Thien Nga

Victoria Street is packed with noodle joints, but those chasing the real deal make a beeline for Thien Nga. A warm, family-run fixture easily bypassed by the uninitiated—but step inside for some of the most vibrant Vietnamese plates in Melbourne. Broth purists are fiercely loyal to their phở thố đá—an intensely bubbling stone bowl of broth served with premium meats on the side to cook yourself. Forget the pre-fried stuff. The cơm tấm features thick-cut, fiercely fresh pork chops and deeply savory pork loaf over perfect broken rice. Richmond regulars routinely crown this their top spot, pointing to the crackling bánh xèo egg pancakes and punchy chilli lemongrass chicken. Generous portions. Exceptionally lovely owners. A nostalgic, no-fuss dining room where the flavor does all the heavy lifting.