Pho Bo Ga Mekong

I used to come to this place quite often, but this is the first time I've dined here again since the pandemic hit Melbourne 2 years ago. Pho Bo Ga Mekong Vietnam is still a popular and busy place due to its nice location in the city, and the atmosphere remains the same. I ordered a regular bowl of the special beef pho which had sliced beef, tripe, tendon, and bone marrow in it for toppings, as well as a side of the fried pork and prawn spring rolls. Everything is as delicious as I remember it. The ingredients are all very fresh, and the pho broth is well balanced and flavourful. It might just be my memory playing tricks on me, but I do feel that the portion sizes have been reduced somewhat. The bowl of pho did not have as much meat toppings in it, and the spring rolls seem smaller compared to what I can recall. The pho cost $16 (the most I've paid for a small bowl of pho for some time in a very casual restaurant) and $8 for the 4 pieces of spring rolls. One of the spring rolls I received was hollow and did not have any filling inside (maybe the filling fell out during the cooking process? I did not bother to ask for a replacement). The price rise could perhaps be attributed to the current socio-economical climate; however, I have previously still been able to find more generous servings of pho elsewhere for cheaper. There is a new ordering system as well. You can now scan the QR code at your table to order and pay online. However, it didn't quite work for me at the time (the SMS confirmation code was not sending through to my phone) so I ended up ordering at the counter.

One of the worst pho I've ever had. Literally went there with high expectation as, firstly, there were quite many people whenever I walked pass, second, with its poor interior I thought they seemed to rather focuse more on food but not other things. Well, failed. Taste was just full of MSG, which has kept me drinking water for the rest of my day but nothing else. It didn't have great flavour with secret ingredients I felt but I was rush to finish noodles and meats from the pho but tried not to have soup.

Came here again after 2 years, had one sip of the pho broth and immediately noticed how the quality of the food deteriorated. The food was nice but I have had much better pho elsewhere for the same price. Was quite shocked because the last time I was here the food was fantastic. Perhaps there was a change in management or recipe, but sad to say it's no longer in my list of favourite pho places

Great tasting Vietnamese food in the heart of the city! Can’t go wrong with a Pho & some spring rolls. They checked our Vax Cert at the door & ordering is via the contactless app, food & drinks came quite quickly. At $70 to feed a family of 4 lunch, it’s not the cheapest feed in town, but it’s somewhat of an institution & judging by the quality of the food & how well patronised Mekong was I’m not the only one who thinks so.

One of a few shops that still open on Swanston St since I first came to Melbourne a decade ago. I love their grilled chicken, the soup pho is flavourful but not something I'm used to ... but the grilled chicken with lemongrass is soft and so so good. I happened to visit during lockdown and ordered a takeaway and they packed it well too. Please stay awesome!

At the beginning I was skeptical to come in as the place looks old .My family and I have decided to give it a try yesterday Monday and it is holiday . I was impressed with the service and the food quality and the best Pho so far I have tasted. I nearly finished my bowl which is very huge by the way and I normally would only finished half of it. But this one taste so good. We ordered spring rolls, pork chargrilled, crispy chicken rice and beef pho. We are all very satisfied and would definitely come back. Highly recommended. The price is very reasonable.