Centro shopping mall which was extended some four years ago is the most prominent feature as visitors drive into Bankstown CBD. But there are more interesting places to check out first than visiting a shopping centre which is almost the same everywhere.
Old Bankstown charm beckon locals and visitors from other suburbs with the multinational cuisines, exotic local and imported fresh food, herbs and spices and delicacies. You could find mangosteen and durian quite easily in the shops.
Lunch was at the famous My Canh Vietnamese Restaurant.
Spring rolls come with all three types of mint leaves (testimony of authenticity) and lettuce. The shredded radish and carrot strips in the dipping chilli fish sauce is another indicator of the traditional Vietnamese touch and attention to detail.
The soft shell crab in salt and garlic butter which comes with a guranteed minimum of two pieces was wonderful. Tasty but not salty, it is fried to perfection with no trace of excess oil. They are generous with the spring onions and cut chillies too.
Fried prawn fritters braised in tamarind sauce was highly commended in most food reviews. A must try.
The pho was extremely popular. The clear beef broth imparted flavours from many hours of brewing but with spices subtly infused.
No wonder my Vietnamese friends say that Bankstown has the best Vietnamese restaurants in greater Sydney metro area. Cabramatta may win in terms of quantity and history. But Bankstown certainly has earned its place as a foodie paradise.
If you still have room for more sweets, head for the Bankstown Lebanese Bakery at Chapel Road. There are a wide variety of Mediterranean sweets to sample. Nutty, creamy, sweet, crispy, more than the well known baclava and such that you could imagine.
You can find special dessert such as durian and soursop smoothie here.
The three coloured ice was equally tempting. The beans are cooked to a right texture, neither undercooked nor too soft and mashed. Just nice to cool down from the summer heat outside.
No wonder my Vietnamese friends say that Bankstown has the best Vietnamese restaurants in greater Sydney metro area. Cabramatta may win in terms of quantity and history. But Bankstown certainly has earned its place as a foodie paradise.
If you still have room for more sweets, head for the Bankstown Lebanese Bakery at Chapel Road. There are a wide variety of Mediterranean sweets to sample. Nutty, creamy, sweet, crispy, more than the well known baclava and such that you could imagine.
- c.g.
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