At the top end of Melbourne’s Collins Street, you’ll find Uncle, a modern Vietnamese restaurant with plenty to love…

But we couldn’t go past a banh mi that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, however if it’s crispy, crunchy, deep fried deliciousness you’re after, then it’s the one for you.

Stay Updated
Get the latest updates on new restaurants, food guides, local events and more.

Is that the full name?

Nope, there’s more than one banh mi on the menu – we’re talking about the “Crispy pig’s ear banh mi with pickles and peanuts”.

Where do you get it?

Uncle Collins St, Level 1/15 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Why is it a winner?

Melbourne has long been a city in love with the classic French-influenced Vietnamese roll. From Footscray to Springvale you can get bakery versions that will rock your world, but almost none of them will be made with pig’s ear, which might freak some people out, but stay with me here. At Uncle, the thin, deep fried intensely porky pig’s ears are stuffed into super soft mini brioche buns. Pickles are added for contrast and peanuts for even more crunch. It’s the perfect couple of mouthfuls.

What does the restaurant say? 

We dreamed up the pig's ear banh mi on our second day of trade nine years ago. The dish was originally a fried crispy pig's eat flavoured with curry spice and annatto oil, and served with a spicy peanut satay mayo. After our first service, though, the staff and myself were having a few beers and dancing on the bar as you do (to Don't Stop Believin' by Journey). We had some crispy pig's ear left over, Pete my bar manager now my restaurant manager and I decided to eat the pig's ears with some banh mi. A light switched on and that how the pig's ear banh mi was born. We also offer our original pig's ear plate with spicy mayo as a secret menu item. Only a few people know about the dish but I guess a few more will know now!
Dai Duong, Owner and Head Chef Uncle

Anything else to know?

Check out the crockery from Fork Ceramics! Made by Ruth Laird Spence, wife of co-founder Rene Spence, it’s perfectly imperfect and beautiful to boot.

Want more Must-try dishes? Check out a creamy pasta without any cream or a next level hot dog.

mobile app promotional banner