Us eastsiders know where it’s at, and the Viet is at Long Phung in Joo Chiat. Long Phung is universally popular – you’ll see Vietnamese folk, locals and tourists alike, munching on goi cuan (fresh rice paper rolls), pho (noodles in beef broth) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noodles).
It’s so popular that you’ll likely have to queue or share tables if you go during usual eating hours. Also, people say the service is a little rough but hey, give me my fried spring rolls, beef pho and avocado milkshake, and I don’t give a crap if you’re not flashing your pearly whites at me.
The popular must-have at most Viet places is the fresh rice paper rolls, but I err on the side of the fried, usually – so none of that clean, fresh stuff for me, give me the crispy, crunchy fried stuff.
I like the fried rolls ($4) here, they are meaty, with mushrooms and delicious dipped in the accompanying chilli sauce.
My pho ($7) came with the basil, mint and beansprouts already mixed in. Condiments and chillis are on the side, I make sure to add more chilli padi because the broth is on the sweet side and I quite like the danger of accidentally biting into a spicy little chilli, now and then.
Beef slices are rare-ish and tender but my hubby had the brisket which I didn’t like – it was too tough and hard to swallow down, really.
I saw plates of fried chicken wings ($10) going round, so simply had to order that, and a generous portion of fish sauce marinated wings arrived, all steamy hot. Didn’t find the fish sauce taste standing out too much, but I was too distracted with the crispy skin and succulent meat to be picking on that.
So you know avocados are full of healthy fats, right? Naturally I ordered the Avocado Milkshake ($4) – a thick and cold creamy shake that doubles up as a dessert for me.
All in all, Long Phung is my go-to place for a quick and satisfying Vietnamese meal.
Long Phung:
Address: 159 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427436
Tel: +65 9105 8519
Opening Hours: 12nn-10pm.