Proud Peacock

The Verdict

Usually it’s phoenixes that rise from the ashes, not peacocks. But we’re not gonna get picky. Presenting Mt Waverley’s new-look Proud Peacock, in all its beefy, salty, noodle soup glory.

If you’re not familiar with the old Peacock, let’s bring you up to speed. These guys originally opened on Kingsway in Glen Waverley (just a tiny store) before moving to their more famous digs in Pinewood, Mt Waverley. They become a neighbourhood cult sleeper—the go-to for steaming bowls of perfect pho, crispy salt n’ pepper squid and Vietnamese iced-coffee.

...that is until a fire gutted the old Peacock at the end of last year. Mt Waverley lost an old friend, and people had to look elsewhere for cheap and delicious Vietnamese.

Well we’re happy to report Proud Peacock are back, bigger and better than ever. Much better actually. While the old Pinewood restaurant was undoubtedly delicious, it wasn’t going to win any design awards (remember the old row of soft drink bottles along the back wall?). The new restaurant looks slick as—hanging Edison bulbs, encased in wire, a timber lattice running across the ceiling, exposed brick and plants spelling out the word ‘PHO’.

You’ll be happy to know the menu hasn’t changed much. June and the team are still serving up some of the best Pho Ga, Pho Bo Sach and Pho Bo you’ll get anywhere (and that includes Springvale). You can go full tripe or play it safe—it's up to you. There’s also a big selection of wok-tossed noodles and vermicelli noodles if you’re not feeling the soup (combination crispy noodles are always a good bet).

Want something different? Don't forget regional delicacies like steaming bowls of Bun Bo Hue: hot and spicy soup with rice noodles, pork, beef and veg. Highly underrated. 

The food isn’t fancy, but damn it’s good. Most mains will give you change from $15, and you should DEFS throw in a plate of springrolls with nuoc chum sauce for $9.

Last tip? Save a second stomach for the deep-fried ice cream. A steal at $8. The perfect end to the perfect meal.

Good to have you back, Proud Peacock. Don’t ever leave us again.

Image credit: Proud Peacock