Sydney is truly one of the great world cities. With this status comes an influx of new arrivals from every corner of the world. And with those new arrivals comes new flavours and aromas that will get the senses tingling.
In the last instalment, we talked a bit about Indian food in the colourful western Sydney neighbourhoods of Wentworthville and Westmead. This week we turn our attention to Cabramatta – Sydney’s Little Saigon – and give you the inside tip on the best, most authentic Vietnamese culinary delights our city has to offer.
Cabramatta: A Snapshot
Location: 30km south west of Sydney CBD
Population: 21 783
Key demographics: 35% of the population born in Vietnam, 9% of the population born in Cambodia, other significant communities from China, Thailand and Laos.
Cabramatta is synonymous with Sydney’s Vietnamese community. Its streets are alive with the sounds and smells of a South East Asian city. Aromas of lemongrass and coriander fill the air and you never quite know what you are going to find hidden down the next alley.
In the last decade or so there has been a renewed interest in Vietnamese culinary traditions in Australia and this has led to Cabramatta being seen as a hub for gastro-tourism. So, let’s talk food and take you to find some of the most delicious and iconic Vietnamese dishes in Sydney’s vibrant South West.

Bahn Mi
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting traditional Bahn Mi in Cabramatta. A delicious Saigon style pork roll with 2 types of pork (three if you count the delicious pate), made on fresh buns from Vietnamese bakeries can be found on ever street and corner in central Cabra.
One of our personal favourites and a popular treat with locals is the roast chicken Bahn Mi at KK Bakery in a laneway off John Street.

Pho
Pho is a rice noodle soup that is inarguably Vietnam’s national dish. You’ll find great pho all over Cabramatta, indeed pho is a Sydney favourite and can be found in every corner of the city.
We reckon you can’t look past Pho 54 on Freedom Plaza in the heart of Cabramatta!
