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Friday, August 06, 2004

Old Thanh Huong, Marrickville

The Old Thanh Huong is one of our favourite places in Sydney to satisfy cravings for pho noodle soup, calamari with lemongrass and chilli, and che ba mau (three colour drink).

Situated on the Woolworths' end of Illawarra Road, the Old Thanh Huong is usually identifiable by the queue of locals outside, waiting patiently for a table. Locals rarely venture into the Thanh Huong 2, two doors down, which is owned by different management and according to the grapevine, has inferior food and higher prices. Indeed the sight and sound of the pushy woman at the front door trying to convince people to come in is usually warning sign enough.

The Old Thanh Huong decor is typical family-run Asian--hello wall-to-wall mirrors, cramped tables, chopsticks in jars on tables and the ubiquitous box of tissues. However the menu offers a staggering array of choice and the food is always fresh, tasty and unbelievable value.

We feasted like kings and after shared entrees, main and dessert the bill still only came to $21 a head. We highly recommend the calamari with lemongrass and chilli which is spicy fried goodness in all its glory. One of our group couldn't resist ordering the crocodile which tasted like "amphibious chicken" it was decided, or meaty chicken. The Massaman curry was also very more-ish with its creamy nutty spiciness--perfect for drizzling and soaking into fluffy white rice.

Favourites like fresh prawn rolls, ban xeo pancake, stuffed chicken wings and pho noodle soup are fresh, tasty and zingy like all good Vietnamese should be. Go for good food, a happy tummy and a jubilant wallet.


Fresh prawn rolls


Banh xeo - traditional Vietnamese pancake filled with prawns and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce and dipped in nuoc cham sauce


Calamari with lemongrass and chilli--our favourite!


Massaman beef curry


Che ba mau (three colour drink)

Old Thanh Huong
358 Illawarra Road, Marrickville
Tel: 02 9559 7044
10 comments - Add some comment love

posted by Helen (AugustusGloop) on 8/06/2004 11:59:00 pm


10 Comments:

  • At 8/08/2004 6:45 pm, Blogger R said…

    You're incredible (and factualy correct) details are astounding - and I didn't even see you taking notes.

    Augustusgloop, you have a fine and delectable talent.

     
  • At 8/10/2004 10:03 am, Blogger Jess (fushmush) said…

    wow! another new restaurant to try. You should charge for these reviews, you make it all sound so mouthwatering!

     
  • At 5/25/2005 9:36 am, Blogger delerious said…

    This review is spot on. I've been going there for years and locals know the than huang 1 and 2 and Mr 1's and Mrs 2's ...

    Spot on with the recommended dish selection as well ...

    The menu is so extensive we have problems deciding on what to have when we go!

     
  • At 5/27/2005 4:33 pm, Blogger Helen (AugustusGloop) said…

    Hi delerious - Excellent. Glad you concur.

    The lemongrass squid is definitely a must-have favourite of mine. Oh and che ba mau - especially in summer!

     
  • At 6/20/2006 3:10 pm, Blogger Professor said…

    Actually .. Thanh Huong 2, the one 2 doors down is not called Thanh Huong 2, it's called Thanh Hung (bit of a sly thing to do, choosing that name).

    Thanh Huong 2 has actually moved to 228 Marrickville Rd Marrickville now after the owners came out of retirement. You'll notice it right away, it's the only one on Marrickville Rd with people queuing out the front. Try it out .. the Pho rocks and the lemon grass chilli squid is the best in Sydney.

     
  • At 6/20/2006 3:14 pm, Blogger Professor said…

    Oops Thanh Huong 2 @ 228 Marrickville Rd have actually changed their name to "Huong Huong", to distance themselves from the awful reputation "Thanh Hung" is building for itself.

    Sorry about the mistake.

     
  • At 6/20/2006 11:30 pm, Blogger Helen (AugustusGloop) said…

    Hi Professor - You are correct. Since I published this post almost two years ago, changes have been afoot in little Marrickville.

    I had noticed the opening of Huong Huong. It will be so good to see the old staff again.

     
  • At 9/22/2006 7:56 am, Blogger My float said…

    I love the lemongrass and chilli squid. It's my dish of choice when I dine here! Great reading.

     
  • At 9/22/2006 9:11 pm, Blogger ragingyoghurt said…

    we always got salt and pepper squid at thanh huong, but after my baptism by fire (so to speak) with the lemongrass and chilli squid at huong huong sunday night... there is no going back. the most delicious thing i had eaten all week.

     
  • At 9/23/2006 12:10 am, Blogger Helen (AugustusGloop) said…

    Hi my float - Yeah the lemongrass chilli squid has always been one of our favourites. It's nice with prawns too.

    Hi bowb - Ooh I will have to head over to Huong Huong to reaquaint myself with such delights. Don't you love that super lemongrassy flavour?

     

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