Bao and Bun, Camberwell by Obelix

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is hard to come by in this neck of the woods in Camberwell.  So I was excited to see that Bao and Bun had taken over a former cafe along the Middle Camberwell strip.  Kiddo being an avid lover all things noodley in soupy and we went for lunch one Saturday to check it out.  

We settled with a serve of spring rolls to begin with.  These were the longest Vietnamese spring rolls I have encountered.  No complaints there.  Spring rolls are hard to get wrong and very easy to love.  

Kiddo had her 'usual' which is chicken pho.  We upgraded to the large and it was truly a substantial serve with loads of shredded chicken breast.  In fact, there was so much of it, we took some home as takeaway.  

I ordered a grilled chicken 'bun', i.e., the rice noodle chicken salad.  If you treated it as a chicken noodle salad, then the bun met all expectations.  Fresh crisp veggies, a dressing spiked with fish sauce, loads of shredded chicken.  However if you were expecting a bun similar to the ones found in the Vietnamese enclaves of Springvale and Richmond, then you would be a bit disappointed.  I was searching around my palate trying to pin point what it was missing.  I think it was missing the herbaciousness of lemongrass, coriander, mint, etc.  

The service was friendly and welcoming.  Bao and Bun also has coffee and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette rolls) made to order.  

Verdict

We liked it.

Mid value.

Overall

Bao and Bun serves as a quick lunch spot.  Whilst not as authentic as some Vietnamese joints, it is a decent lunch spot.

Find it at

Bao and Bun 

770 Riversdale Road

Camberwell Vic 3124

Phone: 9836 7886