last time I visited Mekong was about 5 months ago but I was slightly dying from a sore throat and I was shivering from an increasingly rising body temperature so as much as I wanted to enjoy every bite of everything I ordered, it was far from enjoyable.
This time around, I was ready to get some Mekong in my fit body (if you're British, no... I'm not tooting my own horn, I just mean I was no longer sick). I ordered the same thing as I always do - in the past 10 or so years that I've been going to Mekong, I don't think my orders has ever changed.
Iced Milk Coffee (Top), Iced Milk Tea (Bottom)
To start off, we ordered drinks of the chilled kind because Melbourne was (and still is), incredibly hot today!
Iced Milk Tea
It's probably no surprise that I was the one who opted for the Iced Tea. I actually really enjoyed my beverage - not only was it cold and somewhat creamy but it also was just the right amount of sweetness! It wasn't overbearingly sweet which is rare when it comes to Asian Iced Milk Tea served in a Vietnamese restaurant.
Iced Milk Coffee
Being the anti-coffee person that I am, I didn't have even a single sip of the Iced Milk Coffee but if it's any consolation, my dad said that it was much better than most Iced Milk Coffee he's ever had in a Vietnamese restaurant too. I'd trust his judgement considering he's quite the coffee connoisseur - our cafe-style coffee machine and extensive coffee paraphernalias would vouch for that statement.
Beef & Brisket Pho
Of course I can't go to a Vietnamese restaurant without ordering a bowl of beef & brisket pho. If I ever did, it means that I've definitely lost the plot especially considering the fact that this order is what made me fall in love with the cuisine.
However, I must say that I was incredibly disappointed this time around. The last time I went to Mekong I ordered the same thing and wasn't blown away by it either but I presumed that it was because my tastebuds were being skewed by my cold. Apparently, I was mistaken and it was indeed... not that great.
Now I must admit, I'm not sure whether I'm no longer a big fan of their Beef & Brisket Pho because my favourite pho from Sydney's Pho An (located in Bankstown, Sydney - See review here: http://fooshionandtrinkets.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/pho-time-at-pho-an.html) is simply unbeatable or if the quality of Mekong's pho has declined but I think it's the latter.
For some odd reason, the stock of the pho tasted more like chicken than beef which is odd considering it was a beef & brisket pho. The bean sprouts that were served with the pho weren't very fresh and as a result, it wasn't very crunchy or juicy. I was also disappointed over the fact that they're not as generous as Pho An in terms of the portion of both the side and the actual pho.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't particularly horrible but it did leave me a little disappointed - keep in mind that this is probably due to the fact that I have a slight emotional attachment to the place! Haha.
Chicken and Prawn Springrolls
Now, before you leave this blog due to the slightly discouraging pho review... don't lose all hope because their signature chicken and prawn springrolls came to the rescue.
One of my personal favourite things on their menu and probably my favourite springrolls ever, the chicken and prawn springrolls were extremely satisfying.
Served with a side of dipping sauce and lettuce, the springrolls were perfect as usual. The actual springrolls were crunchy but not oily, the filling of chicken and prawn were flavoursome and the fried-ness of the springrolls were balanced by the crunchy, fresh and juicy lettuce that you would wrap around it before dipping into the sauce and biting into it.
These springrolls are absolutely divine - I would eat a whole 8 serving if my stomach capacity could put up with it but luckily, I didn't.
Prawn rice paper rolls
I didn't have a try of the prawn rice paper rolls but they looked fresh and if the lettuce are from the same batch as those served with my springrolls than it would be safe to say that they were extremely delish too.
Despite the disappointing pho experience, I will definitely continue to visit Mekong in my future Melbourne adventures and so should you.
Be sure to stay tuned to 'fooshion & trinkets' over the next few days/weeks as I will be documenting my Melbournian visit in the best way I know how - photos and food. I'm not entirely sure where I will go over course of the next few days but I can promise you that it'll more than likely feature some rather indie cafes. I am a, supposed, closeted hipster let lose in Melbourne, after all...
Not sure how accurate this statement is but I challenge you if you're ever in Melbourne.
Love always,
Nisa
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