Ngoc Duc, Vietnamese, Cabramatta

Update: sadly they’ve closed shop in January 2016.

Cabramatta’s unsung food hero.

Don’t judge this book by its cover. This is one of Cabramatta’s busiest little takeaway. Noodlies, Sydney food blog thought it’s about time Ngoc Duc gets some limelight.

It’s been featured in Qantas inflight, regularly listed in Good Food Under $30 guides and more, but say Ngoc Duc, Cabramatta and you’re likely to be met with a blank stare. Fact is, this little not-so-small hole in the wall has been around for over two decades in at least three locations in Cabramatta, going from strength to strength.

There’s no seating, the sample food is displayed for you to pick and take away – savoury or dessert. Think of just about any Vietnamese fast feed food and Ngoc Duc is likely to have it. From slinky banh cuon, banh uot rice cakes topped with cha lua (Vietnamese devon roll) above, to bun cha gio (vermicelli spring rolls) and banh beo round rice cakes below.

There’s and endless choice of goi cuon (fresh Vietnamese rolls) to choose from; the traditional pork and prawns, to beef and bi, below.

If you want some pickles to have with dinner, no probs, these days, Ngoc Duc does both Vietnamese and Korean kim chi as well as Thai som tum, below.

Got a hankering for dessert? Get your fix of che xoi nuoc (glutinous balls filled with mung bean in sweet ginger syrup) or xam bo luong below.

It’s hard not to be tempted by the colourful collection of xoi (sticky rice desserts), a popular street food snack which can be had anytime on the streets of Vietnam.

Thirsty? Order a cup of nuoc mia (sugar cane juice). But that’s not the best bit. Most savoury dishes can be had for a crazy $4.50 and most desserts are less than $3.50.

What’s not to like about Ngoc Duc?

Ngoc Duc Takeaway
105 John Street, Cabramatta, NSW
02 9755 0844