Anna Demirbek and her partner fell in love with Vietnam after experiencing the food and culture first hand on their travels. After returning to Australia and doing a stint at St Ali in South Melbourne, Anna decided to try her hand and bringing the colourful and community-oriented nature of Hanoi’s bia hoi bars to Brisbane with Aunty Oh’s Bia Hoi. An empty space has been converted into a colourful and comfortable restaurant-meets-bar, with large windows opening out to a new deck that wraps around the location’s façade. Lanterns hang from the high exposed ceilings and sturdy wooden furniture is set up to cater to both intimate dinners and large gatherings.

Fresh seasonal ingredients, free-range eggs and grass-fed meat informs Aunty Oh’s menu. Reasonably priced morsels such as ha cao dumplings, Hanoi style spring rolls and various rice paper rolls are on hand to whet your appetite, before tucking into sharable plates of glazed and chargrilled pork fillet, lemongrass beef, mini pork rolls and prawn skewers. Aunty Oh’s claims that its pho is as close to authentic as one can get without being in Vietnam, with three varieties to try. Spicy duck and rice vermicelli salads add a fresh element and banh mi rolls are available for lunch. The eatery currently caters to takeaway orders, with a delivery service to come in the coming months.

Bia hoi also refers to the traditional lager brewed by the Vietnamese in frequent batches – with lower alcohol content to keep the party on its feet. The bar features several beers on tap including Aunty Oh’s own bia hoi lager. The venue also serves Beer Hanoi in cans and is the first to do so in Brisbane. The wine list boasts several flavours from around Australia and overseas, and a cocktail menu blends fresh flavours with top shelf drops.

For more information be sure to find Aunty Oh’s in the Stumble Guide.