Phounguen, Cabramatta

It is safe to say that the mere mention of the word “Cabramatta” provokes fear into some non western-Sydneysiders. Often relating to images of drug addicts shooting heroin in some dark alleyway, gangs roaming the streets and drug dealings occurring at every turn. Sorry to break it to those people, but Cabramatta is quite the opposite. The scariest thing that I have ever seen in Cabramatta is the atrocious parking lot mid Saturdays and Sundays, and navigating through narrow arcades overflowing with grocery/butchery/clothes/bakery and food stalls.

Now that I’ve dispelled some misconceptions about Cabramatta, let’s talk about food.

With a weird craving for Thai/Lao food smack bang in the middle of winter, mum gathered up the troops and ordered that we meet at one our favourite food joint. Phounguen is a very basic restaurant which if you walked past, wouldn’t even know it existed. Located on the “ghetto” side of Cabramatta, opposite the railway station, it is frequented by locals, looking for great food at bargain prices.

Pad Thai $8.00

We started of the meal with a Pad Thai dish. This has always been a favourite thai dish of mine, cemented more so after my two previous trips to Thailand. Phounguen has been serving Cabramatta locals for almost 30 years, so I assume that they actually know what they’re doing. Unlike other Pad Thais I’ve had in Sydney, Phounguen’s noodle is consistently al dente, with the each starnds separated ensuring maximum exposure to the delicious sauce coating it. It also helps that they’re not stingy with the seafood.

Thai Chicken Fried Rice $8.00

Next up was the fried rice. At Phonguen, this is a personal favourite of mine. The fluffy rice is fried with carrots, peas, onion, eggs and pieces of chicken, flavoured with a wonderful concoction of their soy sauces. However, that is not the best bit. Prior to serving the dish, the fried rice is placed in a shallow frying pan until the base layer is slightly brown and crunchy.

Lao Som Tum

At Phonguen, you have the option of either choosing the Thai or Lao Papaya salad. The differentiating factor in my opinion between the two are: Lao uses brined crabs, shrimp and crab paste, whereas the Thai does not. We like our food strong and smelly, so we opted for the Lao.

Complimentary Greens

Marinated Fried Quails $14.00 (3 birds)

The owner Phonguen recommended we try this dish, as it is their specialty. One bite into the tender, juicy and sweet piece of quail, you would definitely understand why. The quail is thoroughly marinated in some secret herbs and spices which I dare say rivals the Colonel Sander’s, then lightly fried. Dipped in the lemon/salt/pepper sauce, the sweetness of the quail is accentuated. So satisfied with the dish, that we ordered one to take away.

Salt, Pepper and Lemon dipping sauce for quails

Grilled Ox Tongue

I have never been a fan of offal, whereas my mum is the total opposite. As a member of the old school chinese generation, she appreciates all meats regardless of where it came from. In my mum’s opinion, this is probably one of the best grilled ox tongue that she has had. According to mum, the ox tongue was not too chewy or too soft, it was grilled to a consistency which still retains its juices. The tongue was accompanied by a sweet chilli dipping sauce.

Satisfied with our bargain of a feast, we venture out into the night in search for some chocolate =D

To me, Cabramatta should not only be known for all the negativity as portrayed in the media but also be recognised as a multicultural community enriched with cuisines such as: Vietnamese, Thai, Lao, Chinese, Macedonian, Japanese and Cambodian, the South East Asia of Sydney.

Phounguen
148 Cabramatta Road
Cabramatta, NSW 2166

4 Comments

1. D

   September 3, 2008

   

   I’m a huge fan of ox tongue and will be definitely making some time to hit this place up! Thanks.

   Reply
2. Linda

   September 5, 2008

   

   Yeah I’ve visited alot of Thai places outside the Sth West area and they seem to not have Ox Tongue which is such a traditional dish. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places though! (eg. Surry Hills , City )

   Reply
3. EST interesting eats of 2008 | eatshowandtell

   January 1, 2009

   [...] your in Cabramatta, try Phoungen. Their fried rice and salads are amazing, watch the chilli though. In Canley Heights, give 12 [...]

   Reply
4. helen

   December 25, 2009

   

   i don’t think this place exists anymore, or maybe i just can’t see it..?

   Reply

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