First opened in 1982, Phở Tàu Bay has been serving the same best-selling phở in the same location ever since. The queue of people lining up for a bowl of their phở every weekend is unrelenting until about 3 pm.
Phở Bò ($18.00), rice noodle with beef combination (rare beef, beef brisket, beef tendons) served with a side plate of bean sprouts, Thai basil, and lime, while onion was omitted on request.
The beef broth had a robust, savoury beef flavour with the herbs and spices creating a richer flavour than the version served at Phở Pasteur. Notably, the broth had a restrained sweetness and relied less on MSG, leaving us pleasantly satiated rather than parched after our meal. While the slices of raw beef were slightly overcooked upon arrival, making them somewhat chewy, the beef brisket slices fared better, offering a rich, melt-in-the-mouth beefy flavour. The noodles were silky smooth, though a touch soft for our liking.
Phở Bò Dặc Biệt (medium size (top) $19.00); large size (bottom) +$2.00)
We found the phở enjoyable enough to return and try their ‘special beef’ version, which included beef balls and beef bible tripe. These additions provided extra texture and balanced the broth’s heat to prevent the rare beef slices from overcooking. The Northern style broth maintained its rich beefy flavour, but we wished for a bit more prominence from the herbs and spices.
Hủ Tiếu Dai Đồ Biển ($19.00), clear rice noodles with seafood.
The broth, made from pork bones, dried squid, and dried shrimp, offered a clear and comforting base with a subtle sweetness, characteristic of southern Vietnamese flavours. The translucent tapioca noodles soaked up the broth while delivering a delightful chewy elasticity. Two satisfyingly bouncy fish balls, a solitary prawn, and morsels of white fish, which lent texture but lacked notable flavour topped the dish. Thin slices of celery imparted a refreshing vegetal note, while chives and shallots added depth.
While we would readily order this dish again, we might opt to try it with chicken for a variation in flavours.
Phở Tàu Bay is located at 12/117 Hill St, Cabramatta NSW 2166.