Travelling throughout the world, there is one piece of advice that I’ve learnt which I would like to share with you. Sometimes the gems are hidden in the suburbs! During exploration in a new city we have come across a place that has that special quality on many occasions. Nghi Ngan Quan or NNQ restaurant is one of those hidden gems not too far from the Adelaide city centre. NNQ is located at 65 Woodville Road, Woodville. It is inside a glorious old heritage bank building and offers Vietnamese cuisine of the highest quality.

On a recent night out we decided to stop by at NNQ for a quick meal before attending a local music concert. It is important to know that NNQ don’t do bookings for groups under six people. For small groups they work on a first in, first served basis. This seems to work well for them as they always have people popping in for a quick bite. Don’t be put off by not being able to book because the number of tables allows them to turn over their customers quickly. If you do happen to wait they have a nice comfortable bar area, where you can order some pre dinner drinks. Waiting times can vary, but we haven’t waited longer than ten minutes to be seated.

On this occasion we were shown straight to a corner table and given time to read the menus before being offered further service. NNQ’s food menu is extremely large with maybe ten pages of available dishes. Much the same can be said for their drinks menu, with various quality wines to choose from. Take your time, and select the dish that best appeals to you. Then match it with a nice glass of wine and enjoy.

The restaurant’s floor plan is pretty big, with seating available across two floors and an outdoor al fresco area. The restaurant is nicely decorated with neutral grey colours and comfy wicker styled chairs. There are numerous pictures hanging on the walls depicting Vietnamese culture and scenery. These pictures always encourage me to go on a holiday (but, that could be just me).

With such a large restaurant the service staff do a great job of ensuring they look after everyone. Our lovely waitress was extremely helpful and encouraged us to try something off their new menu. We ordered entrées, selecting the chicken satay skewers and the suggested wonton soup. For our mains we decided on the grilled lemon-grass and chilli chicken and a serving of the salt and pepper soft-shelled crab. These dishes were accompanied by a side of rice.

It isn’t too long before our entrées arrive. The two chicken satay skewers are covered with a rich peanut sauce. The chicken thigh meat looks overcooked, but on tasting, it proves to be perfectly cooked. The wonton soup is a lovely flavoured broth topped with coriander and spring onions. Additionally those wonton parcels are delicately simple but tasty.

Once you start consuming your food, the NNQ staff are so efficient that they ensure that your table isn’t too long without food. This doesn’t have to be the case, but you may want to tell them to take their time bringing out each course ordered. Our mains are quickly brought to us and the lemon-grass and chilli chicken has a subtle sweet and spicy flavour with a delayed little chilli kick for your taste buds.

The salt and pepper soft-shelled crab is superb, the crab is well coated and has a balanced salt and pepper flavour. The dish is beautifully cooked with no excess oil dripping off the crab portions. The dish is accompanied with an onion salad, topped with coriander.

NNQ does have numerous desserts you can choose from and their fried ice cream is to die for (but not on this occasion, we have a concert to attend).

Overall NNQ is that gem that when you visit Adelaide you should definitely give a try. The price of they food is excellent with main dishes ranging from AUD$12 – AUD$40, but most main dishes are around $AUD16. Exceptional value for the quality of food you are receiving. Take away is also available if you prefer.

To get there, it is a short train ride from the Adelaide Railway Station on either the Outer Harbor or Grange lines to Woodville. Once you get to Woodville, head south down Woodville Road. NNQ is the first building on the right and you should be able to see the sign. There is  plenty of free parking available if you are driving.

NNQ also has a sister store in the city called Little NNQ located at 125 Gouger Street, Adelaide. So when you are in Adelaide and decide to try this hidden gem, tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!

Rating: 1-10 (1=very poor, 10 = excellent)

Decor = 9
Atmosphere = 9
Service = 9
Price = 9
Food =9

Overall = 9