Mel's Cafe Footscray

This restaurant serves the best bun bo hue in town. The soup is delicious and they have a great selection of meat to choose from. I always opt for extra meat since the prices are reasonable. The lemon grass oil condiment is a fantastic addition to the noodle soup.

Try the bun bo hue!! It includes pork blood, fish cake, tender beef slices and pork slices. The spice level is just right, allowing you to finish the soup. The little roundels on the surface add a burst of wonderful flavor.

You cannot capture the essence of this place in pictures. Have you ever craved an authentic bowl of Banh Canh Cua Thit Heo or Bun Bo Hue? Look no further than Dong Ba in Footscray. This restaurant has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the area, with meals priced around $13-15 per bowl. The Vietnamese flavors and aromas here are truly the most authentic you will find. Don't just take my word for it, go and experience it for yourself. And for all you durian lovers out there, the durian smoothie is a must-try. Treat yourself to a visit and see how quickly you'll fall in love with Dong Ba, just like I have. I have visited this place many times and every friend I have recommended it to has loved it too!

Yesterday was our fourth visit and it will certainly not be our last. I've read some past reviews and just want to say something in defense of this venue re the negative comments about menu items not being avail and staff rudeness. Please get a grip people... In these pandemic times there are shortages of ingredients and cost of ingredients is higher than ever. We all see it in the supermarkets. But like many traditional cafe style, authentic restaurants in Footscray, Dong Ba, continues to serve the same amazing value food with the most delicious, authentic tastes. So COME here for authentic true food, leave your pretense attitude on the pavement and do what we do... ask the staff whats good today? what do they recommend? Dong Ba is not marketing themselves as anything else but authentic flavored dishes served fast, fresh and amazing value.

Service is lacking, but food was decent. Not much noodle in the medium bun bo hue, toppings were good though.