If you’re in need of sustenance after indulging in a few drinks at the Wild Rover, Madame Nhu in Surry Hills hits the right spot.
Located a mere stumble from the bar at the corner of Campbell and Foster Street, the tiny eatery with indoor and outdoor seating knows how to pack a crowd.
Madame Nhu
The décor evokes an era of French colonial Vietnam in the 1950s-60s, the period when Madame Nhu, the President’s sister in law, assumed the role of Vietnam’s first lady. A mural of the lady pointing a gun is difficult to miss among the weathered furniture, bird cages, blue and yellow light fittings hanging from the ceiling, and blue painted shutters.
Once seated, you’ll be seduced by the aroma of pho coming from the kitchen.
Tiger prawn summer rolls with nước chấm
The tiger prawn summer rolls with nước chấm dipping sauce ($9.50) are a good option to start with while waiting for the main courses.
Bún bò grilled beef
The bún bò grilled beef with vermicelli salad and chilli lime vinaigrette ($16.90) is big on flavour with tender pieces of beef with hints of spice.
Signature đặc biệt phở, grass-fed beef prepared three ways
The signature đặc biệt phở with grass-fed beef prepared three ways ($15.90) is fragrant,with silky, smooth noodles and generous pieces of tender beef in a delicious broth. Should you find yourself unable to finish the meal, for 50 cents for a take-home container and the leftover pho still tastes good the following day.
Madame Nhu is a charming eatery. Casual and affordable, the dishes are generous in size and flavour and service is friendly and efficient. For a good place to eat in Surry Hills that doesn’t stretch the budget, Madame Nhu not only ticks all the right boxes, it will bring you back for more. And that has nothing to do with the lady’s pointed gun.
Madame Nhu
82 Campbell St, Surry Hills (corner of Foster St)
www.madamenhu.com.au
Lunch Mon-Sat: 11am-3pm.
Dinner 7 nights: 5pm-10pm
