What The Pho ANU

What The Pho ANU brings the vibrant soul of Vietnamese street food directly to the Australian National University campus in Acton, Australian Capital Territory. Nestled within the Kambri precinct at Shop 155-B5 Joplin Lane, this eatery is a go-to destination for students, staff, and local food lovers seeking fresh, authentic flavors at approachable prices. The menu is built around traditional recipes, featuring a slow-cooked pho broth that simmers for hours, crusty banh mi rolls packed with pickled vegetables and savory fillings, and a range of vermicelli bowls, broken rice dishes, and summer rolls. Whether you're dining in, grabbing a quick takeaway, or arranging catering for a university event, the team is dedicated to making every meal a genuine Vietnamese experience.

The restaurant operates as part of a small, local group that has become a beloved fixture in Canberra's dining scene. With additional locations in Belconnen and Phillip, What The Pho has refined its approach to balancing speed and quality without compromising the depth of flavor that defines Vietnamese cuisine. At the ANU location, the atmosphere is casual and energetic, making it a perfect lunchtime escape between lectures or a relaxed dinner after a busy day on campus. Every dish is prepared with an emphasis on clean eating and fresh ingredients, aiming to satisfy both traditional palates and modern dietary preferences.

Services & Facilities

What The Pho ANU provides a variety of services to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. The restaurant is designed as a fast-casual eatery where orders are placed at the counter and food arrives promptly, yet the quality reflects careful, made-to-order preparation. Facilities include comfortable dine-in seating within the Kambri complex, easy access for takeaway orders, and a structured catering menu for off-site events.

• Dine-in Experience: Enjoy your meal in a lively food-hall-style setting with easy access to the ANU community.
• Takeaway: Quick and efficient pickup, ideal for a study-break lunch or a meal on the go.
• Online Ordering & Delivery: Orders can be placed through the official website and delivery partners, bringing Vietnamese dishes to your doorstep.
• Catering Platters: Custom banh mi boxes, summer roll platters, and spring roll boxes are available for corporate events, private parties, and university functions.

What We Offer

The menu at What The Pho ANU is centered on a handful of iconic Vietnamese categories, each executed with care and consistency. The pho is the clear star of the show – a fragrant, slow-cooked broth teeming with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein. Next to pho, the banh mi stands out as a quintessential street food item, featuring a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside baguette layered with house-made mayo, pâté, pickled carrots, cucumber, red onion, coriander, and a signature sauce.

• Pho Noodle Soup: Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a 12-hour slow-cooked broth, served with bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili.
• Banh Mi Saigon Roll: Crusty Vietnamese baguette filled with roasted pork, grilled chicken, or tofu, plus pickles and herbs.
• Bun Noodle Salad Bowl: Cool rice vermicelli bowls topped with grilled meat or prawns, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce dressing.
• Com Broken Rice: Steamed broken rice with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of broth.
• Goi Cuon Summer Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls stuffed with vermicelli, lettuce, herbs, and tiger prawns or BBQ chicken, paired with peanut dipping sauce.
• Sides & Drinks: Vietnamese iced coffee, fresh juices, spring rolls, and other light accompaniments to complete the meal.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors to the ANU campus consistently praise What The Pho for its generous portions and the freshness of its ingredients. The pho broth, in particular, earns high marks for its rich, aromatic flavor that many locals claim is the best in Canberra. Frequent diners appreciate the speed of service during the busy lunch window, which allows them to enjoy a full, healthy meal between classes. Even those grabbing a quick banh mi note that the bread consistently arrives perfectly crispy – a testament to the team's attention to detail.

Beyond the food itself, the restaurant's commitment to the community is a strong draw. It offers a welcoming space where students, lecturers, and campus visitors can connect over a shared love of Vietnamese flavors. The availability of vegan-friendly options, including tofu banh mi and vegetable pho, ensures that all dietary groups feel included. The catering service, which simplifies office lunches and social gatherings, adds another layer of convenience that large groups find invaluable.

Serving Acton & Australian Capital Territory

Situated in the heart of Acton on the ANU campus, What The Pho serves a dynamic cross-section of the Australian Capital Territory population. The Kambri precinct is a cultural and social hub where students from across the region gather, and this location has become an important part of that ecosystem. The restaurant is easily reachable from central Canberra suburbs and is a popular stop for anyone visiting the university for conferences, exhibitions, or performances.

As a multi-location Canberra brand, What The Pho sources ingredients locally whenever possible and tailors its approach to the unique rhythm of each neighborhood. The Acton location maintains distinct hours to align with campus life, staying open on weekends to cater to events, study sessions, and relaxed Saturday afternoons. By rooting itself so firmly in the local community, the restaurant has become more than just a place to eat – it is a shared space that contributes to the vibrant culture of the ACT dining scene.

Hours, Location & Directions

What The Pho ANU is located at Shop 155-B5 Joplin Lane inside the Kambri precinct at the Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601. The entrance is easily accessible from the main campus walkways, with clear signage guiding visitors to the street-food area. The restaurant operates on a schedule designed to maximize convenience for the university community.

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

For those using public transport, several bus routes service the ANU campus, and paid parking is available in designated visitor areas around Joplin Lane. When you arrive at Kambri, follow the pedestrian paths toward the central dining section; you'll spot the bright, modern façade of What The Pho alongside other popular eateries.

Questions Visitors Ask

First-time visitors and regulars alike often have questions about the best way to enjoy What The Pho. The following information helps people plan their visit and make the most of the menu.

Pho & Banh Mi: Which One Should I Try First?

If you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or this restaurant, we suggest starting with the classic pho. The 12-hour broth offers a deep, comforting flavor that showcases everything this kitchen does well. If you need something faster and easier to carry, the roast pork banh mi with crackling is a customer favorite that delivers a satisfying crunch and balanced savory taste.

Are Vegan and Gluten-Free Options Available?

Yes. The tofu banh mi and vegetable pho are excellent vegan choices, and many summer rolls can be prepared without meat. Rice noodles and rice paper are naturally gluten-free, though we encourage guests with celiac concerns to speak with the staff about cross-contamination before ordering.

How Does the Catering Service Work?

Our catering platters can be ordered directly through the website or by contacting the restaurant. Banh mi boxes, summer roll boxes, and spring roll boxes are available in sizes that feed small teams to large gatherings. We recommend placing orders at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak university semesters.