Mama's Buoi Melbourne CBD

Inspired by his mother and Aunt's recipes, Bao Hoang opened Mama's Buoi, a restaurant that serves Vietnamese home-cooked food that feeds body and soul.

It might be tucked away down a laneway, but it's hard to walk by without a second glance. Imitating a traditional Vietnamese food market, this restaurant is bursting with bright colours, vibrant lights and the chitter-chatter of countless diners who have fallen in love with its casual dining style.

Dive right in with Mama's Beef Stir Fry, a hearty bowl of warming goodness. Straight from Ha Noi is chicken pho soup, from Saigon is beef pho soup and from the family recipe book is caramelised pork belly, ginger chicken curry and special crab fried rice. 'Special' is an understatement.

Mama's influence doesn't stop there; she sure liked a tipple or two. Mama's Mojito should get you into the party spirit and no doubt the Viet Express with nougat infused vodka (oh yes!) will see you through your journey from romantic Hanoi to bamboozling Saigon.