Super Bowl Pho and Bun Bo Hue

252 Victoria St 
Richmond, VIC 3121

http://superbowlmelbourne.com.au/

I’ve never been into sports. Aside from being rather unfit (though not for lack of trying), I’ve never gotten competitive sporting events either, despite how un-Aussie it is to not care an ounce about the footy. But this is one Super Bowl I can get into – a super big bowl of pho at Super Bowl Pho and Bun Bo Hue.

The recently opened Super Bowl got its name from its supersized pho challenge – 2kg of pho in a basin for anyone brave (or foolish) enough to attempt to conquer. Other than that however, it is set up like your regular pho restaurant, with the chairs too close together, and the air wafting with the scent of beef stock. Unlike most pho restaurants however, it is clean, pretty, and the owner was far from grumpy and monosyllabic, going as far as to even make small-talk with the diners. 

Bun Bo Hue ($8, small)

Bun Bo Hue ($8, small) is a noodle dish that is often overshadowed by the better known pho, but one that I’ve recently found a great liking for. It tastes a bit like pho, but instead of clear and herbal beef stock, it’s made with beef and pork bones instead, flavoured piquantly with lemongrass and chilli oil. Call it pho’s more vivacious cousin if you will. 

Bun Bo Hue ($8, small)

This was a heartily enjoyable bowl of noodles. The soup was deep and fragrant, a very noticeable tang of lemongrass in the spicy beef soup, and the noodles were thick and chewy. Though the beef is quite thick, it is also generously given, and the fried pork balls were something different and entirely scrumptious. The plate of mixed veggies and herbs on the side really lent the noodles freshness and texture. 

Tomato Rice with Crispy Fried Maryland Chicken ($9.5)

Compared to my noodles, Chris’ Tomato Rice with Crispy Fried Maryland Chicken ($9.5) was a bit bland. The chicken was very mildly flavoured, but the skin was fried to a perfect crisp, and I really liked the fragrance the coriander added to the chicken soup. This was a cleaner, more elegant rendition of the traditional meal that didn’t impress, but was a good quality dish.

Super Bowl is a place for a solid bowl of pho, with a couple of features to set itself apart from the crowd. If grotty floors and irritable staff bother you, then this is the place to be, even if the noodles are a dollar or so pricier than its neighbours.  And every pho fanatic has to try the Super Bowl at least once. You just have to.

Rating: 14/20 – super duper bowl.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.