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Inner East › Richmond › XE OM VIET STREET FOOD (COLLINGWOOD)
XE OM VIET STREET FOOD (COLLINGWOOD)B+Worth Trying
194 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
· Vietnamese restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1211 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Vietnamese street-food spot with standout Bun Bo Hue, quick service, and fair prices; service and consistency can wobble at busy times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Xe Om Viet delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by an exceptional Bun Bo Hue and reliable pho, banh mi, and crispy items. Quick, friendly service and fair pricing with generous portions make it competitive with respected local favorites. However, inconsistent execution—occasional bland broths, chewy meats, and portion variation— and intermittent service wobbles during peaks prevent a higher grade, making it best for Vietnamese-core dishes rather than pan-Asian experiments.
Restaurant Summary
On Smith Street, this spot hums with a colorful street-food vibe and a steady flow of steaming bowls. Service is often quick and upbeat, with staff like Anna earning warm shoutouts. One diner put it simply: "Bowls arrived fast and packed a punch." Expect a lively room with casual, friendly energy. The cooking leans classic Vietnamese with a few pan-Asian detours. The Bun Bo Hue is the dish people cross town for, while vermicelli bowls and crispy pork banh mi are reliable crowd-pleasers. Some off-track items, like laksa or the odd stir-fry, draw mixed notes, so stick to the Vietnamese core for the best experience. Families do well here thanks to approachable options: pho with chicken or beef, fried rice, satay skewers, bao, and spring rolls. Portions are generous and prices are mid-range, making it easy to share. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu has plenty that younger diners actually eat.
At a Glance
- House Bun Bo Hue is a standout with rich, spicy broth
- Fast kitchen and fair prices for large portions
- Service and knowledge can wobble during busy periods
- Occasional inconsistencies in broth depth and meat texture
- Best results when ordering Vietnamese-core dishes over pan-Asian outliers
What Sets It Apart
- house_bun_bo_hue_specialty
- fast_kitchen_turnaround
- colorful_street_style_vibe
What People Love
- Spicy, loaded Bun Bo Hue bowls
- Friendly service from named staff
- Colorful, upbeat dining room
- Value for money with big serves
- Consistent pho and vermicelli staples
Points of Concern
- Menu availability can dip at peak times with some items out
- A few reports of rude or defensive service interactions
- Intermittent quality slips: bland laksa, chewy meats, small serves
- Hygiene complaints are rare but serious when mentioned; monitor if sensitive
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$38-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Vietnamese-core dishes (BBH, pho, vermicelli) for best flavor-to-price
- Seafood items run A$23-24; good if you prefer premium proteins
Perfect For
- Craving a fast, satisfying noodle soup
- Casual weeknight dinner with friends
- Warm-up meal before a Smith St night out
- Takeaway banh mi fix
Location Insights
Area: Trendy inner-north strip with bars, cafes, and creative retail; draws students, creatives, and after-work crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, busy foot traffic into late evening; standard inner-city vigilance.
Nearby: On Smith St near pubs, boutiques, and other Asian eateries; easy link to Fitzroy and artistic venues.
CollingwoodCollingwood is a trendy, creative neighborhood with a strong industrial heritage, now transformed into a hub for cafes, bars, and diverse eateries. The dining scene is casual and eclectic, attracting foodies interested in authentic and innovative cuisines, often with a focus on multicultural and street food offerings.
Smith StreetSmith Street is a well-known strip within Collingwood famous for its vibrant nightlife, boutique shops, and a wide range of casual dining options including street food and international cuisines. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a lively and informal dining experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–21:45
Tuesday10:30–21:45
Wednesday10:30–21:45
Thursday10:30–21:45
Friday10:30–21:45
Saturday10:30–21:45
Sunday10:30–21:45
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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