Vietnamese cuisine comes to Commune Bistro
PUBLISHED March 13th, 2013 01:31 am | UPDATED May 9th, 2018 03:13 am
When you think of Phoenix Park, you probably think: Spruce. Ah but there’s a new kid on the block….and unless you’re in the know…you might never chance upon it. Until now. Introducing Commune Bistro.
There’s something as you walk into place, that gives you a feeling it’s going to be good . It’s cool yet somewhat understated interior comes with a certain warmth resulting in an ambiance that is just spot on.
This is followed through with a selective but well curated menu of Vietnamese dishes which hopefully will be expanded on a little in time. And so with that on to the food.
Forever a fan of green papaya salad, we started off with the Goi Du Du ($13.50) – classically fresh green papaya with that fabulously zingy dressing which makes this dish so great. The use of quality ingredients is obvious here, and the fried tempeh used to garnish the dish was a nice textural touch.
If you are a seafood lover, don’t miss out on the Khoai So Chien Tom Va So Diep ($18.50). Though it may seem a little pricey with only three pieces of seafood, trust me this is an assortment of seriously big, juicy, succulent prawns and scallops deep fried to perfection in shoestring taro making for a fantastic textural combination, complete with plum coulis for dipping.
For a salad with a bit more substance, the Go Xoai Va Thit Bo ($20.50) will do the trick – essentially a green mango salad topped with luscious wagyu beef grilled with lemongrass. Delicious!
The Bok Kho Hanoi ($26.50) is seriously good. Fans of Vietnamese beef stew, which this is a variation of, will know that this dish can often be let down by a not-so-good cut of meat. Not the case here.. a super soft beef brisket and oxtail which falls apart at the touch, with distinctive aromatic flavours of lemongrass, ginger, star anise and cinnamon that tickle and tease your taste buds.
The Ga Nuong Sa ($23.50) is also a winner. Think juicy slices of chicken thigh, which have been left to soak up a marinade of fresh lemongrass and spices, finished off with a fabulously fragrant sauce. This dish will leave you oooohing with its intense flavours.
If you’re looking for high quality Vietnamese-inspired food, and willing to pay a little more for that taste experience in return for the reward, then Commune Bistro will not leave you disappointed. If you’re looking for an extensive menu, then this probably isn’t the place for you, but if you’re willing to try something a little more curated, where every dish won’t fail to please, then it will all come together at Commune Bistro.
Written by Ms Demeanour
