One of our friends, who's a local to the area, took us to Gia Hoi. We've been to at least, 2 or 3 others along the same stretch on Canley Heights Rd, and for the other 3 of us, it was our first visit to this joint. First impressions are that it's your typical Vietnamese restaurant. Tiled floors, unimaginative tables and chairs, though I must admit, a lot better than others that I've seen.
Tea - free :)
Honestly, green chopsticks?? It does seem to "go" with the orange theme the restaurant seems to have established for itself.
Avocado Thick Shake - $3. Excellent stuff. Having been a regular vietnamese restaurant goer for over a decade, I never knew this stuff existed! I only tried some the other week when one of my friends ordered it and I tried some. Terrific :) And being the compulsive foodie that I am... I ordered seconds :)
Bun Bo Hue - $7? - This restaurant makes this stuff really well.
Bun Dac Biet (Vermicelli noodle special) - $7? Another excellent choice. Andrew did say it was one of the best ones he's tasted, and although his hunger probably exaggerated his feelings a little, I'm sure it was very nice all the same :)
Paw Paw Thick Shake - $3. Nice, but it doesn't beat the king of Thick Shakes - The Avocado!
Yep, for sure I'll be back. And next time, I'll also order a meal myself. Unfortunately, this place closes a little earlier than I'd like (like, ... 3am would be nice - some of the other stores in the area close at that time), so we'll have to see when the next time will be :)
1 comment:
Being a local resident (yes, I am of Vietnamese ethnicity haha) who eats at this restaurant regularly, I find it very exciting when people from different nationalities come to dine in the area. I often find myself unknowingly peeking at non-locals just to be able to catch a glimpse of their reactions to our food and service. The food from our area is authentic in its taste, not hindered or tailored to the "western taste". I believe, if one decides to experience something different, they should experience it to it's full extent - it shouldn't be altered to any degree. Reading your description above, I find it very enjoyable to observe people's reactions to our true culture. I totally agree with the nature of Vietnamese restaurants - unimaginative, loud and quite terrible in deed (the owner of Gia Hoi is very superstitious, he believes black is evil and bright colours will invite "feng shui") haha...but that is our culture...that is who we are. We are loud, obnoxious, and possess no table manners what so ever. We dine with the intention of gaining a good feed. We eat judging on the content of the food, rather than the presentation. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience and hope you come to visit again, although I must warn you, the restaurant is busier than ever before (20% discount attracts a lot of budgeting families) and the service tends to be at times sloppy. However, I bear good news - Gia Hoi is expanding to George St, Sydney, no need for 30 minute drives. Lets hope, the food remains true to it culture and not influenced to "tailor", like other City Vietnamese restaurants I've visited. Thank you for sharing your experience with others on the internet, I hope others will be a joyful and tolerant as you of our culture :)
Post a Comment