Sapa Hills
112 Hopkins St
Footscray, 3011
(03) 9687 5729
Google map
It has been awhile since we have tried anything new places in Footscray. We always end up in the same Pho restuarants or just grabbing some roast duck takeaway from Golden Harvest. There has been a couple of new faces but for some reason we stayed away and preferred to stick to the oldies but goodies.
We have walked past this restaurant several times and never thought of going in. It was very modern and it seems like what Phil said, is the new generation of restaurants that we popping up in this area. Anyway, after reading Ms Baklover’s review and also having a chat with Phil Lees at the Eat Drink Blog conference, a decision was made to visit Sapa Hills, the newish kid on the block to try the Bo La Lot.
Sapa Hills Footscray
Bo la lot is marinated minced beef wrapped in vine leafs and grilled. I ordered the fine rice vermicelli with ba la lot. The fine rice vermicelli is like a flat rice cake. I remember having a thicker version of this back in Singapore. I used to have it with sugar coconut flakes. Super yummy. But this is flat and is served with the ba la lot along with the usual common mint, Vietnamese mint, shiso, chinese cabbage and pickled carrots, radish and cauliflower.
Fine rice vermicelli with ba la lot
I had so much fun with this dish. Trying different combinations of herbs. Some using the rice vermicelli and some just the cabbage. It is really interactive and there is no need for cutlery! And also it came with a sweet and spicy sauce.
Fine rice vermicelli with ba la lot and herbs
The minced beef had a nice and gentle heat. It was packed with flavour. Such a refreshing dish from the usual pho that we will order around Footscray.
Fine rice vermicelli with ba la lot and shiso
Mister went for the rice vermicelli with Hanoi grilled pork. The dish came in 3 components. The condiment which was the sweet and sour sauce, the grilled pork and a plate of rice vermicelli with salad and herbs. Mister said that it lacked flavour even when he mixed everything in one plate. I guess another reason is that there is no sign of MSG as well! I tried a small piece of pork. It was a nice and fatty pork. Well charred but did lack a little punch.
Rice vermicelli with Hanoi grilled pork
We ordered a jackfruit and a custard apple juice each. I need to thank @cloudcontrol for introducing us to the custard apple juice. It is absolutely delicious. Sapa hills is now added to the favourites list. Till the next time.
Why do you think we always go back to old favourites?
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks so delicious. I love bo la lot but it doesn't seem to be commonly available in restaurants in Sydney – only at festivals? The rice vermicelli cakes are my favourite too. Such a great wrapper and absorber of dressing too
Helen (grabyourfork)´s last blog ..High Tea at the Victoria Room
I was at Footscray last Saturtday looking for a new place to eat. Will keep this one in mind! Yes, love going out for Viet because it gets everyone using their hands and keeps things interactive.
See ya MOnday!
Adrian @ Food Rehab´s last blog ..Taste bud pampering in Tasmania
This looks so interesting! I mean how they displayed the vermicelli with all those greens. Such healthy dish!
kristy´s last blog ..Cranberry Nutty French Fougasse
Oh everything looks fab!
Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes´s last blog ..Cooking while on vacation can be challenging but fun!!
I always find on your blog the most unusual dishes! It looks absolutely delicious!
citronetvanille´s last blog ..Duo of mousses – Yogurt mousse with rhubarb and peaches
I love trying different combinations of herbs and get as much as I can when dining out, coz we don't stock many different kinds of herbs at home except some popular ones.
It's very rare that no msg was used in a restaurant, isn't it?
Christine@Christine's Recipes´s last blog ..Smoked Salmon Salad (Easter Side Dish)
Looks interesting but delicious. Creative way of serving.
MaryMoh´s last blog ..Chicken And Sichuan Preserved Vegetable
ba lalot is one of my favourite snacks, time to make some soon!
3hungrytummies´s last blog ..Pappardelle with wild rabbit ragu
I have the habit of returning to the same restaurant but it's nice to venture to a new one once in a while. I haven't tried jackfruit and custard apple juice. I am intrigued now.
Ellie (Almost Bourdain)´s last blog ..Poppy Seed and Walnut Potica with Coffee Glaze (Slovenian Nut Roll)
this place looks interesting, I especially love the eating with your hands. Any excuse to get your fingers dirty in public right??
Maria@TheGourmetChallenge´s last blog ..Nobu Melbourne
What fresh looking food. Looks great!
Mark @ Cafe Campana´s last blog ..Easter Creation – White Chocolate & Macadamia Hot Cross Buns
Ooh yum! Must put that place on my wishlist. Love the idea of a rice vermicelli 'bed' – I've had it before, but it's been so long!
Gem´s last blog ..a carb-laden visit to the old hood
Hmm, I've also walked past this one and not gone in…. I'm guilty of only going to the usual haunts! Will have to check it out next time I'm in Footscray.
Agnes´s last blog ..Melbourne Food & Wine Festival: Heat Beads Hawkers' Market
I do love Vietnamese cuisine-I don't think I've met a dish that I've disliked!
And a bit yes from me for the custard apple shake too-how good is that!? 
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella´s last blog ..The Royal Easter Show 2010!
I think we always go back to old favourites because we just can't help ourselves. I know I can't. Having the blog is helping, but sometimes you just gotta go what you know you love.
I'd love to try some custard apple juice. Might have to make my own, I think!
Conor @ HoldtheBeef´s last blog ..Happy Easter!