Phong Phu – Springvale – want to try snail dishes? -

Nestled next to Moon Diem Hen in the vibrant dining precinct of Springvale, Phong Phu is one of the newest additions to the local food scene, having opened its doors in late 2024. With its striking pink signage adorned with the outline of a snail, this narrow establishment promises a unique culinary adventure. However, my experience was a mix of highs and lows.

Highlights	Phong Phu offers unique snail dishes and affordable Vietnamese classics, but cramped space and average pho make it hit-or-miss despite friendly service.
Cost	$10 – $15 for most of the lunch specials $15 for Medium Bo Bun Hue
Location	244 Springvale Road, Springvale VIC 3171

Ambiance and Setup

Phong Phu’s interior is compact, with limited walkway space, creating an intimate but somewhat crowded dining environment. Upon sitting down, I was greeted with a self-serve setup featuring jasmine tea and an array of condiments including hoisin sauce, sriracha, and chili oil. The small touches like these showcased the restaurant’s thoughtful nod to Vietnamese dining culture.

Menu Highlights

Phong Phu’s menu offers a mix of affordable single dishes and family-style shared plates, with most meals ranging between $10 and $15. For something more adventurous, they’ve carved a niche with an extensive list of exotic snail dishes. From sweet snail with salt and pepper ($25) to New Zealand sea snails with passionfruit sauce ($26), and sea snails with salted egg ($27), the selection is unparalleled in the area. It’s clear the restaurant is aiming to stand out with these offerings.

Phong Phu menu, along with their specials menu

My Experience

For my meal, I played it safe with the $15 Free Range Chicken Pho. The dish arrived as a generous bowl of noodles in soup, accompanied by a side plate of neatly arranged free-range chicken on a bed of lettuce. As is customary, it came with a fresh plate of Vietnamese basil, bean sprouts, chili, and a wedge of lemon.

While the presentation was promising, the pho itself left much to be desired. The noodles and broth were unremarkable, lacking the depth and richness one expects from a standout pho. The chicken, though attractively plated, was bland and troublesome to eat due to the unexpected crunch of bones.

Phong Phu's Free Range Chicken Pho for $15 — Phong Phu’s Free Range Chicken Pho for $15

Service

The service was a bright spot in my visit. The staff were attentive, friendly, and quick to respond, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere despite the underwhelming meal.

Final Thoughts

Phong Phu’s ambitious foray into exotic snail dishes may attract adventurous diners, and its central location makes it convenient for a quick bite. However, my experience with the Free Range Chicken Pho was decidedly average. While the service and variety of dishes were commendable, the execution fell short of expectations.

For those looking to explore the unique snail offerings, Phong Phu might be worth a visit. For more traditional dishes, there may be better options in Springvale’s bustling food scene. Overall, it was an average lunch that didn’t quite hit the mark.

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