Tien Dat

Skip the Box Hill Central crowds—cross Carrington Road for the real deal. Tien Dat is a buzzy, no-frills powerhouse. The phở? Flawlessly clear. The nước dùng (broth) is packed with deep, aromatic intensity and loaded with tender beef. Vietnamese expats point straight to this vibrant spot for an elite plate of cơm tấm (broken rice)—an absolute knockout when chased with a fiercely strong cà phê sữa đá. And the pork-stuffed bánh cuốn is unrivaled in the postcode. Service is lightning-fast. Portions are massive. Plus, the cô chủ (owner) brings a remarkably warm hospitality that makes you feel like an instant regular. Pure, unadulterated comfort.