At Bà Năm Restaurant, every dish tells a story. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or just looking to explore beyond the usual phở, our menu is a journey through Vietnam — one bite at a time. From the vibrant flavors of the North to the bold spices of Central Vietnam and the comforting soul food of the South, here’s how to eat like a local — and fall in love with every plate.

Start with the Regions: North, Central, and South
Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and much of that comes from regional differences. At Bà Năm, we’ve crafted our menu to highlight signature dishes from each part of the country — so you don’t need a plane ticket to taste Vietnam from top to bottom.

1. North – Phở
Our phở bò (beef noodle soup) stays true to its original northern roots mixed with southern flavors. The broth is light but deeply layered, made from beef bones slow-simmered with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and charred onion. It’s served with flat rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs — but not overloaded with toppings. That’s how Vietnamese prefer it: clean, balanced, and elegant.

2. Central – Spicy Bún Bò Huế
Ready for something with a kick? Try bún bò Huế, a spicy beef and pork noodle soup from Central Vietnam. The broth is richer and more aromatic than phở, with lemongrass and chili oil giving it a distinct flavor. Thick round noodles and sliced brisket or pork hock make it a hearty meal — not for the faint-hearted, but a local favorite for sure.

3. South – Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
In southern Vietnam, cơm tấm is a comfort food classic. At Bà Năm, we serve it with grilled pork chops (sườn nướng), a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and our signature fish sauce dressing (nước mắm). It’s crispy, savory, and slightly sweet — perfect for lunch or dinner, especially when you’re craving something filling and satisfying.

Build a Full Meal: Our Favorite Combos
Want to enjoy a proper Vietnamese-style meal? Here’s a guide to pairing starters, mains, and dessert like a true local:

Starter: Gỏi Cuốn or Chả Giò?
Start light with gỏi cuốn (fresh rice paper rolls) — shrimp, pork, and vermicelli wrapped in soft rice paper, served with peanut hoisin dipping sauce. Or, if you prefer something crispy, go for chả giò (fried spring rolls), stuffed with minced pork, mushroom, and taro. Both are perfect for sharing!

Main Dish: Choose Your Noodles or Rice
For soup lovers: Phở bò or bún bò Huế

For dry noodle fans: Bún thịt nướng chả giò — grilled pork with fried spring rolls over cold rice noodles

For rice enthusiasts: Cơm tấm sườn trứng — broken rice with grilled pork and egg

Dessert: Chè Thái or Fried Ice Cream
Vietnamese meals often end on a light and playful note — and at Bà Năm, we’ve got just the treats to make you smile.

Try our chè Thái, a tropical dessert inspired by both Vietnamese and Thai flavors. It features mixed jellies, jackfruit, lychee, and young coconut in sweet coconut milk — served cold, vibrant, and refreshing.

Looking for something surprising? Go for our fried ice cream! Wrapped in a crispy golden shell, the creamy center stays cold and dreamy — a perfect combination of hot and cold, crunch and melt. It’s a favorite among kids and first-timers alike!

Bún Bò Huế 101: How to Eat It Like a Local
Bún bò Huế might just be the boldest dish on our menu — spicy, fragrant, and full of character. Here’s how to enjoy it like a true Vietnamese food lover:

Start with a sip of broth — This is where all the magic happens: slow-cooked beef and pork bones, lemongrass, chili oil, and a rich umami depth.

Mix your bowl gently — Use your chopsticks to stir in the noodles, slices of brisket, pork hock, and herbs. It’s all about blending flavors without rushing it.

Customize your heat — Add fresh chili, lime, and maybe a dab of shrimp paste if you’re feeling adventurous. Every bowl is a personal experience.

Pro tip: Locals often pair bún bò Huế with iced tea or a sweet dessert to balance out the spice. Give it a try — you’ll understand why it’s a cult favorite!

Tips to Order Like a Pro (Even If You’re New)
We know Vietnamese names can be a bit hard to pronounce at first, so here are some simple tips to help:

If you like light and mild flavors, go for phở or gỏi cuốn
If you prefer bold and spicy, try bún bò Huế or cơm tấm with chili sauce
Want something crunchy and fun? Go with chả giò or bún chả giò

And don’t hesitate to ask our friendly staff! We love helping guests discover their new favorite dish.

Dine In or Take Away – We’ve Got You Covered
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or grabbing lunch on the go, Bà Năm makes it easy. Our full menu is available for both dine-in and takeaway, and each dish is packed with care to retain freshness and flavor.

Takeaway tip: Our phở comes with broth and noodles packed separately, so it stays perfect until you’re ready to slurp.

Want to enjoy Vietnamese food at home with friends? Ask about our family-style platters and catering options — great for group meals and weekend get-togethers.

Why Vietnamese Food? Why Choose Bà Năm Restaurant?
Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance: hot and cold, sweet and sour, fresh and savory. It’s healthy, deeply flavorful, and beautifully crafted. And at Bà Năm, it’s also deeply personal — inspired by family recipes, traditional cooking methods, and a desire to share the real taste of Vietnam with our Adelaide community.

Whether you’re a curious foodie, a homesick traveler, or a family looking for something different, we invite you to eat like a local, try something new, and experience the warmth of Vietnam — right here at our table.

From the streets of Hanoi to the kitchens of Trảng Bàng — now served fresh in Adelaide.