Profiled by de Groots MediaBoasting one of the blandest exteriors in O’Connor, it’s not Tudo’s beauty that attracts the crowds. Take a second look at its large front window and be treated to a graphic display of gobbling, slurping, munching and occasional food collisions. With no dearth of Vietnamese restaurants in Canberra, there isn’t much about Tudo that distinguishes it from the masses – cheap furniture, a familiar menu and an outside toilet. The food itself is fresh and fast, dominated by old favourites like black bean curry and coconut prawns. While there are over seventy items on the menu, a thorough read reveals little variation; it seems more like a curry bar (“choose your own sauce and filling”) than a restaurant.
However, there’s no denying that this humble little establishment has charmed its way into the hearts and stomachs of O’Connor. The spring rolls are legendary, as is the satay (quite deservedly). Splash out with friends and order the eleven-dish banquet for a very reasonable $25, or simply experiment and try the special roast duck with egg noodle soup, a house speciality. I found the service and atmosphere quite disappointing, and a number of orders were bungled. But with mains under $15, this unpretentious diner is well worth a try.
Russell Buzby, February 2008
