Nam Giao 218-220 Springvale Road, Springvale, Victoria 3171

"I recently visited Nam Giao, a Vietnamese restaurant at Unit 3/218-220 Springvale Rd, Springvale, Victoria, Australia. In search of a quick lunch on my own, I decided to try their renowned dish, Bun Bo Hue. The restaurant's specialty in Vietnamese cuisine piqued my interest. Upon entering, I couldn't help but notice the dated and run-down ambience. The atmosphere seemed somewhat uninspiring, and my first impression was tainted further by the poor and slow service I experienced throughout my visit. The anticipation for my meal was heightened due to the extended wait time. However, the disappointment in the service was compensated somewhat by the well-presented and fresh plate of Bun Bo Hue that finally arrived. The presentation of the dish reflected the care put into its preparation. Unfortunately, the cleanliness of the table left much to be desired, as it was noticeably sticky. As for value for money, I found it to be average. The limited menu variety and accommodations were a letdown, and the lack of options further marred the overall experience. On a positive note, the restaurant offered complimentary Chinese tea in a thermos flask, a slight touch that added warmth to an otherwise chilly experience. My primary recommendation for Nam Giao would be to consider dining here only if you have ample time to spare. I waited for a staggering 35 minutes before my meal was finally served, which significantly impacted my overall enjoyment of the visit. The disappointment stemming from the extensive wait time certainly coloured my review with a tone of frustration. In conclusion, Nam Giao left me with mixed feelings. While the well-prepared Bun Bo Hue offered a glimpse of the restaurant's potential, the dated atmosphere, poor service, and cleanliness left much to be desired. For those willing to exercise patience, Nam Giao might hold promise; otherwise, exploring other dining options in the area might be worth exploring."

"A lesser known Vietnamese restaurant in Springvale and certainly a hidden gem that should not be ignored. Very clean restaurant with friendly service. Menu items are displayed in big pictures around the restaurant. There is a limited menu and all dishes are done well! I consider the bun rieu here (crab noodle soup - $16.00) to be gold standard in Springvale. The soup is deliciously crabby and the home made pork mince balls are both tender and full of flavour. Make sure you use the strimp paste as a dip for extra umani. Using Doordash, Nam giao is nearly the same price as in store (about $1.00 extra), so a quick delivered dinner is always on the table for me!"

"This restaurant is next to Kingvale Pho. I decided to check out this place after seeing so many locals eating there. Ordered the BBH or spicy beef noodle soup. It wasn't too spicy, which is good for me. Generous in portions with pig's blood. There's even a pork knuckle. The soup is delicious. Unlike the restaurant Bun Bo Hue further down the street, I don't taste the lemon grass flavour in the soup. The price is $15 for regular, cheaper than the fancier restaurants. Note that it's communal dining, and it can feel claustrophobic for some. I highly recommend checking this restaurant."