"Pick 6 dishes that represent Vietnam"...

Says my new journo friend, Daisy Dumas, she's doing a story for CNNGo.com. Oh, and they have to be in Cabramatta and we need to eat them in one sitting... I was soooo up for the challenge!

I selected six dishes that transport me back to Vietnam, dishes that we commonly eat and one or two that are just so uniquely Vietnamese... What do you think of my selection? Leave a comment...

1. Pho: at Pho Tau Bay

No list would be complete without Pho, Vietnam's most famous soup. It comes in several types: beef, chicken, vegetarian, even seafood. And Pho Tau Bay was voted Sydney's best Pho in 2010.

2. Com Tam (broken rice) at Pho Tau Bay

Com tam, is 'broken rice' with pork chop, cha (baked minced pork), bi (thin slices of pig skin) and runny fried egg is an optional extra.

3. Banh Cuon at Phu Quoc

Banh cuon are little ice noodle pockets are  filled with mince served with cured pork, fried onions and range of mints including coriander and basil.  A good banh cuon is distinguished by how thin the rice noodle is, and by the dipping sauce. There are only two places I know of in Cabramatta that sell this dish and I reckon Phu Quoc serves probably the best in all of Sydney.

4. Bun Bo Hue at Dong Ba

This challenging dish is for those who graduate beyond pho.  Bun bo hue in fierce, lemongrass and chili dominate, that red isn't from tomato paste!  There are several types of meat, including beef, pork, pork devon, and congealed pork blood as well as pig trotters. One of my favourite dishes!

What do you think of my selection so far? Leave a comment and let me know...

5. Goi ga (chicken salad) at Dem Hen

Goi ga, with congee is one of my all time favourite things.  At Dem Hen we order goi ga chay bo, running chicken or free range chicken.  The meat is tougher gamier, but ultimately more satisfying.  The cabbage, mint and lettuce and other greens, together with the lemon juice with a touch of fish sauce really works with the chicken.  And a couple of chicken feet indicates this place will never compromise.

WARNING: please don't read on if you're squeamish - the following is about fertilised eggs.

6. Hot vit lon

Hot vit lon are soft boiled fertilised duck eggs, eaten for protein and to aid fertility.  They're also eaten in many south east Asian countries, including the Philippines where they're called balut.

For a full description on how to eat hot vit lon and what it tastes like, visit this noodlies Sydney food blog post.

The challenge started today at 10am and five and a half hours later, at 3.30pm we finished, full, satisfied - it was such an enjoyable and filling experience!

Pho Tau Bay
12/117 John St, Cabramatta
9726 4583

Phu Quoc
11/117 John St, Cabramatta
9724 2188

Dong Ba
40 Park Rd, Cabramatta
9755 0727

Diem Hen
205 Canley Vale Road, Canley Heights
9724 9800