Vui Va Say

@ 127 King Street, Newtown

Formally Jesters Seeds, this dingy pub has since been renovated into something modern, chic and slightly kitsch. 
It's a Vietnamese cocktail bar and serves food, snacks and cocktails. One of the best things is that it's open until midnight. Who could resist?

The same could be said about the cassava balls. Of the feast that we supplied ourselves in the backyard-inspired, this mixture of cassava, tumeric and herbs fried and served in a cocktail glass are the perfect munchie to accompany one of the bar's unique cocktails.

Modern Vietnamese is the name of the game, with Chef's Caramelised Pork Belly (I NEVER say no to pork belly), Warm Vermicelli Salad, and Stuffed Baby Calamari. Occasionally, they'll throw in more unique ingredients like crocodile meat - keep an eye out for the specials on the board and be adventurous. 


The food is well cooked and brimming with flavour, displays on signature red and black crockery, they're also a bargain for the price within the area averaging around $10 per dish.

For those seeking late nights, cocktails, and short company, wind your way up the stairs into one of its more casual chic rooms. There's a room for hire decked with soft drapings falling from the ceiling, and a further room with fireplace, graffiti style paintings, and high, friendly tables. 

Clink your glasses and drink up. They didn't name this play Vui Va Say for nothing you know.

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Pho 88

@ 343 King Street, Newtown

This was an unexpected visit. Upon organising a catch up with a friend, she'd spied this little gem on her bus-ride in and began that understandable craving for pho. It was a balmy evening out, but I wasn't going to debate her on this one. I hadn't yet broken Pho 88 and it had been taunting me for quite some time. With the plethora of Vietnamese restaurants that have opened up to me lately, the ruling is still out on which is the best. OK, let's face it, Thanh Binh wins hands down, but we've got to give the rest of them a fair chance, right?

We entered and were seated in a prime spot, right at the window. The setting was cozy, the restaurant was comfortably packed, and the service spot-on. We scored the menu, knowing innately what we were going to order. We went for the DIY rice paper rolls instead. So sue us - we can always return on a colder evening for pho.

Unfortunately, the table was quite measly for our meal, but in between shuffling water bottles around and doubling up on plates, we managed to make this work. The rice papers came on plastic coverings and were already softened, ensuring we didn't make a mess of things. We did anyway. But that's where all the fun comes in. We practised our packing and rolling skills and eventually made it through most of the rolls. Between the both of us there were about 10 rolls and ample fillings for all.

All in all a successful evening. Again, Thanh Binh does it better, but if you're after delicious DIY this side of the strip, doubt discount Pho 88. We'll be back for the pho- promise.

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PAJU BBQ

@ Level 1, 196 King Street, Newtown

To be honest, I had my doubts about this one. The previous restaurant, Top Level, was a forlorn and empty place. When we entered Paju it read quite the same, of course, it was New Year's Day when we entered, so the lack of clients can be excused. On the upside, we had our choice of table. Gone were the cheesy glow lights of its predecessor and the gawd-awful music, instead we were greeted with open space, wooden tables and floors and a casual air.

The cuisine was typically Korean. There was a BBQ menu on the side, but our craving lay all in the traditional stone potted Bibimpbap. Endless entrees of kimchi were laid on the table, everything from chilli cabbage to seaweed and all delicious and easy to pick up before and in-between meals.

The bibimbap arrived in due course, steaming hot and as delicious as it should be. I drizzled my red sauce generously however my party chose to be more sparing. Whatever your desire, it's good. Nothing out of the ordinary, mind-blowingly spectacular, but if good, authentic Korean is what you're after, you'll find it here.

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