Paperboy Kitchen

Paperboy Kitchen’s wall reads in giant letters, “Super tasty Vietnamese food”. It’s quite a statement to make—perhaps a mantra to never under-deliver, because either way, their tagline is truthful to the very tee.

Only open for lunch, the Vietnamese eatery is abuzz with lunch hour grazers vying for a seat, combined with the controlled chaos of their open kitchen.

The space is box-sized and the setting casual—high bar stools, communal tables and quirky décor. Take note of the random animal figurines and cutlery stowed in Asian food cans.

So what’s for lunch? The menu is simple, “Rolls & Bowls”. It’s your choice of filling(s) served in a bánh mì or a Vietnamese rice noodle salad. Fillings include BBQ chicken or pork, panko fish, pulled lamb and hoisin, red curry cauliflower and lemongrass meatballs. All dishes are under $15.

On special during Milk Bar’s visit was the coconut pepper beef. In its salad form it was fresh and packed bags of flavour. The subtle creaminess and spice of the coconut pepper sauce seasoned the braised beef well, and balanced the freshness of the Asian slaw (coriander, carrot-daikon pickle, lettuce and Sriracha-mayo). But the option of the twice-cooked egg, took it to a whole new level.

For a contemporary twist there was the pulled lamb bánh mì. The slaw combined with the tender lamb added great texture, and was capped off with hoisin sauce sweetness.

But the fried chicken riblets were gobsmacking. The ratio of grease, marinade and crispiness just harmonised. Dipped in Sriracha-mayo, then downed with their great Vietnamese iced coffee (inclusive of cool contraption), there was nothing more satisfying.

Or you could just place an order over the phone—Paperboy offer catering services and deliver lunches within the CBD.

320 Little Lonsdale Street
Monday – Friday
11:30am – 3:00pm
(03) 9642 0147
www.paperboy.com.au