mr viet

As I no longer drive, I find myself traversing from Grenfell Street through the Rundle Mall to get to other places, frequently going through James Place to connect with public transport. Having continuously noticed yet another Pho, rice noodle bowl and bun bar as being excessively popular the curiosity was building. Popular, as the late Alan Saunders once pointed out to me, means nothing. A joint can be popular with people who know absolutely nothing about food. A thought that recently resurfaced when I had lunch at my local pub. A shocker of a meal and they were so busy it made me angry.

I was going to order a bowl of soup but noticed someone eating what looked like a delicious open bao. Having tried these to bitter disappointment in several places in the city and burbs, it looked so fresh and tasty it was ordered. They have pork, chicken and tofu, the latter two yet to be tried. The cashier, ears dripping with rows of gorgeous diamonds it was easy to figure she was probably also an owner. Cringingly she said I looked like Karl Lagerfeld, something I have often thought about myself, not flatteringly as the late Karl was, as most people know a bloke.

Service was swift…so surprisingly good. Not just good to eat, but so beautifully presented. The bao a perfect thickness, perfectly soft and plenty of pretty knife work in the generous filling, and praise be the peanuts were roasted and chopped….very modestly priced at $4.50 each. Take-away is also an option, reckon they would be great for a party.