Food writer April Ooi's recent culinary adventures in Vietnam left her with a powerful craving for authentic, street-style dishes. This quest led her directly to the doors of Ancom on Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley, a restaurant that has quickly become a local favourite for its extensive and genuine Vietnamese menu.
A Menu That Transports You to Vietnam
Stepping into Ancom, diners are immediately struck by the variety on offer. The menu features specialties rarely seen on Perth tables, including banh xeo (stuffed crispy rice pancakes) and banh khot (savoury mini rice pancakes). Helpful photographs accompany many dishes, a welcome guide for those unfamiliar with the cuisine's diverse offerings.
For her visit on a bustling Sunday evening, Ooi started with two appetisers. The pork and prawn banh khot (12 pieces for $22) arrived with a fresh platter of herbs, lettuce leaves, and a bowl of nuoc cham for dipping. While delicious, the pancakes were satisfyingly rich. She also sampled the grilled prawns (two for $13), served butterflied with a uniquely creamy and sour electric-green sauce that complemented the seafood perfectly.
Standout Mains: From Shaking Beef to Hanoi Pho
One dish proved to be a surprising highlight. A friend's order of shaking beef with fried rice ($27.50), initially dismissed as a safe option, turned out to be Ooi's favourite. The beef was tender, caramelised, and featured a deep, smoky crust, while the fried rice added an extra layer of smoky flavour.
Despite intending to skip the iconic soup, Ooi couldn't resist the special Hanoi-style chicken pho ($21). The large bowl was filled with skin-on tender chicken and soft rice noodles, accompanied by a fresh smashed chilli sauce that offered a vibrant alternative to standard sriracha.
A Vibrant Hub for Authentic Cravings
The restaurant's popularity is no mystery. Ancom provides a fresh, colourful dining experience that captures the essence of Vietnam's vibrant street food scene. With its broad selection of dishes, from the familiar to the more adventurous, it successfully caters to every level of curiosity and craving.
Ancom is located at 564 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am until 10pm. Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling 6285 5486 or visiting their website.
