Image Credit: Gin Long Canteen
Here’s the lowdown: There’s a tiny bowl of pho that swaps out the tender sliced meat and broth for spirits, aromatics, and garnishes. The Gin Pho cocktail is a standout among the spicy, sweet, and unique cocktail menu at O’Connell Street mainstay Gin Long Canteen.
Why is it called a pho cocktail? First and foremost, it’s a reference to the vessel. The cocktail is served in a scaled-down ceramic pho bowl with fresh herbs piled high, just like a steaming hot bowl of Vietnam’s national dish. But the likening goes beyond appearances, and as Gin Long Canteen manager Lim tells us, “we do use certain Asian flavours, and even a few spices that you’d find in an actual pho.”
It’s a simple combination, but one that punches the palate making for tangy, fresh flavourful sips. The cocktail combines gin and Grand Marnier liqueur, with chilli, Thai basil, and star anise as garnishes. The recipe has also been known to incorporate lime and cardamom syrup for an even greater resemblance to pho. We’re sure there could be a few secret ingredients in there too.
The cocktail has been a mainstay at Gin Long Canteen for some time, but we think more people need to know about it.
”(The cocktail) was first created many years ago, when Gin Long Canteen first opened, by Jerrio Chua,” the restaurant owners tell us. “Inspired by the vibrant flavours from Southeast Asia particularly the iconic Vietnamese pho noodle bowl. Traditionally enjoyed before or during dinner, this cocktail is uniquely served in an Asian rice bowl, designed to be sipped straight from the bowl.”
“People are usually quite surprised when they try it for the first time,” Lim said. “The Asian flavours give it quite a unique profile.”
There may also be a twist for this iconic cocktail coming soon, the owners tell us. “While it is currently offered as an individual cocktail on our menu, we will soon be introducing an exciting new option: the Bottomless Gin Pho, served in a larger shared bowl, perfect for two.”
What else is on the cocktail menu? You can also try the signature pineapple or coconut Gin Long, a pomegranate martini, a Vietnamese coffee spin on an espresso martini called the Phat White, and other unique takes on classic cocktails fuelled by the restaurant’s modern Asian flair.
As far as food goes, you can leave it up to the kitchen with the ‘long feed’ set menu, pick from a selection of dishes in the ‘chow down’ menus made for groups, or simply opt for a la carte. Some highlights are the Red Curry Prawn, ‘Really Slow Braised Pork Belly’, Pomegranate Chicken, Lychee Duck Curry, and pro tip: make sure you order a side of Fried Coconut Rice.
Gin Long Canteen opened over a decade ago, created by a group of friends who wanted to bring the flavours of their Malaysian, Cantonese, and Vietnamese backgrounds to Adelaide. The venue has grown with Adelaide’s appetite for bold Southeast Asian dishes, while keeping a few day-one favourites on the menu as a nod to their roots. The name reflects their love of gin and the long, communal layout of the dining room, which has become a signature part of the experience.
Gin Long Canteen
Where: 42 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide
When: Monday – Saturday 5:30pm – late, Friday lunch from 12:30pm
For more information, click here.
