Fooshion

Cabramatta

Even my Vietnamese friends were amazed by my sense of loyalty for Vietnamese food, I traveled all the way from CBD to Cabramatta. The journey was approximately 1 hour by car and I was lucky to have friends who were food-munchers too. But of course, good food requires good long patience… and the longer you have to wait sometimes the better. 

Cabramatta had always been one of my favorite places for a whole day of food-tour. The place reminds me of my home country, most particularly; the morning markets that swarms with busy food sellers. 

Pandan waffle

The hearty waffle is at its best when delivered fresh from the pot. Inside the warm crispy crust is pandan custard with coconut. We ordered for 2 but decided it was not enough, thus we ended up buying 5 more for takeaway. 

Pandan bolu 

Bolu means sponge cake or chiffon in Bahasa Indonesia, and I bet everyone’s familiar with pandan chiffon. I regret not buying more of this luscious fluffy bolu that beats Azuma Patisserie’s by far.

 Viet Hoa Hot Bread

48 Hill St

Before going to Cabramatta, I had discovered that a poll for the best pho in Cabramatta was conducted and the winner was Pho Tau Bay’s Pho dac biet (special beef). 

Large-sized Pho dac biet

The soup was marvellous, seemed oily at first sight but when you try it… it really wasn’t and the taste was too dainty to care. The beef and the tendons were soft and enticing. Mixing the dish with beansprouts, Vietnamese basil leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped chili is a killer and is highly recommended. This dish had managed to pull my older brother out from that bad tasteless image of pho. 

Fried pork chops

It is without a doubt true that every dish that comes with pork would taste titillating. The fatty richness can simply be forgotten by just one bite of this fried meat. 

Pho Tau Bay

117 John St

There is a small shop selling desserts and juices, you must try the soursop juice that only cost $4.00 and its taste is heavenly. It was perfect for the scorching sunny weather but I could not remember the name or location of the place, all I know is that it is still located along John St.

Next, is the top number 1 in my Cabramatta food list, not only will you taste gratifying food but also excitement when eating the do-it-yourself rice paper rolls in Bau Truong.  

Rice paper roll

So here’s how to eat this divine delicacy:

1) Soak the rice paper in the bowl of hot water provided

2) Place the intact soft wet rice paper on your plate. 

3) Add in the fillings with pork (cut into smaller parts), rice vermicelli and veggies. Make sure that you do not fill too much 

4) Fold the right and left edges and then roll it down/upwards and you will have a sort of spring roll shape

5)  Dip it in the vinegar and grated carrots sauce along with the chili sauce. 

And you will have one of the most enjoyable time of your life. When I was first introduced to the dish, I had bought a pack of rice paper rolls and ate it with anything… everything, literally. I love to put in more of the mint leaves, it enhances the flavor a lot. 

Beef salad with apples, mangoes, mint leaves and star fruit

The salad is also delicious, and this is probably my most favorite salad throughout all time since its sour and a little spicy, the way I like it. 

Bau Truong

42 John St

I concluded the journey by buying longan fruits to bring home. I rarely find them in supermarkets such as Coles or Woolworths. And I had decided that I would visit Cabramatta once more. But this time, I would have to try new dishes and of course visit Tan Viet Noodle house that was closed when we came. The owner had returned to Vietnam for the Chinese New Year. The day ended with happy stomachs and guilt-free hearts because most of the dishes were healthy since they had to be eaten with a lot of vegetables.